When Harry’s blood test results showed an unusual finding, he returned home to confront his wife Nancy, only to realize that the life they had built together over the past 12 years might be founded on a painful falsehood. Yet, would he allow this harsh revelation to destroy their family?
Harry quietly observed his laughing children. The twins, Josh and Andrew, were full of energy, but Josh suffered from severe anemia that was identified only after several weeks of worrying symptoms. Thankfully, his twin brother Andrew appeared completely healthy.
Their pediatrician decided to conduct further tests and requested a blood sample from Harry, anticipating the possibility of a transfusion. The three were now waiting anxiously in a children’s hospital office for the results and treatment plan.
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At last, the doctor entered without looking up, deeply focused on the paperwork in his hands. Feeling tense, Harry stood up.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Campbell,” greeted the doctor warmly as he shook Harry’s hand.
“Hello, Dr. Dennison,” replied Harry, asking his sons to greet the doctor. “We’re eager to find out what steps we need to take next.”
The doctor clicked his tongue and invited Harry to sit down. “Actually, Mr. Campbell, I have something important to discuss with you privately. Could the boys wait outside for a moment?”
Harry’s eyes widened, though he quickly composed himself. “Certainly,” he agreed. “Guys, wait for us outside, please.”
The usually cheerful twins grew serious but Josh held Andrew’s arms, and together they left the room.
“I’m prepared for anything, doctor. Our family can endure whatever comes,” Harry said, settling into the chair opposite Dr. Dennison and leaning forward. “What’s happening with Josh? What’s the plan?”
“Please stay calm, Mr. Campbell,” the doctor replied and then relaxed slightly. “Josh’s iron deficiency can be managed with supplements, possibly intravenously. We generally screen the parents and relatives as a precaution. Yet, there is another matter I need to discuss with you.”
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Relieved that Josh’s condition wasn’t severe, Harry placed a hand over his heart. “Okay, what is it?”
Dr. Dennison hesitated before posing a delicate question. “Have you and your wife adopted the boys?”
“No,” Harry answered, shaking his head. “Nancy was pregnant when we married, and it happened quite fast.”
The doctor sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment. “This is sensitive, but your blood group doesn’t match the boys’.”
Harry shrugged, trying to rationalize. “That’s common sometimes, right? Some parents can’t donate blood to their children because of genetic variability.”
“Not quite,” the doctor clarified gently. “While some biological parents cannot donate to their children, the incompatibility here suggests you may not be the biological father. Your twins have blood type A, but both you and Nancy are type B.”
Harry’s mouth opened and closed in shock, hands trembling as he covered his lips. “That can’t be true…”
“I’m very sorry,” apologized the doctor. “After seeing these results, I took the liberty of ordering DNA testing on the samples. I realize this is difficult to hear. And…”
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Harry took the test results with a confused gaze, scanning unfamiliar medical terms. Then, something else caught his attention as he looked at the doctor’s compassionate expression.
“This is no mistake, Mr. Campbell,” the doctor continued gravely. “Your twins, Josh and Andrew, are, in fact, your half-brothers.”
Stunned by this revelation, Harry struggled for more answers but chose instead to inquire about Josh’s treatment before leaving with the boys. He treated them to burgers since Josh needed to eat eagerly and wanted some family time.
The twins were wonderful children, sharing countless interests such as baseball, movies, and music. Josh was especially fond of quoting scenes from “The Godfather,” which always made Harry laugh.
Yet, the evidence was undeniable. The children he had lovingly raised for over a decade were not his biological sons. Even more heartbreaking, they were actually his father’s offspring—indicating Nancy had been involved with his own father.
It seemed impossible. Nancy was pregnant by the time she met Harry’s parents. Perhaps additional tests should be requested.
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After finishing their meal, Harry drove the boys home. Nancy hadn’t accompanied them since she was expecting a contractor to renovate their bathrooms. Sitting in the garage, Harry wrestled with questions about the blood and DNA results.
It took a while before he exited the vehicle, until he heard the children shout joyfully: “Grandpa, it’s so good to see you!”
Harry’s face flushed with anger and hurt, his fists clenched so tightly that the car keys tore into his skin without immediate notice. The tsunami of rage and pain he had suppressed burst forth uncontrollably.
Yet, he restrained himself from confronting Nancy and his father. The boys were inside.
Inside the kitchen, the family gathered. Harry forced a smile as he entered. “What brings you here, Dad?” he asked tensely.
His father grinned. “You mentioned a contractor coming today. I didn’t know about your doctor’s appointment, but I’m glad I came because I think…”
“Weren’t the boys supposed to go to Bobby’s house for a game night?” Harry interrupted, preventing his father from continuing.
“Great! Let’s go then!” Andrew exclaimed. The twins grabbed their controllers and hurried out, leaving Harry to confront the tension.
“Harry, is something wrong? What about Josh?” Nancy inquired, noticing his troubled expression.
Harry closed his eyes briefly. “I know the truth, Nancy. Have you been with him?” he asked bluntly.
Nancy’s jaw dropped as she glanced nervously at Robert.
“It’s not what you think,” Robert interjected, shaking his head.
“Then what is it? DNA can’t lie,” Harry replied, looking back and forth, but received no clear explanation.
Revealing the Past: Las Vegas, Thirteen Years Ago
Nancy found herself swaying to the music on the dance floor of a bustling Las Vegas club. Along with her friend, she had traveled to the city of lights and vices to celebrate after college graduation. The crowd was thick, the atmosphere electric.
She called out to the bartender, “Five tequila shots, please! Could you bring extra lemons?”
As the drinks arrived, Nancy felt a sudden waft of expensive cologne. Turning, she noticed an older man with silver hair and a beard smiling at her.
“Hello, beautiful. May I buy you a drink?” he asked.
Flattered, Nancy replied, “I’m already getting drinks for my friends.” Despite their age difference, his confident aura intrigued her. “Do you think the boys bother you?” she teased.
Whether by the man’s charm or the night’s excitement, Nancy allowed herself to be drawn in. With a hand on her waist, he led her towards the elevator, where their chemistry intensified.
“Would you like to continue this in my room?” he whispered.
Almost hypnotized, Nancy nodded. “Let me tell my friends,” she responded, swallowing nervously. The friends cheered as she left with the man.
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Their encounter was passionate and fleeting. They awoke next morning, shared breakfast and conversation, and parted ways with a handshake at the taxi stand. Nancy assumed she would never see him again—and was content with the night’s adventure.
Later, in the gynecologist’s office, Nancy was devastated to hear the truth.
“This can’t be real,” she murmured.
“Home tests can sometimes be inaccurate, but this is definitive,” the doctor explained kindly. “Blood tests do not deceive.”
The pregnancy had not been planned, and Nancy was faced with difficult choices.
- Abort the pregnancy
- Give up the child for adoption
- Raise the child herself
“Abort?” Nancy questioned anxiously.
“That’s one option, though today abortions are generally safe,” the doctor reassured her.
Despite the support, Nancy left the clinic overwhelmed and uncertain.
Later, with her friend Anna, Nancy pondered the consequences.
“The father’s the man from Las Vegas, isn’t he?” her friend guessed.
“Is there any way to find him?” Nancy asked anxiously.
“What will you do?”
“I think I’m going to have the baby,” Nancy resolved.
Anna pressed her to consider alternative plans, including pretending the child was her current fiancé Harry’s to avoid single motherhood challenges.
“Do it tonight,” Anna urged.
Though initially horrified at such a scheme, the pressure caused Nancy to doubt.
During the night at the club, Nancy met Harry and they struck up a conversation while Anna danced with another man. Slowly, Nancy’s internal conflict intensified but she finally made a choice.
“Would you like to leave with me?” she asked Harry, her smile unmistakably inviting.
The pair left together, and Nancy anticipated introducing Harry to her family.
“They will adore you,” Harry said as they approached his parents’ home.
“I’m nervous. They may be shocked,” Nancy admitted, touching her growing belly.
“No, they’ll be excited to become grandparents,” Harry reassured her as they rang the doorbell.
Harry’s father Robert opened the door, and Nancy immediately sensed the familiar, intoxicating scent of his cologne.
“Dad, meet my fiancée,” Harry introduced, revealing Robert.
The men exchanged a long, intense look, and Robert cleared his throat.
“Promised?” he asked.
“I know it’s surprising, but there’s an even bigger surprise,” Harry said, pulling Nancy inside.
Harry’s mother Miriam warmly embraced Nancy and eagerly ushered Harry off to fetch the baby photo album.
“Harry, help me find your baby pictures. Your son will look just like you,” Miriam gushed.
“Actually, mom, we learned we’re expecting twins,” Harry revealed.
While Harry and his mother left, Nancy and Robert remained alone.
“Nancy, are they…?” Robert began.
“No, these are Harry’s children,” Nancy interrupted firmly. “I had no clue they were yours or that you were married. These babies are yours, and that’s where this ends. What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas.”
Robert agreed solemnly. “We have a pact of silence.”
Suddenly, Josh’s voice called from the door, shattering the moment. “Is that grandfather our father?”
Everyone turned in shock as the twins and their friend Bobby appeared.
“Dad?” Andrew asked quietly, sensing the heaviness in Harry’s expression.
Harry’s forced stoic façade crumbled, and he whispered, “I’m sorry,” to the boys, drained of strength.
Key Insight: This story illustrates how hidden truths inevitably surface, often causing profound pain. Honesty from the beginning can spare immense heartache. Deception, even under desperate circumstances, ultimately complicates lives and relationships.
In this unexpected family drama, Harry confronts not only the complex realities of parenthood but also the painful entanglements of past mistakes. Despite the turmoil, the resilience and love within this family remain their strongest foundation.