Emily’s mother trembled. Tears soaked the front of her blouse, her breathing uneven, as if every inhale burned. She had spent years fearing this moment… and now that it was here, she wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or afraid.
“Mom… please.” Emily’s voice barely rose above a whisper.
Her mother squeezed her eyes shut. Her hands curled into fists.
Then she finally said the words that broke everything:
“He’s your father.”
Emily’s knees gave out. She pressed a hand against the wall just to stay standing.
“What?” was all she managed.
Mark looked up, eyes clouded in pain.
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