Edward saw Jonathanโs expression and assumed he was upset. After all, no one would want to hear that an unrelated child resembled them. Edward quickly changed his tone, saying, โActually, the kid kind of looks like you, but not really, haha!โ
Jonathan kept a straight face, his gaze deep and unfathomable. This made Edward more nervous. โI didnโt do anything wrong, did I? If you donโt need me here, Iโll head out.โ Being alone in a room with Jonathan, being grilled like this, intimidated Edward. Eventually, Jonathan pinched the bridge of his nose and asked Edward to leave.
โWhy did Miriam say that was her nephew? Could there be some secret about this child?โ Jonathan wondered, unsure if he was overthinking. After all, they had done DNA tests from two different centers, arranged by Cheryl, his biological sister. Could Cheryl really be lying to him? Nevertheless, Edward was a straightforward man who always spoke his mind, and Jonathan knew that.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Jonathan snapped out of his reverie and said, โCome in.โ Irene walked in and invited him to supper. Jonathan wasnโt hungry.
โEdward just left, and even he thinks that kid looks like you. Maybe you should get another DNA test? You said thatโs your friendโs child, but who exactly is your friend? You wonโt tell us either,โ said Irene. She paused, then added, โIโm curious to see what kind of person they are, especially if they have a child who looks just like you.โ
Jonathanโs hand slowly fell from his forehead. โI havenโt dated anyone since I got divorced. Are you saying this child is mine and Teresaโs?โ
Irene was speechless. With a hint of disdain in her eyes, she said, โThat heartless woman definitely wouldnโt bear you children.โ
Jonathan continued, โExactly. If she didnโt give birth to my child, who else could have? Is another DNA test necessary? Arenโt I just making a fool of myself?โ
Irene was frantic. โSo what went wrong? You said you didnโt date anyone. You werenโt in Nareigh for two years either.โ
โTeresa also couldnโt have had your child, but this kid looks just like you,โ Irene added. โAre my eyes playing tricks on me? Is it just a coincidence? Grandpa and I are just overthinking, right?โ
Jonathan pressed his lips together and remained silent.
โCan you just get another DNA test done? If the child isnโt yours, Iโll believe itโs a coincidence and wonโt mention this again,โ said Irene. She was on the verge of tears. Irene knew Jonathan was amenable to coaxing but not coercion, and sometimes tears worked better than arguing with him. She leaned against the table and continued, โThis situation is tough for me. I want a grandchild. But here I am, facing a kid who looks just like you, and youโre insisting heโs not yours. Fine. If he isnโt, then Iโll accept it.โ
Jonathan didnโt say anything about whether he would take the DNA test. He walked past Irene and left without another word.
Michael woke up the next day feeling somewhat dazed and suddenly remembered he was at Jonathanโs house. After New Yearโs Eve, Teresa was busy with work. Thus, Michael started whining at home. โYou wonโt play with me, and Aunt Cheryl left. You wonโt let me see Mr. Lime either. Iโm so lonely!โ
Teresa said slowly, โThen spend a few days with Mr. Lime, but only for a few days.โ
โReally?โ Michael asked.
โYes, as long as youโre happy,โ Teresa replied.
โSeems like sheโs dating Mr. Lime. This isnโt just a dream,โ Michael thought to himself.