Chapter 3The Lies We Are

The instant I looked up, the color drained from Mark's face, leaving it the color of ash.

He stared at the tiny bag in my hand, his eyes wide with a terror he couldn't hide.

"What… what are you doing with his hair?" he stammered, his voice trembling.

"Just a keepsake." I slipped the bag into my purse, my tone as light and breezy as if I were discussing the weather. "Bobby's turning three soon. I want to save things from each stage of his life. His first tooth, a lock of hair, his first pair of shoes. It will be a precious memory for him when he's older, don't you think?"

The excuse was flawless. I almost believed it myself.

The bloodshot veins in Mark’s eyes seemed to pulse.

I didn't look at him again. I took Bobby's hand. "Say bye to Daddy, sweetie. Mommy's taking you for a haircut."

"Bye-bye, Daddy!" Bobby chirped, waving his little hand.

Mark remained frozen in place. As the front door clicked shut behind me, I thought I heard the sound of a choked, ragged gasp.

I didn't go to a barbershop.

I took Bobby straight to the largest genetic testing center in the city.

In the taxi, I held my son, my palms slick with cold sweat. Bobby was quiet, content to sit in my lap and play with his fingers, occasionally looking up to give me a sweet, trusting smile. I looked at his face—Chloe’s face—and my heart felt like it was being crushed by an invisible hand. The pain was suffocating.

The center was quiet. I calmly filled out the forms, paid the fee, and submitted the samples.

In addition to Bobby's hair, I submitted another sample: a few long strands of hair I had found on the sofa last week after Chloe had visited. On a strange impulse, I had saved them.

Looking back, it seems fate was already sending me signs.

The lab technician took the two samples and asked, in a routine, professional voice, "And what type of relationship analysis will this be?"

I looked at her and took a deep, steadying breath.

"Maternity."

The technician paused, her eyes flicking up to meet mine with a flash of curiosity. But she said nothing, simply ticking the corresponding box on the form.

"Very well. The results will be ready in seven business days. We can mail them to you, or you can pick them up in person."

"I'll pick them up."