Chapter 35: The Truth Unfolds

Chapter quote

"The hardest words to say are often the ones that heal the deepest wounds."

The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the city outside. Nina, Leo, and their mother sat across from the man who had finally come back into their lives — their father.

His eyes, heavy with regret and hope, scanned the room.

"I know I've been absent," he began slowly, voice rough with years of silence. "I left when the world was too complicated, when I thought I was protecting you all. But I was wrong."

Nina's mother reached out, her hand trembling in his. "We made mistakes — mistakes born from fear, shame, and a desperate need to protect. But hiding only buried the truth deeper."

Leo looked at the man in front of him. "Why did you leave? Why did you stay away for so long?"

His father's gaze dropped. "Because the work I was involved with — the DNA research, the experiments — was dangerous. I didn't want to drag you into that world. But by running, I hurt you more than I ever realized."

Nina swallowed her rising emotions, fighting tears. "What kind of experiments? What did you do?"

He exhaled sharply. "I was part of a project trying to unlock genetic potential, to heal illnesses and maybe even alter human traits. But it was flawed. It tore families apart. You and Leo… you were part of that experiment without knowing."

Leo's voice shook. "So, the reason we are connected the way we are — it's because of that?"

His father nodded slowly. "Yes. You're full siblings, but there was something unique — a genetic bond strengthened by the experiment. I never meant for this to be a burden."

Nina's mother wiped her eyes. "We kept this secret to protect you both from the dangers that could come if it ever leaked. But now, it's time to face it, together."

The silence that followed was thick, heavy with the weight of revelations.

Nina finally spoke, her voice steady but soft. "I'm angry. At the past, at the lies… but I'm also ready to understand, to forgive."

Leo nodded. "Me too. It's a lot to take in, but we need to heal — as a family."

Her father's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Thank you, both of you. I want to make things right. I want to be part of your lives, truly."

Nina's mother smiled faintly, hope flickering. "We'll take it one step at a time."

The room felt lighter, the barriers beginning to fall.

The truth was out. The past was no longer a shadow looming over them but a foundation for a new beginning.

FADES OUT