[Blythe Thom]

It took me several attempts, but now I'm here, face to face, showing that test to Himchan. He's not alone, actually: he has brought Daegwang with him. I don't know if this comes as further reassurance, or more trouble. If Ryan finds out, Hell will break loose.

"Guys, at last you're here! Look, I'd tell myself to make it quick, but, since it's a life or death matter, I'll let you take time to process it." My hands shake as I pick the large yellow envelope from the dinner table. I've left it there for two hours, waiting for the right moment to show it.

I hand it to Himchan. "Open it, and you'll see for yourself how dangerous it is."

He does as I ask and reads the papers. I explain, "Ryan insisted I did a DNA test on the kids. Everything looks fine for Ariana." Both Himchan and Daegwang are shocked and at loss for words.

"What about Ava?" asks the latter.

"Well... I think you should read it yourselves. I can't explain." I feel like passing out. It's like I'm trapped in a maze made of bricks of walls with no exit. I'm losing my breath.

Himchan speaks up, his voice turning graver. "It says there's 99% of compatibility with..." He gulps, before pronouncing the fateful name. "Daegwang." He turns to his brother. "I'm sorry... I don't know what to say."

Daegwang has a hard time keeping himself from banging his head against the table. He just mutters. "Fuck. Fuck! How the fuck is this possible? There has to be a mistake, a mix-up! I-"

I interrupt him before he hurts himself. "I know, you need some time to process this news. To be fair, I don't even know how they got to recognize your DNA. So, I understand your shock."

Daegwang can't control his anger. "This has to be fake! Blythe, you know how much I care about you. But, if this is a joke, it's not a good one! Who the fuck had access to my DNA? Definitely not Himchan—he isn't a creep!"

Himchan retorts. "You said it perfectly, Daegwang. I'm not a creep, and I'm not sure what whoever took your saliva, sperm or whatever the fuck it is to manipulate it and use to create such an abomination." Unlike Daegwang, he's calmer and more lucid. "You've got to take this to authorities, Blythe. That test can get all of us in serious trouble, especially with Ryan."

He's right. I have to keep my head up high and show I'm not afraid of this curveball life has thrown at me. I'll go to the police before Ryan can find out and, possibly, freak out. He isn't in a good state of mind between tension with his colleagues and the eventuality of losing his job due to a planned cut on workforce.

"Okay. I'm going to the police now. Then, I'm dining out with Ryan at 8pm. I'll call the babysitter to see if she can watch the girls for the night." This plan should be easy to enact: I hand the fake test to trusted authorities for them to examine while keeping the procedure secret and not having Ryan suspect anything.

Well, it isn't exactly the walk in the park I've thought it'd be. My husband is already back. He turns his attentions to the girls, in a whirlwind of hugs, kisses and laughter. I see pure happiness in their eyes. So, who am I to ruin everything?

I take advantage of general distraction to hand the test to Himchan. It's for the better. He and Daegwang have way more to lose; however, because of that, they're a lot more daring than me. Plus, they're people I can count on in struggles like this.

I plaster my fakest smile on my face as Ryan notices I haven't got ready for dinner yet. I justify myself. "Oh, sorry, I was about to call Sophie for the night, but then Himchan and Daegwang came to visit... They really caught me by surprise!" I tremble. Ryan knows I'm not a good liar and has always caught me redhanded whenever I told him a single lie. Why should this time be an exception?

Of course, he notices the envelope. Even though Himchan holds it, this is still enough for my husband to be suspicious. "What's that?" he asks. Unlike me, Himchan manages to maintain a perfect poker face. His lips never quiver, his stare is fixed on Ryan.

"Mind your business, Ryan. Aren't you supposed to focus on your wife?" Ryan doesn't retreat. He doesn't like the Sim siblings, but I think the reason why is stupid. I suspect he's jealous, but he has no reason to be.

"Excuse me? Blythe, who told you inviting them is a good idea?" I shake my head, unimpressed at Ryan's lack of manners. If he thinks I'll snub my guests just because he wants me to, he's wrong. He, however, continues, turning at Himchan and Daegwang with contempt. "You two, get out! Now! Otherwise, I'll call the cops."

It takes less than a minute before the brothers leave the house in a rush, as if they were burglars who are seconds away from being caught. I want to dig a deep hole and sink in. Once again, Ryan has embarrassed me with his hateful behavior, full of prejudice and disrespect towards two friends of mine.

I yell at him. "Why do you always have to be like that? I thought you'd finally learn to stop being so pressing when it comes to them. Your jealousy hurts me!"

He snaps back. "Me, me, me! Do you listen to yourself? How can you still be that self absorbed? Those two are hiding something, and you're protecting them. Admit it!"

"No way!"

"You know what? The dinner is cancelled! You're staying here with your kids for once!" What the fuck does he mean? Does he plan to weasel out of parenting over a simple visit by Himchan and Daegwang? Has anyone already told him in advance about the test?

He storms out without even saying goodbye. Fuck him. If he wants to act like a spineless coward, he can ask for a divorce and get out of mine and the girls' lives forever. But he has to pay for that. He can't always have his way.

Even though Ryan has ruined our plans, I don't feel like staying at home. I need to clear my mind. I think I'll take the girls out for a few hours. It's for the better; plus, Ariana has been pestering me to take her to that new pizza parlor two blocks away from home for the last three days.

Before I get the girls ready, however, I find time to send Himchan a concerned text message. 'Please do what you have to do ASAP. Ryan stormed out. If you don't pay attention, he'll make sure to get you and Daegwang isolated.'

He answers immediately, much to my surprise. 'Fuck that manchild. He can't bully us out of town. Tell me if you need help finding a divorce lawyer.'

'No, don't worry. I think I can handle him for now. I'll only consider divorce as an extreme measure.'

'Okay. You do you. But still keep in mind what we talked about. Good night.'

I stuff my phone in my bag, promising myself I won't look at it for the rest of the night. My focus is now on my daughters. They're the most precious people in my life, and I can't disappoint them.