Meeting Marie

"She wouldn't." Elena shook her head. "Your presence doesn't and would never bother her as long as you don't become a threat."

Mark nodded in acknowledgement. By now he was already used to Elena's way of speaking. Whether she was speaking her mind or giving him a warning, the entire message was clear to him.

As they both continued to eat their meal, Mark thought of a question. "What if the paternity test was for my validation?" He wanted to know what would have been her reaction and her thoughts, and he trusted that she would be honest with her answer.

"You have every right to do a paternity test with Mia after all, you never knew I was pregnant, and we didn't meet until five years later." Elena looked less concerned as she continued, "Even if it wasn't for your family, I would have accepted it. I was a stranger claiming you had a child with me."