Chapter 140

Susan

I never expected a single envelope would change everything.

For most of my life, I never questioned my place in this world. I knew I was adopted, but it never truly bothered me. My parents loved me, I had a good life, and any questions I might have had about my biological family faded as I grew older. But now, holding this DNA test in my trembling hands, I realize how naïve I was.

This isn’t just about curiosity anymore. This is about identity.

I stare at the words again.

‘99.9% Genetic Match – Kelly Brook and Susan (Birth Name Unknown): Identical Twins’

Identical? Not just related. Not cousins. Not half-sisters. But twins. I stare at the envelope again, half expecting what I had seen to change, but it doesn’t.

A shaky breath leaves my lips as my mind spirals. How did this even happen? How did I grow up thinking I was alone in the world when I had a twin all along?  And the worst part? Kelly has no idea.

My heartbeat pounds against my ribs as I fold the paper back into the envelope, shoving it into my bag. How do I even tell her? Do I just walk in and say, Hey, we’ve been sisters all along, surprise!? No, that sounds insane.

My fingers dig into my palms as I try to calm myself. But I do have to tell her. Because if I don’t… who will?

…….

By the time I pulled up to Kelly’s house, my stomach is in knots. Kelly is already going through so much, finding out she and Kate weren’t related, and the endless questions about the will and so on.

Would she even have space in her life for this revelation?  I step out of my car and walk toward the front door, my legs feeling like lead. I knock twice.

A moment later, the door swings open.

Kelly stands there, exhausted. Her usually sharp, confident presence seems dimmed. Dark circles rest under her eyes, and she’s still in the same casual sweater from earlier today.

She sighs, leaning against the doorframe. "What now?"

I swallow hard, suddenly unsure. Maybe this isn’t the right time.  But when will it ever be?

"Can we talk?" My voice barely comes out.

Kelly eyes me, her gaze unreadable. After a pause, she steps aside.

"Fine. But make it quick."

I step inside, my nerves fraying.

The living room is dimly bright, the soft glow of the fireplace casting long shadows. A glass of untouched wine sits on the coffee table.

She moves to the couch but doesn’t sit, crossing her arms instead.

"What is it, Susan?"

I take a deep breath, my fingers tightening around my bag strap.

"I did something," I finally say.

She raises an eyebrow. "That’s vague."

"I ran a DNA test," I say, voice barely audible.

Silence. Kelly’s entire body stills.

"What?"

I force myself to keep going.

"I tested my DNA… and yours."

She doesn’t react at first. Then, her eyes narrow. Like she couldn’t understand why I would do a DNA of us.

"Why would you do that?" She said, finally sitting on the couch.

I swallow the lump in my throat.

"Because I had to know," I whisper.

“Had to know what?” She asked, her eyes wide.

Another heavy silence. I slowly pull out the envelope and slide it onto the table.  Kelly doesn’t touch it, she just stares at it.

Then, finally, her fingers curl around the edge, lifting the paper out.  Her eyes scan the words. I watch her closely, waiting for the moment she understands. And then, it happens.

The room is dead silent. Kelly reads it again, and again. Her fingers tighten around the paper.

"Wait" The word slips out in a whisper. Then, louder. "No, this has to be wrong."

She shakes her head violently. Like she wants to deny it but can’t.

"This is a mistake," she mutters. "This is wrong."

She presses her fingers against her temple like she’s trying to physically push the thought away.

"We’re not twins. That’s not possible."

I step forward. "Kelly—"

She suddenly throws the paper across the room.

"NO!" she shouts.

The wine glass shatters as it topples off the table.

"THIS IS A LIE!"

I flinch, but I don’t move. She turns away, pacing in frantic circles. Her breathing is erratic.

"If we’re twins… if we’re twins…" Her voice breaks.

I see it in her face, she’s tired of everything. A lot had been happening lately, and I couldn’t blame her for having such reactions.

"Everything I ever knew about my life, my family seems to be lies! They’re all lies!"

I swallow, my throat dry.

"Kelly… I don’t know how this happened, but—"

"WHO AM I EVEN, AT THIS POINT?” she screams, and her voice echoes.

She suddenly stops moving. Her shoulders shake.

She presses her hands against her face, and then, she starts crying. Not soft, quiet tears, but full-body, gut-wrenching sobs. Like she’s breaking.

I step forward, but I don’t know if she wants comfort. I don’t know what to do, so I just stand there. Helpless.

Kelly suddenly lifts her head, her expression has changed.  She looks at me, her eyes wild with realization.

"If we’re twins…" she whispers.

I nod slowly.

Her lips tremble. "Then where the hell have you been my entire life?"

Silence. Then, her voice hardens.

"Who took you from me?"

I feel a chill run down my spine. Because I don’t have the answer, I stlll can’t wrap my head how on real this was.

She grips the back of the chair, her knuckles white.

"What If someone did this on purpose…" she said her voice calm.

She looks up, her expression dark.

"If someone did this on purpose, they’re going to regret it."

I didn’t know what to say, I sat down again, rubbing my temples. And for the first time in my life, I wonder, was this secret hidden for a reason?

And what happens now that it’s out?