Chapter 9 - The Blood Test That Changed Everything
If Dr. Price was telling the truth, Rose and I were Dominic Vale's half sisters.
The thought made my stomach turn.
I looked at Dominic.
He looked equally stunned.
For several seconds, neither of us spoke.
Then he shook his head.
"No."
Rose wiped her tears.
"Why not?"
"Because my father was violent and controlling. Eleanor spent years trying to get away from him."
I stared at the photograph of Mom beside Adrian.
Suddenly, I didn't know which memories were real anymore.
"Maybe that's why she never told us."
Dominic looked at me.
"Lily, we need proof."
He arranged independent DNA testing through an accredited laboratory.
Rose and I provided samples.
Dominic did too.
The waiting was unbearable.
For three days, I tried to work at the diner.
Frank insisted I take time off.
But staying busy felt easier than sitting alone with questions I couldn't answer.
Dominic visited once.
He sat at my usual booth and ordered coffee.
I poured it.
Neither of us spoke for a while.
Then he looked up.
"Are you okay?"
I almost laughed.
"Not particularly."
He nodded.
"Neither am I."
I sat across from him.
"Dominic, if we're related—"
"Then we'll deal with it."
"And if we're not?"
His expression softened.
"Then we'll deal with that too."
I looked down at my hands.
"Why are you being so kind to me?"
He hesitated.
"Because you remind me of the person who saved my childhood."
"Mom."
"Yes."
Then he added quietly, "But you're also completely different from her."
I looked up.
"How?"
"She was gentle when the world frightened her. You challenge the world even while you're frightened."
I laughed softly.
"That sounds like a polite way of calling me reckless."
He smiled.
"Maybe."
Our eyes met.
For one dangerous moment, something unspoken passed between us.
Then his phone rang.
The laboratory.
Dominic answered.
I watched his expression change.
"Send the report."
He ended the call.
My heart pounded.
"Well?"
He opened the document.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then he looked at me.
"Lily, we aren't biologically related."
I felt my knees weaken.
Rose covered her mouth.
Dominic continued.
"The test excludes Vincent Vale as your biological father."
I closed my eyes.
Relief washed through me.
But Dominic was still reading.
His expression darkened.
"What?" I asked.
He looked at Rose.
Then at me.
"The laboratory found something else."
My heart started racing.
"What?"
"Your biological father is not Anthony Carter."
I swallowed.
"Then who is he?"
Dominic turned the page.
A comparative DNA match appeared.
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The name belonged to a man listed in a federal criminal investigation.
ADRIAN VALE.
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