Chapter 3 Proof of Paternity

The days that followed my run-in with Elan were hazy with doubt and dread. I made an effort to keep my attention on my task, on taking care of the developing life inside of me, but I couldn't help but think back to that incident in his office. I was tormented by the shock and dismay in his eyes.

After a week, I received a message from him. When I heard his voice, my heart sprang into my throat and my phone buzzed with an unfamiliar call.

"Jade," Elan uttered in a formal tone. "I've been considering our current circumstance. A paternity test is what I want."

I forcefully swallowed, attempting to maintain my composure. "Obviously. I recognize."

"My attorney will follow up on the specifics," he said. "There's one more thing."

"What is it?"

With a brace, I asked.

"I need a contract signed by you. Should the test demonstrate that I am not the father, you'll pay me $10,000 for the inconvenience and damage to my reputation."

It seemed as though someone had smacked me. "$10,000? I can't afford that, Elan."

He stated icily, "Then you must be very sure of your claim." "The papers will be sent over by my lawyer. Jade, good day."

The phone connection cut out, leaving me there in my small apartment with my shaking hand gripping the phone. Inside me, hurt and anger were at odds. How could he? Was he thinking I was lying to get to know him better?

But there was a glimmer of uncertainty beneath the rage. What if the test yielded a negative result? Was that not possible? It had only been few months since my encounter with Elan. But in the unlikely event that it wasn't his...

Grasping my still-flat tummy with my hands, I fell onto my couch. murmuring, "It's okay, little one,"

"We'll figure this out."

A messenger showed on the following day with a large envelope. There was a pile of legal documents inside, so much legalese that it was making my head spin. Scared, I dialed Imogen.

When she came, I said, "He wants me to sign this contract." "If he's not the father, I have to pay him ten grand!"

Imogen looked over the papers, her eyes widening. "This is serious, Jade. We have to find a lawyer for you."

I murmured, "I can't afford a lawyer," as desperation began to seep into my voice. "I can barely afford rent."

She gave my hand a squeeze. "After that, we'll track out someone who can assist pro bono. This cannot be signed without legal counsel."

We identified a tiny legal firm willing to review the contract with Imogen's assistance. The attorney, a gentle-looking woman called Maria, scowled while she read.

She remarked, "This is pretty one-sided." "What happens if he is the father is not specified. Furthermore, the financial penalty is exorbitant.

"Can we negotiate?" I enquired.

Maria gave a nod. "We could attempt. Permit me to write a counterproposal.

The ensuing weeks were filled with a rush of court cases. Despite strong pressure from Elan's attorneys, Maria remained firm. We finally came to a consensus. The financial stakes were reduced to a more bearable level, but the paternity test would still go ahead. And Elan would have to provide for them financially if he was found to be the father.

My anxieties were getting really frazzled as the test day drew near. Although I was certain of the outcome, the weight of the situation and the possibility of it changing my life was too much to bear.

The actual testing procedure was very easy. With a fast cheek swab and a vial of blood, it was finished. The most difficult aspect now was to wait.

Two weeks passed slowly. I lost myself in my profession, taking on more freelance work as a diversion. However, my pulse would rush each time my phone buzzed because I thought the results would be in.

At last, the call arrived on a soggy Tuesday afternoon. Maria was speaking, her tone controlled and businesslike.

"Jade, I have the results of the paternity test," she said. "Are you somewhere private?"

I hid in a conference room that was vacant at the co-working facility I had been utilizing. "I am by myself, yes. What does it state?

A lull that seemed to last forever occurred. Following that: "The test confirms with 99.9% certainty that Elan McWell is the biological father of your child."

I collapsed into a chair, a sense of relief overtaking me. I managed to utter, my voice choking with emotion, "Thank you."

"I'll let Mr. McWell's attorneys know," Maria added. "We'll need to discuss next steps regarding support and custody arrangements."

I forgot she couldn't see me as I nodded.

"Obviously. Maria, thank you. For everything."

Immediately after I hung up, I called Imogen. She gave out a pleased whoop when I told her the good news. She exclaimed, "I knew it!" Now that arrogant guy is unable to refute it. How will you proceed?"

"I'm not sure," I answered. I guess we'll have to work something out. Imogen, it's actually happening, my goodness. I'm going to have a child. Elan's infant."

It all suddenly seemed real to me. It was more than just proving Elan wrong or getting the money together. Here was a little life developing inside of me, a child in need of love and care as well as two parents who could at the very least treat one other with civility.

I had no time to think about it. My phone rang again in less than an hour. Elan was the one. "With a tightly controlled voice, he said, "I assume you've heard."

"Yes," I answered, at a loss for words.

He let out a deep sigh. "We must speak. personally. Could you visit my workplace early tomorrow morning?"

I nodded, and the next day I was back in the massive Morris Group headquarters. But this time, Elan's office was the first place I was led to.

His shiny façade cracked slightly as he appeared fatigued. With a gesture toward a chair, he murmured, "Please sit down."

I sank into the opulent leather seat and peered warily at him. Before he spoke, he took a time to pace behind his desk.

Finally meeting my gaze, he added, "I owe you an apology." "I was wrong to have mistrusted you. or made an attempt to scare you by using that contract."

I nodded, acknowledging what he had spoken but not quite willing to forgive. "What happens now?" I enquired.

With his elbows resting on the desk, Elan took a seat and leaned forward. "We now work out how to accomplish this. Jade, I will not abdicate my obligations. However, this is... complicated. My situation and way of living don't support parenthood."

"Elan, I'm not requesting to be married," I stated with a tone of sarcasm. "But this child deserves to know their father."

He slowly nodded. "You're right. I simply need some time to get used to the concept to determine how to make things function."

Hope flickered in my mind. It was just the beginning; it wasn't a vow of love or a happily ever after. "We've got roughly seven months," I answered, forcing a tiny grin. "That's plenty of time to figure things out.

Elan's mouth quirked into what appeared to be a ghostly smile. "I guess you're correct." After a moment, he inquired, "How are you feeling? Is everything alright?"

It surprised me that someone asked. It was the first time he had expressed concern for my health or the actual pregnancy. I said, "I'm okay."

"Morning sickness isn't fun, but the doctor says everything looks good so far."

He nodded, appearing a little uneasy. "All right. That's... well. He gave a throat clearing. "I will have a support agreement drafted by my team. Tell me if you need anything in the interim, including supplements or doctor's appointments."

I said, "Thank you," with a mixture of thanks and annoyance. Although I appreciated his offer of financial assistance, a part of me yearned for more – a companion on this path, emotional support.

Elan spoke again, as though reading my mind. I realize this isn't ideal, Jade. for both of us.

"However, I would like you to know that I will try my hardest to be there for our child."

"Our child". I felt a chill go down my spine at those words. That's all I'm asking for, I mumbled.

We continued our conversation for some time, talking about everyday issues like housing arrangements and doctor's appointments. Though clunky and uncomfortable, the chat was genuine and the first since that night at the club.

I had an odd mixture of feelings as I walked out of his office. Anxiety over what was ahead, relief that the uncertainty was over, and a glimmer of hope. Our story was anything from a fairy tale, and Elan was not your prince charming. However, now that life was developing inside of me, we were bonded together.

I put one palm lightly on my stomach and stepped out onto the crowded New York street. "Well, my little one," I replied, "it looks like it's going to be an interesting ride."

As I made my way home, I couldn't help but wonder what the future had in store us. Would Elan warm to the idea of fatherhood? Would we find a way to co-parent peacefully? Or would our child become a pawn in a game of power and money? I couldn't help but wonder what was ahead as I headed home.