Chapter 42
**Chapter 42: Confirmatory Test p>
Serena stepped into the lavish penthouse belonging to Xavier just after eleven o’clock in the morning, the sun streaming through the large windows, casting warm rays across the immaculate decor. She made her way directly to the second room, the one designated for her comfort during this delicate time in her life.
As she entered, she found Mrs. Jones, the nursing aide Xavier had thoughtfully hired to assist her, meticulously preparing the fetal heartbeat monitor. The soft whirring of the machine filled the room, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted with the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in Serena’s mind.
“Ah, perfect timing, Miss Kline! Let’s see how our little ones are doing,” Mrs. Jones said, her voice bright and reassuring, a smile illuminating her face.
Serena settled into the plush bed, the soft sheets enveloping her as she lay back. Mrs. Jones gently placed the fetal heart monitor against her belly, the coolness of the device sending a small shiver through her. As the rhythmic thumping of the heartbeats filled the air, Mrs. Jones beamed, “Everything sounds perfect! Just what we like to hear p>
With a practiced ease, Mrs. Jones then checked Serena’s blood pressure, her hands steady and confident. “You’re doing great,” she assured, before handing over a small array of prenatal vitamins. “And don’t forget to take these. They’re essential for both you and the babies p>
As she busied herself in the kitchen, Mrs. Jones called back to Serena, “I’m almost done with lunch. You should eat soon; it’s important to keep your strength up p>
Serena sighed softly, “I’m not feeling very hungry yet,” she admitted, stifling a yawn. “I think I’d rather just rest for a bit p>
Mrs. Jones nodded knowingly, “At this stage of pregnancy, tiredness is your constant companion. Go ahead and close your eyes; I’ll make sure to wake you up around one for lunch p>
“Thank you, Mrs. Jones,” Serena murmured, her eyelids growing heavy as she succumbed to the pull of sleep.
In that fleeting moment of slumber, a vivid dream enveloped her. She found herself standing on a bridge, the air thick with tension. There, she spotted Alice, her dear friend, who turned to her with a haunting gaze. “Serena,” she called out, her voice echoing in the stillness.
Then, in a shocking instant, Alice leaped into the river below.
“NO! Alice!” Serena shot upright in bed, her heart pounding furiously against her ribcage, a cold sweat breaking out across her skin. The remnants of the dream clung to her, leaving a chill in the air.
A tumult of emotions surged within her, a desperate urge to reach out to the Hartleys clawing at her heart. But guilt quickly followed, heavy and suffocating. Why did she feel this way?
Because Victor’s shadow loomed large over the circumstances surrounding Alice’s disappearance. The very thought that her quest for truth might have inadvertently endangered Alice weighed heavily on her conscience. And then there was Nathaniel, a name that pierced her heart like a dagger, a connection she couldn’t shake, no matter how hard she tried.
Earlier that week, Xavier had dispatched someone to investigate Alice’s disappearance once more. The results were disheartening—nothing had changed. Alice’s body remained unfound, lost to the world.
In truth, Serena grappled with a harrowing dilemma: which was worse-discovering Alice’s lifeless form or living with the uncertainty of whether she was alive or gone forever?
She instinctively placed a hand on her stomach, feeling the gentle flutter of life within. Her next checkup was just around the corner, and with her spirits lifting, she felt a flicker of determination. Perhaps it was time to confront the Hartleys, despite the pain it might bring.
“I’ll talk to Xavier about it,” she whispered to herself, the weight of her decision settling in.
A gentle knock at the door broke her reverie.
“It’s time for lunch,” Mrs. Jones announced, her voice warm and inviting.
Mrs. Jones was not only vigilant about the health of the babies but also dedicated to ensuring that Serena adhered to a nutritious diet.
As they sat together, Serena savored a bowl of vegetable soup and butter-toasted bread. Just as she was beginning to relax, a sudden urgency filled the air; the results of the DNA test had arrived.
“Miss Kline, the package is here for you,” Mrs. Jones called from the door, her tone laced with anticipation.
Serena’s heart raced as she approached the door, the sender’s name sending a jolt of anxiety through her. National Forensic Genetics Bureau.
With trembling hands, she moved to the balcony area of the living room, the fresh air doing little to quell her nerves. As she opened the package, the first paper she pulled out was a comparison report against Victor’s sample. Her breath caught in her throat as she read the stark declaration:
[The Probability of Paternity is 0 p>
A gasp escaped her lips, and her hands shook violently as she shoved the paper back into its envelope. Heart pounding, she carefully retrieved the second document, her mind racing with possibilities.
[National Forensic Genetics Bureau
Central Forensic Complex, Capital City
Ref No.: NFGBC-24-1178-DNA
To:
Ms. Serena Kline
Rexam City
Subject: Preliminary DNA Kinship Comparison – Further Testing Required
Dear Ms. Kline,
This letter serves to formally notify you that the National Forensic Genetics Bureau has completed the
between your submitted genetië profile and the national database of individuals and families who have reported long-term missing relatives.
initial phase of DN
Our preliminary analysis indicates a significant kinship match between your DNA and the paternal genetic profile of Mr. Sterling Vander, whose family filed a missing person report approximately twenty-three years. ago. While this preliminary match is highly suggestive, additional confirmatory testing is required to establish a definitive biological
relationship.
To proceed with Phase II confirmation, we request that you undergo a follow-up
DNA test at one of our accredited partner facilities. For your convenience, the nearest accredited center in Rexam City is:
Rexam Advanced DNA Diagnostics Center (RADDC)
11th Floor, Meridian Health Tower
Westview District, Rexam City
Tel: (074) 330-8821
Please schedule your confirmatory collection within fourteen (14) days of receiving
this notice.
As part of standard protocol, and in accordance with the Missing Persons Kinship Identification Act, the Vander family has been notified of the preliminary match. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, you may contact our office at any time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marianne Solano
Chief Geneticist
National Forensic Genetics Bureau]
“Twenty-three years ago,” Serena repeated, the words tumbling from her lips like a
spell. “Sterling Vander? A Vander p>
Her mind raced, struggling to process the implications. The Vanders? Could it be
true?
With a surge of determination, she quickly searched online, the connection revealing itself with startling clarity. The VanderMed Technologies website displayed the information she sought with ease.
Sterling Vander, the chairman of VanderMed Technologies… and father of Silas Vander.
“Oh my god,” she breathed, her skin prickling with disbelief and excitement. “I I’m a Vander p>
Overwhelmed, Serena dialed Xavier’s number, urgency propelling her forward. Without a moment’s hesitation, they arranged the confirmatory test for the very next day. The Vander family had already confirmed they would meet her at the Rexam Advanced DNA Diagnostics Center, ready to face whatever truths awaited them.
The sun rose on a new day, and with it, Serena found herself standing before the entire Vander family.
In that moment, she came
face-to-face with an older version of
herself-Celine Vander. The resemblance was uncanny, a mirror reflecting her own features, and for a brief moment time seemed to stand still as the weight of her newfound identity settled around her.