Later That Same Day
Sana’s aqua therapy session had just kicked off when Seven’s cell phone buzzed. Halting her movements, he carefully guided her to the poolside, where his phone rested. Recognizing the name flashing on the screen, he answered immediately.
“Hi, Madam Leona. Is something the matter?” he asked, his tone laced with concern.
“Seven, the DNA test is complete. Could we meet to review the result together?” Leona’s voice held a hopeful edge.
“Of course, but I can’t leave right now. Would it be possible for you to come to me instead?” he replied, his shoulders relaxing slightly after knowing the call wasn’t about his patient.
“Yes, that works. Shall we meet in about an hour? I believe my in-laws would also want to be present,” Leona suggested.
“That’s fine. Are you coming by car or helicopter? I’ll notify the guardhouse if you’re arriving by car.”
“By helicopter,” Leona confirmed, her excitement bubbling up.
“Understood. See you soon.”
After hanging up, he informed the Shahis of the Fortiers’ impending visit.
……
It was a little past five when Alain Fortier’s helicopter touched down on the sprawling lawn of The Cliffs. The Shahis, with Lara and Katherine, were already seated in the den.
As the guests entered, Sadra rose to greet them, extending a warm handshake. “Welcome, Mr. Fortier, Madam Amélie, Madam Leona. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
Ami followed suit, her smile gracious. “Please make yourselves comfortable. May I offer you something to drink?”
“Tea for all of us would be lovely. Thank you, Madam Ami,” Amélie replied, settling into a plush sofa.
As Ami directed the butler to prepare the refreshments, Seven introduced the rest of the group, gesturing toward each individual, saving Katherine for last. “And this is Katherine,” he continued, his tone softening. “She’s my little sister; her parents adopted me when I was four.”
At this revelation, Alain, Amélie, and Leona exchanged astonished glances. “You were adopted?” Leona’s lilt carried a mix of curiosity and surprise.
“Yes,” he admitted quietly.
Leona’s expression softened. “Katherine, it’s lovely to meet you. Are you here on your parents’ behalf?”
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Katherine’s composed demeanor faltered, a trace of sadness shading her features. “No, our mother passed away over 12 years ago, and our father… passed recently.”
A solemn hush settled over the room, the weight of Seven and Katherine’s losses evident.
“We’re deeply sorry for your loss,” Amélie offered gently.
Leona nodded, her gaze filled with compassion. “Katherine, it’s heartening that you and your brother have each other to rely on. Seven, you must take good care of your sister.”
Seven’s lips curved into a faint smile. “That’s a promise I made to our father before he passed.”
After a moment, calm returned to the room. Leona retrieved a sealed manila envelope from her bag and handed it to him. “This is the DNA report. Would you like to do the honors?”
Seven’s face was unreadable. “Alright.”
He slid the document out from the envelope, his eyes scanning the words with laser focus. Tension crackled in the air, punctuated only by the nervous clinking of teacups and the rustling of paper.
He straightened as soon as he saw the result; his stillness stretched on, heavy with something unspoken.
Observing his dazed expression, Alain couldn’t stand the suspense any longer and finally broke the silence. “Seven, what does the report say?”
He exhaled slowly before giving him an answer. “The report indicates a 99.97% likelihood of a biological relationship.”
The Fortiers exchanged glances, joy lighting their faces; they’d finally found Landry! Yet, their elation was tempered by his muted reaction. His stoic exterior wavered, giving way to a look of disbelief.
“Seven, what’s wrong?” Leona asked gently, her maternal concern shining through.
His eyes were clouded with complexity. “It’s just... I didn’t expect this outcome.”
Leona’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean? Do you… think there’s something wrong with the analysis?”
“I… I don’t know…” A conflicted look crossed his face as he struggled to articulate his feelings. “All my life, I believed I was an unwanted child. It’s just hard to process...”
Alain chimed in, reassuring. “We understand, Seven. This must feel overwhelming.”
Amélie added, her voice shaky, “My precious grandson, you’ve endured so much. We can’t erase the past, but we’ll spend the rest of our lives making amends.”
He nodded absently, his thoughts tangled in a storm, his chest tight with unrest. Despite the joyous revelation, unease clung to him like a shadow. Images and conversations flashed as he recalled the pledges he had made to Sana’s parents; obligations forged in the belief that he was alone in the world, with no family to call his own.
But now, as the truth of his origins had come to light, he felt the weight of those vows pressing down on him, threatening to suffocate him beneath their burden. How could he maintain loyalty to the Shahis while navigating his newfound ties to the Fortiers? What a conundrum!
An uncomfortable lull enveloped him as he grappled with the enormity of the DNA findings. His heart pounded in his chest, a jarring reminder of the gravity of the situation. At that moment, he decided to lay all his cards on the table.
Taking a deep breath, he addressed Alain, “Grandpa Alain, there is something you need to know.” He paused for a beat, steadying himself for what he was about to say. “I made several commitments to Uncle Sadra and Aunt Ami, and I intend to keep them.
“First, except for Sana’s health and well-being, she has the final say in our relationship.
“Second, when I’m qualified to marry her, I agreed to be a live-in son-in-law so she can continue living with her parents.
“Third, since I don’t have a surname of my own, I promised that any children Sana and I have will carry hers.”
“I want to honor my pledges.” His stance was firm, each word underscoring his conviction. “If you have any objections, I hope you’ll understand if I won’t recognize the Fortier family.”
