Chapter one Philip stared at the paper in his trembling hands. He read it once. Then again and again, but the words remained the same. PATERNITY TEST RESULT: EXCLUDED. His eyes slowly moved down the page. The name written there was his third son, Ryan, who was only eighteen. Philip swallowed hard. “No,” he whispered, as he ran his hand over his neatly combed hair. He grabbed the second paper from the table and stared at it. A boldly written name stared back at him. Philip inhaled slowly. His breathing was a bit hard, and he couldn't stop the sweat that was now dripping down his cheek. He stared at the result of his second son, Daniel. He was seventeen, and the result was the same. EXCLUDED. His breathing became heavier. He quickly picked up the third report. His eldest son, Ethan. He was nineteen. Philip had always believed Ethan was his son because he had his eyes. He shut his eyes, hoping maybe just one of the boys was really his son. His eyes rushed dow

Chapter threeElena Hawkins was a woman many men wanted. She managed to keep a good figure even after she was over forty. Men had always wanted her. Rich men wanted her. Powerful men wanted her. Even men who were already married tried to get her attention, but Elena had chosen Philip. At least, that was what Philip had always believed. He had always believed that she had chosen him because she loved him. But now, sitting across from her, he wasn't sure about anything anymore. Elena continued staring at him after his question. “How many men are you sleeping with?” Philip waited for an answer, but she remained silent. Elena just sat chewing her food like none of what he said mattered.. He let out a bitter laugh. “You don't even want to answer me?” Elena folded her arms. “What exactly do you want me to say?” “The truth.” “I have been truthful with you.” Philip shook his head. “No, you haven't.” Elena frowned. Philip took a deep breath before continuing. “Do you know how ma

Chapter five Philip barely had time to think about his life anymore. He couldn't stop thinking about everything that had happened, especially how he had sacrificed his entire life just to please Elena Hawkins. For years, he had convinced himself that everything he did was for his family. He had worked hard, stayed loyal, protected Elena, and tried to be the best husband he could possibly be. He had even swallowed his pride when he caught Elena with Alex. He had seen them together. He had known what they were doing and yet, he stayed. He stayed because he loved her. He stayed because he believed she would change. And most importantly, he stayed because he believed the three boys were his sons. Now, everything he had believed in had been shattered. Philip picked up his phone and immediately sent a message to his boss at Hawkins Company, informing him that he wanted an impromptu leave. He didn't bother giving too many details. He knew he was no good to anyone when he was d

Chapter seven Tyrel took the paper from Philip and slowly went through it. His eyes moved from one line to another as he carefully read the results. For a few seconds, he said nothing. Then he looked up at Philip. “Are you sure about this?” Philip nodded. “I am.” Tyrel looked back at the paper. “Have you done the test more than once?” “Yes.” Philips replied “How many times?” “Three times.” Tyrel's eyebrows lifted slightly. “And the results were the same?” “All three times.” Tyrel remained silent. Philip watched him carefully, trying to understand what was going through the old man's mind. Finally, Tyrel sighed and placed the paper on the table. “Philip, you did the right thing by coming to me.” Philip's eyes narrowed slightly. “I did?” For a moment, Philip thought the man knew nothing and was definitely going to be on his side. “Yes.” Tyrel leaned back in his chair. “I will take this up with my daughter.” Philip stared at him. “With Elena?” “Yes.”

Chapter nine Philip drove back to the motel with his hands firmly gripping the steering wheel. His cheek was still burning from the slap Elena had given him, but the pain on his face was nothing compared to what he was feeling inside. He couldn't stop thinking about what had happened at the Hawkins estate. He had gone there hoping to speak to Tyrel as a father and perhaps get some answers. Instead, he had been called a gold digger in front of Elena and her mother. Philip shook his head bitterly “A gold digger?” He couldn't believe it. After everything he had done for that family, that was what they thought of him. When he finally arrived at the motel, he parked his car and walked into his room. He locked the door behind him and went straight to the small refrigerator. He took out an ice pack, wrapped it in a small towel, and pressed it against his cheek. He winced. “That woman has really lost her mind.” He sat on the edge of the bed and closed his eyes. A few minutes