Katelyn went back to her study, completely absorbed in her work when she heard a knock at the door.
She looked up at it and responded quietly, “Come in.”
Ashlyn entered, carrying a glass of milk, and approached Katelyn with a warm smile. “Katelyn, have some milk before bed.” She set the glass down gently in front of her.
Katelyn picked up the glass. “Thank you.” She took a sip.
Ashlyn took a seat across from Katelyn at the desk, gazed at her thoughtfully for a moment, then said, “Katelyn, there’s a favor I need to ask of you.”
Katelyn reacted with surprise before saying, “Continue.” She placed her glass down and fixed her gaze on Ashlyn, eager for her to elaborate.
After a moment of contemplation, Ashlyn said, “I need your assistance with a DNA test.”
The implication was clear to Katelyn. With a slight lift of her eyebrows, she asked gently, “Are you suggesting a test to see if you and Sophia are related?”
Realizing that she couldn’t conceal her intentions any longer, Ashlyn said, “Exactly. I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t just a coincidence.”
Katelyn leaned back in her chair, her expression contemplative, and asked, “What will you do if it turns out you are indeed sisters?” The gravity of the situation was not lost on Katelyn.
Sophia’s true identity was under scrutiny. The nature of Sophia’s past deeds and their consequences for her didn’t concern Katelyn. Should the past come to light, Sophia might face severe legal repercussions.
Ashlyn grasped the weight of Katelyn’s words. She was momentarily at a loss. Unsure of how to proceed, Ashlyn remained silent, unable to formulate a response.
Katelyn waited patiently, giving Ashlyn space to think.
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After taking a deep breath, Ashlyn said, “Regardless of the results, I’ll stay out of it. I just need to know the truth for my own peace of mind.” Her stance was clear—even if a familial connection with Sophia was established, she would not intervene. Everyone must account for their actions independently. She had no intention of meddling too much in these affairs. She just refused to remain in the dark forever.
Katelyn nodded in understanding. “Alright, I get it.” As she spoke, Katelyn opened a drawer and retrieved a blood collection kit. “Let’s start with a blood sample,” she suggested.
This approach would provide the quickest and most definitive results. Without hesitation, Ashlyn extended her arm toward Katelyn.
Katelyn proceeded to draw the blood sample.
Once she had finished, Katelyn looked at Ashlyn with a serious expression and advised, “Be sure you’re prepared for the results of this choice, or it could be distressing later.”
After all, Ashlyn and Sophia came from completely different worlds. Ashlyn grasped the gravity of Katelyn’s words and responded earnestly, “Understood.”
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