Chapter 3 — The Family That Refused to Accept Her
Not everyone welcomed Emily.
At the first Dawson family gathering after Christmas, Michael's older brother, Richard, stared coldly across the dining table.
"So we're just supposed to believe this story?"
Emily remained silent.
Richard folded his arms.
"My brother dies."
"Months later, a woman appears with a baby."
"Convenient."
Margaret slammed her coffee cup onto the table.
"Enough."
Richard wasn't finished.
"If she's telling the truth..."
He looked directly at Emily.
"Take a DNA test."
The room fell silent.
Emily didn't hesitate.
"I already did."
She reached into her bag.
"I knew someday someone would ask."
She placed the sealed laboratory report on the table.
Richard opened it.
His confidence disappeared with every line he read.
Probability of paternity:
99.9998%.
Michael Dawson is confirmed as the biological father.
Richard slowly lowered the report.
He looked at the little girl coloring beside the fireplace.
She smiled at him.
Exactly the way Michael used to smile.
His eyes filled.
"I'm sorry."
Emily nodded gently.
"I understand."
Margaret reached for Lily.
"My granddaughter doesn't need anyone's permission to belong here."
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From that day forward...
No one questioned Lily's place in the Dawson family again.
