“Okay,” she said finally, her voice steady though her insides were trembling. “If a DNA test is what you need, then let’s do it. I have nothing to hide, and I want you to be at ease. But I hope, when the results come back, you’ll finally put these doubts to rest and we can move forward.”

John nodded, a hint of relief washing over him. “Thank you,” he murmured, and for a moment, his guard was down, revealing the vulnerability beneath his stoic exterior.