Chapter 1: The Chain
Lily was chained to the porch post while the birthday party continued behind the glass when I found her.
My five-year-old daughter tried to give me a smile.
"Mommy…"
I dropped to my knees and pulled the chain away from her.
"Why are you out here by yourself?"
Her bare hands trembled.
"Grandma said I wasn't allowed inside."
The patio door slid open.
Margaret stepped outside without any trace of shame.
"This party is not for cheaters' kids."
I was suddenly on my feet before I understood I had moved.
My palm sl*pped across her face.
Margaret crashed onto the patio.
"Look at these test results and don't ever regret it!"
I opened my bag, pulled out the sealed DNA report I had collected that morning, and tossed it beside her.
Behind the glass, Daniel, Mark, Jessica, and half the birthday party stood staring at us.
Margaret lowered her eyes to the laboratory seal.
And for the first time, she was no longer smiling.
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What will Margaret do when she reads that DNA report?
Comment **"NEXT"** if you want Part 2 — it's already in the comments below.
