My mother-in-law called for a full family gathering, claiming she had something urgent to reveal. She stood in front of everyone, clutching a sealed envelope, and with a dramatic flair, declared that the time had come to expose me.
She had secretly ordered a DNA test to prove that my son wasn’t her son’s child.
Her voice wavered as she tore the envelope open.
— According to the paternity results… the child is, in fact, my son’s, — she admitted, her expression sour with disappointment.
A wave of murmurs swept through the room. Relief spread across the faces of the guests. I stood slowly, steady and calm.
— Now that we’ve confirmed my son belongs to your family, — I said, — I think it’s only fair to share something in return.
I held up my own envelope.
My mother-in-law’s face lost all color.
— Please… don’t, — she whispered.
But it was already too late.
When she first brought up the DNA test, I hadn’t expected it to go this far. Her distrust hurt more than I let on, but I agreed — on one condition.
— I’ll do the test, — I told her. — But then, so will everyone else.
She raised an eyebrow.
— What are you implying?
— Just fairness, — I replied. — If you demand proof from me, I deserve the same.
She resisted at first, but eventually, she agreed.
Weeks passed. The results arrived.
Pleased with herself, she organized a formal family evening. Everyone was there — siblings, uncles, cousins.
She stood in the center of the living room, the envelope in her hand.
— The results confirm, — she announced smugly, — the child is indeed my son’s.
The room sighed in relief. She looked satisfied. But I wasn’t finished.
I stood up.
— And now, it’s my turn.
She sprang to her feet.
— No, don’t open it.
— Why not? Weren’t we seeking the truth today?
I opened the second envelope.
— According to this test… Igor is not Anatoly’s biological son.
The room fell into stunned silence.
My father-in-law turned to look at his wife, confusion and shock on his face.
— What is she saying?
My mother-in-law’s head dropped.
— That was… a long time ago. I never thought it would come out…
My husband looked between us, speechless.
— Did you know about this? — he asked me.
— No, — I said quietly. — I just wanted a little justice.
