Chapter 6 - The DNA of Truth
The next week was a blur of medical examinations and legal battles. Eliza’s twisted ankle was bandaged, and she was put on a strict, nutrient-rich diet by Dr. Harrison, who visited the manor daily.
But the real storm was brewing in the laboratory.
Nathan had submitted DNA samples—his own, a hair sample from Clara’s old brush, and a swab from Eliza. The results were scheduled to arrive on Tuesday morning.
Nathan sat in his study, the envelope lying unopened on the center of his desk. He was terrified. If the test showed Eliza was not his daughter, what would he do? He had already grown to love her. She had Clara’s face, but she had her own sweet, resilient soul. If she wasn't his biological child, would the state take her away?
There was a soft knock on the door. Eliza peered in, her hair tied in two neat braids. She was holding a green paper crane.
"Are you busy?" she asked.
"Never for you," Nathan said, offering a warm smile. He beckoned her in.
Eliza walked over and placed the green crane on his desk, right next to the white envelope. "This is number fifty. I made it for you."
Nathan picked up the little paper bird. "Thank you, Eliza. It’s beautiful."
She looked at the envelope. "Is that the paper that tells if I can stay?"
Nathan sighed, kneeling down so he was at eye level with her. "This paper tells us the truth about the past, Eliza. But no matter what this paper says, I want you to know something. I want you to stay here. I want to adopt you. I want to be your father."
Eliza’s eyes widened, filling with tears. "Really? Even if I’m not... Clara?"
"Especially because you are Eliza," Nathan said softly. "But let’s find out the truth together. Okay?"
She nodded, taking his hand. Her small fingers wrapped tightly around his thumb.
With his free hand, Nathan slid a letter opener through the envelope and pulled out the document. His eyes scanned the dense medical jargon, searching for the only numbers that mattered.
Probability of Paternity (Nathan Wells / Eliza Cardoso): 99.99% Relationship Analysis: Identical Genetic Match (Clara Wells / Eliza Cardoso): 99.99%
Nathan stared at the paper, his breath catching in his throat. He read it again. And again.
Identical genetic match.
"Oh my God," Nathan whispered, his knees turning to water. He sank to the floor, pulling Eliza into a fierce, tight hug.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "Is it bad?"
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"No, sweet girl," Nathan sobbed, tears finally pouring down his face. "It’s the best news in the world. You are my daughter. You and Clara... you were twins."
The truth was finally clear, but the mystery of how they had been separated remained. And Nathan knew that to get the full story, he would have to face Mrs. Pruitt one last time.
