Chapter 2 — One DNA Test, Two Truths

All her life, she had constantly had the word "bloodline" on her lips. Yet, even in her wildest dreams, she could never have imagined that the real problem lay with her own son, and indeed, with herself. I stepped out of the restroom and returned to my workstation. Opening my computer, I sent two separate reports to the printer in quick succession. Down the hallway of the office, the printer hummed with a steady rhythm. I walked over, picking up the two stacks of paper that still radiated a faint warmth. One was the undeniable proof of my innocence. The other was the trump card that would shatter this entire family to its core. I purchased two brown paper envelopes, carefully sliding a single report into each.

When I arrived back home, Lan was sitting on the sofa making a phone call, her tone brimming with palpable excitement.

"That is right, sister-in-law, please come over for dinner tonight. I have an important announcement to make."

"Third brother, bring the children along this evening as well. I am going to treat you all to a magnificent spectacle!"

She hung up the phone, and upon catching sight of me, her expression curdled into one of utter disdain.

"Get into the kitchen and start cooking! Prepare a few extra dishes!"

"We have many distinguished guests coming tonight, so do not you dare embarrass me!"

I nodded, offering no response. Slipping into the kitchen, I tied my apron around my waist. As I chopped the vegetables, I listened to her resume her phone calls. She dialed every single relative of the Truong family she could possibly reach, determined to orchestrate a formal family tribunal. I was meant to be the one on trial. What she failed to realize, however, was that tonight, the true defendant standing judgment was herself.

Seven o'clock in the evening. The living room of the Truong family villa was packed to capacity. My father-in-law's siblings, along with various uncles and aunts of Dinh, were all present. More than a dozen people occupied every inch of the massive sofa, the air thick with a restless, gleeful anticipation of drama. I carried the final dish to the dining table and untied my apron. Lan sat in a single armchair at the head of the room, her demeanor rigidly authoritarian. Clutched in her hand was an envelope—the very test results I had instructed her to retrieve from the testing center. Inside, there were only the results concerning myself, little Lac Lac, and Dinh.

"Everyone has arrived," Lan cleared her throat, drawing every pair of eyes toward her.

"The reason I have called you all here today is to bear witness to a domestic matter."

She tapped the envelope lightly against her palm.

"Our Truong family is one of standing and reputation in this city."

"We will never tolerate anything shady, ambiguous, or disgraceful that tarnishes our family name!"

She glared at me viciously. Dinh sat beside me, looking deeply uncomfortable. He tugged gently at the hem of Lan's sleeve.

"Mother, if there is something to discuss, let us talk about it calmly."

"Shut your mouth!" Lan snapped at him.

"It is precisely because of your uselessness that outsiders dare to climb over our heads!"

Her words were harsh and grating. A few relatives suppressed quiet snickers. I reached for the teapot and calmly poured her a cup.

"Mother, do not be so hasty."

I slid the teacup toward her.

"Let us resolve matters one step at a time."

My tranquility seemed only to fuel her fury. She slammed the envelope down onto the table.

"Fine! Today, I am going to make you face the music publicly!"

She tore open the envelope and pulled out the sheets of paper. Necks craned as everyone strained to catch a glimpse. She hoisted the report high into the air.

"I had this expedited by professionals! Black and white, written in plain ink!"

She paused, savoring the absolute power of controlling the narrative, before declaring in a booming voice:

"The child is indeed Dinh's flesh and blood!"

A murmur of relieved chatter rippled through the living room.

"I told you so, Van is not that kind of woman."

"Indeed, now the misunderstanding has been cleared up."

Dinh let out a heavy sigh of relief, a smile breaking across his face. He reached out to take my hand, but I pulled away. Suddenly, Lan's tone shifted, turning icy cold.

"However!"

She slapped the report back down onto the tabletop.

"This incident has served as a stark reminder to me and to everyone in the Truong family!"

"Certain people need to be constantly reminded of who they are, or they forget which family name they bear!"

"We will let it slide this time! But there shall not be a next time!"

She turned to me, her chin tilted high in triumph.

"Van, did you hear me clearly? From now on, know your place!"

"If you ever dare to harbor unfaithfulness again, do not blame me for being ruthless!"

She believed she had won completely, that she could use this moment to crush me beneath her heel forever. I let out a soft laugh.

"Mother."

I interrupted her lengthy monologue.

"Do not rush to your conclusions just yet."

"I have another report right here."

I retrieved the second brown paper envelope from my handbag and gently placed it in the very center of the table. Every gaze instantly shifted away from her face and locked onto the envelope. Silence descended upon the living room once more. The color drained from Lan's face.

"You... what cheap trick are you pulling now?"

Dinh, losing his patience, reached out to snatch the envelope away.

"Van, have you not caused enough trouble?"

I pressed my hand firmly over the envelope. I exerted very little force, yet he found himself unable to pull it free. Locking my eyes onto his, I enunciated each word with deliberate slowness:

"This report belongs to you and your father."

The entire room plunged into a dead, suffocating silence. Dinh's hand froze mid-air, the irritation on his features instantly replaced by profound shock.

"Me and my father?"

He stammered: