Wife Cheated & DNA Test Showed My Kids Aren't Mine So I Divorced Her & Got Revenge.

Welcome to story tales please like this video And subscribe to story tales I hope you enjoy the story let's begin the Autumn Breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves through the open kitchen window as gayen Mitchell stirred honey into his morning coffee the Silver Spoon clinked against ceramic as he watched the golden liquid swirl thinking about how he'd surprise his wife Romy with tickets to that new play at the Westbrook theater she'd been hitting about 15 years of marriage and he still got a kick out of making her smile that smile had captured his heart

in college bright and genuine lighting up her whole face the sound of running water and childish Giggles drifted down from upstairs 8-year-old Emma and 6-year-old Lucas racing through their morning routine Emma's voice carried clearly Lucas that's my toothbrush is not is too yours is the blue one gayen smiled Shaking his head their familiar chaos wrapped around him like a comfortable blanket as predictable as the Sunrise he lifted the steaming mug to his lips savoring the perfect balance of bitter coffee and sweet honey dad Emma's voice called down Lucas won't give me back my hairbrush I'm

using it Lucas protested you don't even have long hair Galen set his mug down on the granite countertop with a soft click Lucas give your sister her brush use your own buddy the Thunder Of small feet overhead continued punctuated by more squabbling this was his life stable predictable happy the mortgage on their two-story Colonial was manageable the kids were healthy and his job as an architectural engineer at Henderson and Associates kept them comfortable sure maybe they weren't living some wild romantic fantasy but they had built something real something solid kids ry's voice carried down the

stairs followed by more giggling 5 Minutes until we leave Emma your lunch is packed Lucas don't forget your science project but Mom it's not finished what do you mean it's not finished you worked on it all weekend Galen took another sip of coffee checking his watch he should head out soon himself he had an early meeting with clients about the new downtown development project but first the kids burst into the kitchen backpacks bouncing Emma's dark curls were still Untamed forming a wild halo around her face that reminded him of romy's sister Lucas had his shirt

on backwards the tag sticking out under his chin come here buddy Galen chuckled kneeling to help Lucas with his shirt letun get this sword out I did it myself Lucas protested even as he lifted his arms to let his father help I'm getting better at it and you did a great job just needs a little tweaking Galen quickly fixed the shirt then pulled both kids in for a Quick hug the scent of children shampoo and toothpaste enveloped him have a good day at school monsters Lucas what's this about your science project Lucas scuffed his sneaker

against the floor I still need to color the solar system labels we'll work on it tonight okay right after dinner promise promise Galen ruffled his son's hair now go get your shoes on Emma lingered her brown eyes so like his own serious Daddy can you help me with my math homework tonight too We're doing actions and they're hard of course princess we'll tackle it after Lucas's project Romy appeared in the doorway her honey blond hair perfectly styled wearing one of her tailored charcoal business suits something seemed off about her expression a tightness around her eyes

that hadn't been there before she'd been distant lately distracted gayen had chocked it up to stress at her Law Firm where she'd recently made partner but now he Wondered if there was more to it we need to talk tonight she said not quite meeting his eyes after the kids are in bed a cold flutter worked its way through galen's stomach everything okay just some things we should discuss she gathered the kids lunch boxes from the counter her movements precise controlled don't work late I won't he promised watching as she herded the children toward the garage

hey Romy she paused half turning yes I love you something Flickered across her face pain Gil before she managed managed a tight smile love you too the garage door closed behind them with a soft click that somehow felt ominous gayen stood in the suddenly quiet kitchen his coffee growing cold what had happened to them when had his wife started looking at him like he was a stranger the work day crawled by his morning meeting with the developers stretched into lunch but Galen barely tasted his food he stared At blueprints Without Really seeing them his mind

spinning through possibilities was it about her job money the kids they've been talking about trying for a third child maybe she'd change her mind Earth to Galen his colleague Marcus waved a hand in front of his face you in there Galen blinked focusing on the conference room around him sorry what I asked if you wanted to grab a drink after work that new Brewery opened up downtown can't tonight gayen gathered His papers trying to shake off his unease Romy wants to talk about something Marcus raised an eyebrow oh the dreaded we need to talk what

did you do nothing far as I know gayen managed a weak smile probably just stuff with the kids but he couldn't shake the feeling that it was something bigger something worse by the time he got home that evening his nerves were raw the house smelled of garlic and tomatoes ry's signature pasta sauce bubbling on the Stove the kids were at the kitchen table Emma working on homework while Lucas colored furiously on what looked like a poster board covered in wobbly planets daddy Lucas jumped up waving his marker look I'm almost done I just have to

finish Jupiter gayen examined the project genuine Pride warming his chest looking good buddy those rings around Saturn are perfect mom helped with those Lucas admitted but I did all the coloring and a great job you did Galen Squeezed his shoulder before moving to kiss the top of Emma's head how's the mathc coming Princess Emma wrinkled her nose fractions are stupid why can't numbers just be whole he laughed we work on it after dinner okay dinner was a blur of pasta and kids stories about their day Emma had aced her spelling test Lucas had traded his

cookie for Michaels putting cup at lunch normal everyday things that suddenly felt precious though gayen couldn't say why Romy was quiet throughout the meal pushing her food around more than eating it when she did speak her voice was carefully modulated as if she was rehearsing lines for court finally after helping with homework and tucking both kids into bed with stories and kisses Galen found Romy waiting in their bedroom she was perched on the edge of their king-sized bed still in her work clothes her legs crossed at the ankle sit down Galen her voice was carefully

Controlled I've been doing a lot of thinking lately he settled beside her leaving space between them the mattress dipped slightly under their combined weight about about us about our marriage she Twisted her wedding ring a nervous habit she'd had since their wedding day the diamond caught the light from their bedside lamp throwing tiny rainbows on the wall I love you you know that but lately I've been feeling stuck like we're in a rut we can't get out of we Can plan more date nights Galen offered quickly his heart pounding take that trip to Europe we've

been talking about I know things been busy with your partnership and my new projects it's not about date nights Romy stood pacing to the window outside the street lights cast Long Shadows across their carefully maintained lawn I've been reading about different ways couples keep their relationships fresh there's this concept it's called ethical nomy the words hit Galen like a physical blow you want to sleep with other people not exactly she turned to face him her expression earnest it's about opening our marriage exploring new connections while maintaining our primary relationship it could make us stronger help

us appreciate each other more galen's chest felt tight like someone had wrapped steel bands around his ribs you're serious about this I am she took a step toward him then seemed to think better Of it think about it we married young neither of us had many other experiences don't you ever wonder what else is out there no the word came out hard harder than he intended but he couldn't soften it I don't wonder Ry I chose you we built this life together we have children the kids wouldn't have to know we'd set boundaries rules rules

Galen stood anger rising in his throat rules about how you can other men while I'm at home with our children don't be Crude Romy snapped her careful composure cracking this isn't about sex it's about growth about exploring different aspects of ourselves it's about you wanting to cheat with permission he ran a hand through his dark hair fighting to keep his voice down the kids were asleep just down the hall the answer is no absolutely not if something's missing in our marriage we can work on it together but I won't agree to share my wife you're

not even trying to understand Understand what he Whirled to face her that our vows meant nothing to you that 15 years of marriage isn't enough that our family isn't enough that's not fair no what's not fair is you trying to legitimize adultery by dressing it up in fancy terms like ethical non- monogamy he spat the words there's nothing ethical about betraying your spouse romy's face hardened for a moment before smoothing into a neutral expression that reminded him of her courtroom demeanor Okay you're right I shouldn't have brought it up can we just forget about it

but Galen couldn't forget over the next week he noticed things he'd been blind to before how romy's phone was always face down now the way she took calls in another room her voice too low to hear the new clothes silky blouses and skirts that showed more leg than her usual conservative suits the extra time at the gym the late nights of the office another deposition he asked one evening When she called to say she'd be late you know how it is during Discovery she replied smoothly we've got that big murder case coming up right he

watched Emma and luk is playing Candy Land on the living room floor don't work too hard I won't kiss the kids for me but there was something off in her voice a slight Tremor a hesitation that hadn't been there before then came the morning that shattered everything Galen was running late for work rushing through His morning routine after oversleeping his electric razor slipped from his grasp clattering into the bathroom trash can muttering under his breath he bent to retrieve it that's when he saw it part partially wrapped in toilet paper but unmistakable a used condom

his world tilted sideways he and Romy hadn't used condoms in years not since they decided to have Emma with Trembling Hands he carefully extracted it using a tissue the size the brand nothing familiar Nothing that belonged in their home B Rose in his throat as reality crashed over him she' done it anyway after he'd said no after 15 years of marriage after everything they'd built together she'd brought another man into their bed their bathroom their home the worst part was the carelessness of it she hadn't even tried to hide it properly was it a mistake

or had she wanted him to find it some Twisted way of forcing the issue he spent the morning in a fog going through The motions at work while his mind raced the evidence sat in his briefcase carefully sealed in a plastic bag every few minutes his hand would brush against it sending fresh waves of nausea through him by afternoon he couldn't take it anymore he called ry's office Mitchell and Associates how may I direct your call her secretary's cheerful voice graded on his nerves put my wife on the phone now something in his tone must

have conveyed the urgency there was only A brief pause before romy's voice came through Galen what's wrong I need to see you he said his voice tight with controlled Fury now I have deposition all afternoon cancel them his voice was Ste be home in 30 minutes he heard her sharp intake of breath gayen 30 minutes Ramy or I start calling everyone we know to tell them what their perfect power couple friends are really up to she was home in 25 Galen was waiting in the kitchen the condom sealed in a plastic Bag on the counter

between them romy's face went pale when she saw it all the blood draining from her cheeks want to explain this his voice voice was deadly quiet it's not what you think don't he slammed his hand on the counter making her jump the sound echoed through the kitchen like a gunshot don't you dare lie to me not now not after this you wouldn't listen tears sprang to her eyes but he felt no sympathy you wouldn't even consider what I was asking for so You just took it anyway the rage in his chest threatened to choke him

who is he that's not who is he the words echoed off the kitchen walls I can't she wrapped her arms around herself looking smaller somehow in her expensive suit please Galen can't we just work through this go to counseling maybe he laughed a harsh sound with no humor in it counseling you another man in our home and you want to talk about counseling I love you she whispered Tears streaming down her face this doesn't change that no he picked up the bag containing the condom then you won't mind if I find out who he is

myself doesn't lie Ry the color drained from her face completely leaving her pale as a ghost you wouldn't watch me he pocketed the bag his hand steady despite the Tremors of Rage coursing through him and when I find out who it is everyone else will too your parents our friends your precious law Partners everyone will Know exactly what kind of woman you really are galum please he held up a hand cutting off her words I'm getting the test done nothing you say will change that go back to work go back to him I don't care

but know this when I find out who he is there will be no counseling no Second Chances no reconciliation you did this you destroyed everything we built and you'll live with those consequences what about the kids her voice cracked think about What this will do to them don't you dare use our children as Shields his voice was eyes you should have thought about them before you spread your legs for another man he walked out leaving her standing in their kitchen tears streaming down her face he didn't feel sorry for her didn't feel anything but a

cold hard determination to uncover the full extent of her betrayal the next week was torture gayen went through the motions of normal life working helping With homework making small talk at dinner but inside he was dying every time he looked at Romy he imagined with another man every time she touched him he had to resist the urge to recoil the kids noticed something was wrong Emma asked why mommy and daddy weren't talking Lucas wanted to know why daddy wasn't sleeping in their room anymore just grownup stuff Galen would say trying to keep his voice light

nothing for you to worry about but there was so Much to worry about every night Galen lay on the guest room bed staring at the ceiling wondering how his life had imploded so completely he'd sent the DNA sample to a private lab paying extra for Rush processing The Waiting was excruciating you've seem distracted lately Marcus commented at work everything okay at home gayen forced a smile just busy with the Thompson project right Marcus didn't look convinced well if you need to talk I'm Fine the words tasted like ash in his mouth the weekend came bringing

with it their regular Sunday family dinner Galen almost canceled but the kids were looking forward to seeing their grandparents and their uncle uncle Tate's coming Lucas bounced excitedly around the kitchen while Romy prepared a roast he promised to show me his new video game Galen watched his wife's hands falter slightly as she chopped carrots that's nice sweetie Tate Arrived early as usual bearing gifts for the kids where are my favorite niece and nephew Emma and Lucas rushed to greet him squealing with delight as scooped him up in his arms gayen observed from the doorway noting

how his brother's eyes flickered to Roy so quick he almost missed it hey big brother Tate set the kids down how's work fine galen's voice was clipped kids why don't you go show Uncle Tate your new toys as they dragged Tate upstairs Galen caught another Glance between his brother and his wife something in their body language set off warning Bells but he pushed the thought away surely not not take the email from the lab arrived Monday morning while he was in his office his hands trembled as he clicked the attachment the first page was technical

jargon genetic markers and probability ratios but there highlighted in yellow was a name he'd known his whole life tapate Mitchell his younger Brother no he whispered no no no but the evidence was irrefutable the DNA from the condom matched his brother's profile with 99.9% certainty Galen stared at the screen unable to process what he was seeing Tate his own brother the same brother who'd been best man at his wedding who came over for Sunday dinners who his kids called Uncle Tate his mind raced back through the years the lingering looks the chance encounters the way

Tate Always seemed to know ry's schedule but there was more the lab report continued revealing something that turned his world completely upside down the DNA showed a par match not just to the sample in the condom but to Emma and Lucas his children his beautiful precious children weren't his at all they were Tates the realization hit him like a physical blow he barely made it to his waist basket before throwing up his entire body shaking with rage and Grief and betrayal so deep it felt like it would tear him apart 8 years for at least

8 years Romy and Tate had been lying to him every Sunday dinner every family vacation every moment he'd spent loving those children all of it built on lies images flashed through his mind Emma's First Steps Lucas learning to ride a bike countless Bedtime Stories and homework sessions all those precious moments and he'd been living someone else's life Playing Father to his Brother's children Mr Mitchell his assistant's voice came through the intercom your 10:00 is here cancel everything he managed to Crow family emergency he sat at his desk until Darkness fell letting the truth sink in

his marriage was a sham his brother was a traitor his children God is children what was he supposed to do with this knowledge his phone buzzed a text from Ry coming home soon kids are asking for you the kids his kids but not His kids never really his working late he typed back his fingers numb don't wait up another text came through from Tate this time hey bro want to grabb lunch tomorrow been a while since we had some brother time Galen stared at the message while rising in his throat brother th as if he

hadn't been his brother's wife for nearly a decade as if he hadn't fathered children that Galen had raised as his own he turned off his phone and sat in the darkness Letting the pain wash over him but as the hours passed something else began to take shape in his mind a plan they thought they'd gotten away with it all all these years thought they could keep living their perfect little lives his wife and his brother playing their roles in this Twisted farce while he remained the oblivious fool well no more they had no idea what

was coming he would make them pay not just for the affair but for every lie every manipulation every Moment they'd stolen from him they'd taken everything from him now he would take everything from them the sunrise painted galen's office in shades of blood red as he stared at the DNA test results for the h 100th time coffee grew cold beside him untouched since his secretary had brought it hours ago his fingers traced over Tate's name on the screen each letter a fresh wound eight years of Lies eight years of Sunday dinners and family vacations and

Birthday parties all while his brother played Uncle to his own children the test results were clear 99.9% probability the same blood that ran through Tate's vein ran through Emma and Lucas's the same blood that had betrayed him twice over through his wife and through his brother his office phone buzzed interrupting his dark thoughts Mr Mitchell your brother's here to see you galen's jaw clenched perfect timing send him in Sarah and hold all my calls even The Thompson development team they've been all calls his voice left no room for argument Tate stroe through the door moments

later all easy smile an expensive cologne wearing one of those tailored suits he loved to show off hey big brother you've been dodging my calls been busy galen's voice was neutral as he minimized the DNA results on his screen what do you want k a guy check on his brother Tate settled into the leather chair across from galen's desk Crossing his ankle over his knee with familiar casualness Romy mentioned things have been tense at home the Casual mention of his wife's named sent Ray coursing through galen's veins his fingers tightened on his Mouse oh you

and Romy talk about me often come on she's worried about you we all are Tate leaned forward his expression concerned mom's been calling me daily asking what's wrong you've missed two Sunday dinners in a row didn't realize my Attendance was mandatory it's not but it's not like you Tate's brow furrowed what's really going on Galen Galen studied his brother's face the same dark hair and strong jaw they'd inherited from their father how many of those features did Emma and Lucas share how had he been so blind you know what I've been thinking about lately galen's

voice was conversational that summer when we were kids and you stole my baseball card collection Tate blinked at the sudden Change of subject what you remember my Mickey Mantle rookie card went missing you swore you didn't take it even when dad found it hidden in your sock drawer we were kids you looked me right in the eye and lied galen's smile didn't reach his eyes something things never change do they color drained from Tate's face what are you talking about nothing Galen waved his hand dismissively ancient history you're right I've been distant how about we

have dinner this weekend You me Romy the kids like old times relief flooded Tate's features though a shadow of unease remained yeah that' be great Sunday Perfect galen's Smile was sharp as broken glass bring wine we'll have a lot to celebrate celebrate Life Family truth each word dropped like a stone all those important things after Tate left Galen pulled out his phone and dialed a number he'd saved days ago Davidson investigations this is Galen Mitchell I need everything you can get Me on my wife and brother's relationship phone records credit cards statements hotel stays anything

that proves they've been seeing each other I want dates times places and I want photos that kind of surveillance isn't cheap Davidson's Gruff voice warned especially if you want it done discreetly money's not an issue galen's voice was cold just give me proof and Davidson make sure it's thorough enough to hold up in court over the next few weeks Galen became an actor In his own life he played the role of devoted husband and father while methodically Gathering evidence of their betrayal every morning he kissed Romy goodbye as if nothing had changed every evening he

helped with homework and listened to the kids stories all while his heart turned to stone Daddy watch this Lucas called one evening attempting a cartwheel in the backyard the boy tumbled sideways Landing in a giggling Heap almost got it buddy the words Tasted like ash in galen's mouth how many times had Tate done Heart Wheels like that as a kid Emma looked up from her math homework at the kitchen table can you help me with these fractions dad of course princess he sat beside her ignoring how her familiar features now seemed to mock him show

me where you're stuck later that night as they cleaned up after dinner Romy broke their careful silence you seem different lately she commented loading plates into the Dishwasher more present do I gayen methodically wiped down on the counter not meeting her eyes maybe I just realized what's important Galen about what happened water under the bridge he cut her off with a wave we all make mistakes right the hope that bloomed on her face made him sick she stepped closer laying a hand on his arm I know things have been strained but I really think we

can he jerked away from her touch don't don't what don't touch me His voice was low dangerous don't pretend you care don't act like anything you say matters anymore I do care tears filled her eyes whatever you think what I think he laughed harshly no Romi this isn't about what I think this is about what I know before she could respond Emma's voice called from upstairs Mom I need help with my science project Romy hesitated torn between her daughter's call and the conversation go gayen turned away your daughter needs you you Didn't miss how she

flinched at the emphasis on your the first package from Davidson arrived a week later inside were photos dozens of them Tate and Ry meeting for lunch at secluded restaurants entering hotels kissing in parked cars the time stamps went back years one photo showed them at the park where Galen had proposed another caught them leaving the hotel where he and Romy had spent their honeymoon each image was a deliberate desecration of his memories Galen spread them across his office desk arranging them chronologically a timeline of betrayal documented in full color his phone buzzed with a text

from Romy dinner with your parents tonight your mom's been asking about you he looked at the photos again there was one from their anniversary dinner last year while he'd waited at the restaurant for an hour believing Romy was stuck in court she'd been in a hotel with Tate sounds great he texted back I'll pick up One on the way home the family dinner was an exercise in self-control Galen watched his parents do on Emma and Lucas their grandchildren but not really their grandchildren watch Tate play the role of loving Uncle while stealing glances at Romy

across the table more potatoes dear his mother passed the bowl to Romy you're looking thin lately are you eating enough just busy with work Romy replied smoothing her napkin big case coming up all you two do is work his Father grumbled cutting into his roast beef what are you giving us more grandchildren galen's Fork clattered against his plate actually I've been thinking about family lately oh his mother brightened yeah Galen took a slow sip of wine savoring the moment about Legacy blood what we pass on to our children he saw Romy and Tate exchange quick

glances speaking of children Galen continued his voice deceptively casual Remember that genetic testing kit you got me for Christmas Mom I finally used it found out some fascinating things about our family history the color drained from Tate's face ry's hand trembled as she reached for her water glass really his mother leaned forward interested like what oh just some surprising connections galen's smile was razor sharp did you know that genetic traits can skip Generations sometimes the most interesting features come from Unexpected sources Galen Tate's voice held a warning something wrong brother Galen tilted his head you

look pale not feeling well I think I should go Tate stood abruptly early meeting tomorrow but you haven't had dessert their mother protested I made your favorite apple pie another time take kissed her cheek carefully avoiding galen's gaze thanks for dinner mom later that night Ry confronted him in their bedroom what are you doing getting ready for bed gayen Pulled back the covers with precise movements unless you'd rather I sleep in the guest room again that comment about genetic testing bothered you he turned to face her why would that bother you Romy got something to

hide Galen please she stepped closer reaching for him whatever you think you know he caught her wrist before she could touch him don't we need to talk about this no we need to talk about this 8 years ago his grip tightened slightly before you let My brother you before you passed his children office is mine ROM's face went white how did you DNA doesn't lie he released her wrist neither do hotel receipts phone records or surveillance photos I know everything Romy Every Lie every betrayal every time you made me look like a fool the children

are Tates the words burned his throat did you laugh about it you and him how stupid I was raising his kids while he played Uncle it wasn't like that tears spilled Ped down her cheeks we never meant to get caught galen's laugh was harsh well you did and now you get to live with the consequences what are you going to do he studied her tear stained face to face he' loved for 15 years the face that had lied to him every single day you remember our first date his voice was soft dangerous when you said

honesty was the most important thing in a relationship gayen I believed you every word every promise Every Lie he stepped closer watching her shrink back you and Tate built this perfect little fantasy world where you could have everything my name my money my devotion while behind my back did you think I'd never find out that I just keep playing my part in your sick game it's not that simple she whispered the children don't you dare use them as Shields his voice cracked like a whip you didn't think about them when you were destroying their family

when you Were letting them call their father uncle for8 years we can work this out she pleaded for their sake there is no working this out his eyes were cold get out of my room this is our room nothing in this house is yours anymore get out the next morning gayen met with his lawyer Miranda Chun in her downtown office I want everything documented he told her sliding the envelope of evidence across her desk the affair the paternity fraud all of it I want custody Arrangements drawn up that acknowledge the biological truth while protecting my

legal rights as the children's father of record Miranda reviewed the photos and DNA results her expression growing Grimmer This is complicated the DNA tests prove paternity but you've been a legal father for8 years there are precedents I don't care about precedents galen's voice was steel I care about making them pay every legal Avenue every possible angle I want them destroyed Professionally financially socially everything Revenge won't make this hurt less no Galen stood looking out over the city skyline but it will make them hurt more can you do it Miranda sighed yes but are you sure

this is how you want to handle it a quiet divorce would let them save face keep their reputations he turned back to her they don't deserve that Mercy he spent the next week planning every detail had to be perfect ry's birthday was approaching the Perfect stage for his Revelation he made dinner reservations at lame Zone her favorite restaurant invited family and close friends let her think he was trying to repair their marriage meanwhile he compiled everything photos DNA results hotel receipts phone records a complete documentation of their betrayal he had it professionally bound with copies

for everyone who would attend the dinner Tate tried calling several times gay let it go to voicemail Come on bro talk to me things feel weird lately whatever's wrong we can fix it call me back fix it as if 8 years of Lies could be fixed with a phone call the kids noticed the tension despite his best efforts to Shield them why don't you and Mom talk anymore Emma asked one night as he tucked her in Galen smooth her hair dark like Tates how had he not seen it sometimes grown-ups have problems they need to

work through are you getting divorced like Katie's Parents the question hit him like a punch to the gut I don't know princess but I want you to remember something no matter what happens I love you and Lucas more than anything that will never change even if you and Mom don't love each other anymore even then he kissed her forehead fighting back tears you and Lucas are the best things in my life nothing will ever change that later alone in his study Galen reviewed the guest list for 's birthday dinner their Closest friends her law Partners

both their families all the people whose good opinion they valued most his phone buzzed with a text from Romy thank you for planning my birthday dinner it means a lot he stared at the message imagining her face when he exposed her lies in front of everyone they knew would she cry beg try to deny it you deserve it he typed back after all these years you deserve exactly what's coming she sent back a heart emoji he deleted the Conversation another text came through this time from Tate hey bro about dinner Saturday can we talk first

please galen's reply was Swift nothing to talk about see you at the party he set his phone down and pulled out the bound evidence packets running his fingers over the emboss covers everything was ready in 3 days he would destroy the elaborate fiction they'd built no more lies no more pretending just cold hard truth and the consequences that came With it his brother his wife his children who weren't really his they' taken everything from him now he would take everything from them the evening of romy's birthday arrived under a blood red sunset that painted La

zon's windows in Crimson shadows in his home office gayen adjusted his charcoal silk tie in the mirror each movement precise and calculated the bound folders of evidence sat in his leather briefcase 8 years of lies and betrayal documented in clinical Detail his phone buzzed another desperate text from Tate please call me before dinner we need to talk Galen deleted it without responding let him sweat dad Lucas appeared in the doorway struggling with his own tie his small fingers Tangled in the blue silk the same shade as the tie Tate had worn to galen's wedding can

you help galen's hands stilled the boy wore the navy suit they' bought for his school pictures his dark hair Tate's hair neatly combed Every feature that had once brought Joy now twisted like a knife in his gut come here buddy he knelt down fixing the tie with practice movements The Familiar routine felt surreal knowing what was to come there perfect Lucas beamed up at him like yours exactly like mine Galen forced a smile you look very handsome why do we have to dress up it's just dinner it's a special night gayen smoothed the boy's collar

memorizing the moment everything would change after Tonight your mom's birthday deserves a celebration Emma appeared behind her brother wearing the emerald dress Romy had bought her last week her dark curls were pulled back with a matching ribbon highlighting how much she looked like her mother like her real father mom's crying in her room she reported twisting her hands together a nervous gesture she'd inherited from Rome me she's been in there forever galen's jaw tightened is she she said their happy tears Emma's Brow furrowed because you planned this party for her because things are getting better

if she only knew go finish getting ready he told them his voice carefully controlled we leave in 20 minutes can I bring my Nintendo switch Lucas asked hopefully not tonight this is a fancy restaurant but I'll be bored trust me gayen muttered under his breath bre as the kids left entertainment won't be a problem he found Romy in their bedroom dabbing at her eyes with a Tissue she wore the black designer dress he'd given her last Christmas her honey blonde hair swept up in an elegant twist that exposed her neck the diamond necklace he bought

for their 10th anniversary glittered against her skin you look beautiful he said from the doorway his voice neutral she turned hope shining in her tear Bright Eyes gayen thank you for this for trying to fix things for giving us another chance don't thank me yet his smile held no Warmth the nights just beginning I know we have a lot to work through she started taking a step toward him but this means everything to me that you're willing to try are the kids ready he cut her off stepping back before she could touch him we don't

want to be late the drive to l zone was quiet broken only by the kids chatter about the fancy restaurant in the passenger seat Romy kept stealing glances at him her expression a mix of Hope and uncertainty Galen kept his eyes fixed on the road his knuckles white on the steering wheel will there be cake Lucas asked from the back seat of course there will be cake Emma replied with all the authority of an 8-year-old it's a birthday party more like a wake gayen thought grimly the private dining room was already half full when they

arrived ry's law Partners stood near the bar champagne flutes in hand their closest friends clustered around the elegantly set tables both Sets of parents had arrived early eager to celebrate what they thought was a marriage on the men Tate stood by the bar nursing a scotch his designer suit couldn't hide the tension in his shoulders the way his eyes darted nervously between Galen and Romy happy birthday sis he stepped forward to hug Romy carefully avoiding galen's gaze his voice was too loud too cheerful you look amazing thanks Tate ry's Smile wavered as she glanced at

Galen you didn't have To come of course I came it's family the word hung in the air like poison their mother swooped in gathering the kids close Emma Lucas come sit by Grandma don't you both look grown up in your fancy clothes Lucas that suit makes you look just like your father when he was your age galen's Laugh was sharp enough to draw stairs funny you should say that Mom what do you mean nothing just genetic resemblance is fascinating isn't it Tate's face went pale before he could Respond the waiter arrived to take drink orders

gayen watched it all unfold like a scene in a play the Happy Family the devoted brother the loving wife all lies about to come crashing down he waited until the appetizers were served until everyone was settled comfortably into their false security welcome everyone he stood raising his glass the crystal caught the light throwing rainbow prisms across the white tablecloth thank you for coming tonight to celebrate my Wife's birthday Romy smiled up at HIM Tears threatening again her hand reached for his under the table he moved his away before we begin he continued his voice carrying

clearly through the quiet room I'd like to say a few words about family about trust about the bonds that tie us together or should I say the lies that bind us the room grew still conversations died mids sentence Tate's hand tightened on his glass until his knuckles went white 15 years ago I'm Married the woman I thought was the love of my life galen's voice was steady each word measured and sharp eight years ago we were blessed with our first child 6 years ago our second a perfect family at least that's what I believed Galen

ry's voice shook please not here not here he smiled cold and hard where then when after another 8 years of Lies what's going on his father demanded I'm getting to that Dad Galen reached for his briefcase I recently made some Interesting discoveries about my perfect family would you like to know what I found brother Tate half Rose from his chair Panic clear on his face face this isn't the place sit down galen's voice cracked like a whip you played your part long enough time for the truth he pulled out the bound folders beginning to pass

them around the table the heavy cream paper whispered against the tablecloth like accusations inside these packets you'll find proof of a betrayal that Spans nearly a decade DNA tests surveillance photos hotel receipts phone records everything documented the affair between my wife and my brother gasps echoed around the table ry's mother covered her mouth with Trembling Hands her father's face turned an alarming shade of purple but wait Galen continued his smile sharp as broken glass there's more the DNA test revealed something else something that proves this betrayal goes deeper than just an affair he Turned to

his parents watching their faces as realization dawned Mom Dad those grandchildren you've been doting on they're not mine they're Tates the room erupted in chaos his mother burst into tears collapsing against his father's shoulder ROM's father stood so quickly his chair toppled backward with a crash that made everyone jump what lies are these ry's father roared how dare you open the folder Richard galen's voice was Ice see for yourself every Test verified by three separate Labs every photo timestamped and authenticated every receipt every record it's all there in black and white in the corner Emma

and Lucas stared with wide confused eyes Emma's lower lip trembled mommy Lucas's voice was small why is everyone yelling how could you his father's voice shook with rage as he rounded on Tate your own brother your own flesh and blood dad I can explain Tate started rising from his chair Explain what Galen cut in Savage satisfaction coursing through him at his brother's obvious distress how you my wife how you watch me raise your children how you sat at Sunday dinners playing Uncle while knowing the truth the children don't need to hear this Romy pleaded reaching

for Emma and Lucas please let me take them out the children need the truth Galen slammed his hand on the table making the Crystal Water glasses jump they need to know their Mother is a and their uncle is their real father that's enough Tate lung forward fist clenched you've made your point my point Galen laughed the sound harsh and bitter my point is that you're both pathetic cowards who built your happiness on my pain every smile every touch every moment of the past 8 years has been a lie he turned to the gathered crowd spread

spreading his arms wide look at them the perfect power couple and the successful younger Brother she makes partner at her law firm while screwing her brother-in-law he plays the doting Uncle while watching another man raise his kids aren't they wonderful aren't they just brilliant stop it Emma screamed tears streaming down her face stop yelling daddy Lucas's voice trembled what's happening the Small Voice cut through galen's rage he looked at the children children his children even if not by Blood and saw their tears their Confusion their world shattering just as his hat I'm sorry he told

them softly kneeling between their chairs I'm sorry you have to learn the truth this way but I won't lie to you like they did you deserve better than lies we never meant to hurt you Romy whispered mascara tracking down her cheeks any of you we just it got so complicated liar he spat the word you meant to keep lying forever you meant for me to die never knowing the truth tell me Romy how long were you Going to wait to tell the kids were you ever going to tell them or were you going to let

them find out like I did by accident their friends began to leave murmuring awkward excuses ry's law Partners exchange significant looks tomorrow her perfect professional reputation would be in tatters the managing partner's face was thunderous as he gathered his coat I filed for divorce gayen announced to the remaining family members his voice ringing through The nearly empty room I've also filed for custody the children may not be mine biologically but I've been their father for 8 years that's more than you can say he glared at Tate you can't take them Romy protested her voice breaking

they're my children our children Tate interjected shut up Romy rounded on him you don't get to claim them now not after all these years of Silence watch me galen's smile was cold I have excellent lawyers and now thanks to this Lovely dinner I have witnesses to your adultery and deception shall we discuss character Witnesses how many people in this room would testify to your Fitness as a mother now his mother stepped forward tears streaming down her face gayen please think about what you're doing think about the children I am thinking about the children I'm thinking

about how their mother and Uncle betray betrayed them just as much as they betrayed me I'm thinking about how they Deserve truth instead of Lies but this public spectacle is exactly what they deserve he turned to face her your precious younger son betrayed his brother in the worst possible way are you going to defend him make excuses tell me to forgive and forget no but Dash then we have nothing to discuss he moved to where Emma and Lucas huddled together come on kids we're going home but Mom Emma started your mother needs time to think

about what she's done he Held out his hands let's go you can't just take them Romy lung forward watch me unless you want to add a scene to tonight's entertainment he raised an eyebrow I'm sure the restaurant staff would love more drama to gossip about as he led them from the restaurant he heard romy's sobs behind him good Let Her Cry let her feel a fraction of the pain she caused him in the car Luc has turned his tear stained face up is Uncle Tate really our dad yes no point lying now But it doesn't

change how I feel about you both of you you're my children no matter what any test says do we have to stop calling you dad never he met Emma's eyes in the rearview mirror I'm your father in every way that matters that's one truth they can't take away the next few months were a blur of legal battles and custody hearings galen's evidence combined with the public scene at the birthday dinner gave him significant leverage ry's infidelity and deception Worked against her in court Tate's sudden claim to paternity after 8 years of Silence held little weit

your brother's claiming psychological trauma prevented him from speaking up sooner his lawyer Miranda reported during one meeting says he was afraid of losing his family connection funny how that fear didn't stop him from my wife gayen replied coldly how are we countering it with 8 years of documented deception no judge is going to look Kindly on a man who willingly let another man raise his children while playing uncle in the end Galen won primary custody Romy was granted supervised visitation twice a month Tate was ordered to pay child support but given no legal rights his

years of willing deception counted heavily against him Galen moved them to a new house across town away from the memories a fresh start in a Spanish style home with a pool and a treehouse Emma and Lucas started new schools slowly they began to heal one evening as he helped Emma with her math homework at the kitchen table she asked do you hate mom and Uncle Tate gayen said down his pen considering his answer carefully I hate what they did they hurt a lot of people with their lies but do you hate them I don't hate

them he said finally I nothing them they don't exist for me anymore mom's been calling Emma said quietly she wants to know if we can have Dinner soon that's up to you princess the judge said you can see her if you want to I don't know if I want to Emma's voice wavered everything's different now different doesn't always mean worse he squeeze her shoulder we'll figure it out together later that night after the kids were in bed gayen sat in his study looking at an old family photo they looked so happy so perfect Ry smiled

bright and loving Tate's arm around them both the kids beaming at the camera all Lies tomorrow he take it down box it away with the other remnants of his old life but for now he studied The Smiling Faces the deception behind every smile the Betrayal behind every Embrace his phone lit up with a text from Tate the kid's birthday is next month please let me see them gayen deleted it without responding let him suffer let him feel the emptiness of knowing his children were out there unreachable let him understand what it was to lose Everything

they taken his trust his marriage his faith in family they'd Stolen Years he could never get back memories now tainted by lies but he'd taken everything in return romy's reputation was in shambles her law partnership hanging by a thread the Scandal had cost her several major clients and Whispers followed her through the courthouse corridors her Perfect Image as a powerful female partner was forever tarnished Tate Wasn't fairing any better their father had cut him out of the family business refusing to work with a son who could betray his own brother their mother still cried at

family gatherings which Tate was no longer invited to attend a knock at his study door interrupted his thoughts dad Lucas stood there in his pajamas clutching his stuffed dinosaur I had a bad dream Galen set the photo aside come here buddy Lucas climbed into his lap small and warm and trusting it Was about Mom and uncle about Tate want to talk about it they were trying to take me and Emma away Lucas's voice quavered they said we weren't really yours galen's arms tightened around his son listen to me Lucas you and Emma are mine in

every way that matters blood doesn't make a father love does taking care of you being there for you teaching you protecting you that's what makes a father but Tate Tate may have given you his DNA but he gave up any right to be Your father when he chose to lie when he watched someone else raise his children and did nothing that's not what a real father does mom wants us to call him dad now Lucas's voice was small when we see her she keeps saying he's our real father anger flared in galen's chest is that

what happened at your last visitation Lucas nodded against his chest I'll have Miranda handle it Galen stroked his son's hair you don't have to call him anything you don't want to and You don't have to see your mom if she's going to pressure you like that I miss how things were before Lucas sniffled when we were happy I know buddy I miss it too gayen rocked him gently but sometimes things have to break before they can get better like when you broke your arm last year it hurt but it healed stronger are we going to

be stronger we already are gayen kissed the top of his head want to sleep in my room tonight Lucas nodded and gayen carried him down The hall Emma was already there curled up on what used to be romy's side of the bed bad dreams he asked her couldn't sleep she mumbled he tucked Lucas in beside her watching as the kids instinctively curled toward each other for Comfort they'd always been close but the past months had strengthened their bond even more the next morning Galen called Miranda ry's pushing the kids to call Tate dad during visitation

he reported I want it stopped I'll follow Motion Miranda's voice was crisp any other issues yeah I want her visitation reduced if she can't respect boundaries the kids are already traumatized enough I'll handle it how are they doing otherwise better their therapist says they're processing things as well as can be expected gayen sigh Emma's grades are back up Lucas has sto having anxiety attacks at school that's good and you I'm fine gayen Miranda's voice softened slightly it's okay not to be fine I Don't have time not to be fine he straightened his spine the kids

need me after hanging up he found Emma in the kitchen making toast for her brother hey princess ready for school she nodded carefully spreading peanut butter dad can I ask you something always are you ever going to forgive them gayen studied his daughter's face so like Ry yet with Tate's eyes but behind those features was a soul he'd helped shape a person he'd raised with love and care no He said finally some things can't be forgiven but that doesn't mean we can't be happy again mom says she still loves you your mother loves herself galen's

voice was firm she loved the life we had the image we projected but R love doesn't lie real love doesn't betray Emma was quiet for a moment spreading more peanut butter I'm glad you're our dad the real one I mean not like Tate me too princess he kissed the top of her head me too the days turn into weeks Then months the divorce was finalized the custody Arrangements set in stone gayen threw himself into rebuilding their lives New Traditions new memories new patterns that didn't include Romy or Tate he got the occasional update through mutual

friends Romy had taken a position at a smaller firm her career prospects dimmed by Scandal Tate had moved to another state his attempts to establish a relationship with the children rebuffed by both the courts and The kids themselves their mother still tried to broke her peace to encourage forgiveness they've suffered enough she pleaded during one phone call the children need both parents they have both parents Galen Cut Her Off they have me and they have supervised visits with their mother that's more than either of them deserves but Tay is dead to me and if you

keep pushing this you won't see the kids either she didn't bring it up again one year after the birthday dinner Revelation Galen sat in his study looking at College brochures for Emma she was only nine but he believed in planning ahead Lucas's latest art project hung on the wall a family portrait showing just the three of them happy and complete his phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number Tate had changed his contact information again I know you hate me but please let me be part of their lives they're my blood galen's reply was

Swift and final blood Doesn't make a father loyalty does truth does love does you had your chance you chose lies live with it he blocked the number and turned back to the college brochures the past was done the lies were exposed the truth had set them free even if Freedom came with scars they'd taken everything from he'd taken everything back and he'd never forgive them that was his truth his Justice his peace