Contract of Hearts

Chapter 5: Unraveling the Web

When they walked into the clinic for Alexander to take that court-ordered paternity test, Emily said in a whisper holding onto his arm.

A wry smile tugged at the corner of Alexander's mouth. Not so fast, Emily said. Her lawyer was going to say whatever he thought would help portray me as the bad guy, Lillian said.

In the clinic, Lillian - wearing a cherubic smile - was standing near her attorney. Tired of the bull s**t Alexander? She purred, mischief in her eyes.

She said basically, but Alexander ignored her and instead he went to this nurse that directed him room for testing. Just before Alexander turned and closed the door, Lillian's attorney stepped forward to give Emily a thick envelope.

He said with an icy voice, "There is evidence of Alexander's double-crossing in this envelope inside. You may want to sit down for this.

Her hands were shaking as she took that envelope. We will see, She replied through a steel tone.

That test went by fast, the room was tense as hell though. Alexander and Emily returned to sit in silence, anxious for answers. Hours were minutes when the doctor eventually stepped out, a paper in hand.

“Findings are very clear,” he announced. "Alexander is, in fact, the father of her child."

A shocked murmur rippled through the room. He paled at the fact, and Emily's eyes narrowed suspiciously. This all seems fishy to me.

Emily pressed into this opening, that triumphant smile from Lillian only serving to fan the flames of doubt. “See? “Didn't I tell you the truth would come out? ”, Lillian said with a smile full of wickedness.

As they exited the clinic, Emily asked Alexander. “I don’t trust those results. You know, Lillian’s got too much swagger and it all seems a little too easy.

Alexander shook his head, and rubbed at his temples. What do you mean, Emily?

“Someone rigged the test,” she said. “We need to dig deeper.”

Emily called in her assistant, Isabelle “Izzy” Chen. This case was right up her alley - Izzy with her quick wit and unforgiving determination.

“Can you find out about the DNA tests Izzy, by any means” Although I do not know exactly what yet, something is off and I don't trust Lillian.

Izzy smiled, she was already getting her laptop out. “You got it, boss. I will get to the bottom of this.

Vicky Reynolds, Emily's best friend, bounded into the office as Izzy began working. “Hey, Emily! “Hey, thought I could give you a little respite,” she said while producing a box of pastries.

A smile crept forcefully from inside Emily. “Thanks, Vicky. I needed that.”

Vicky flopped into a chair with twinkling mischievous eyes. What's the newest saga of this soap opera called your life?

Emily sighed. “Though Lillian was presenting herself as a test possibility, she claims Alexander is the father of her infant. I was just diagnosed, the tests came back positive as well but I refuse to accept it.

Vicky’s eyes widened. Jeez, that is a heavy man. Anything I can do to help?”

“Even if you were just here …”Emily squeezed her friend's hand. "Call me if you do hear anything.

Izzy worked on the story over days, uncovering more and more irregularities with how testing was being conducted. Emily was close to putting it all together when there came in a hot tip.

You want the truth, meet me 5th st old warehouse

Emily’s heart raced. Something brittle cracked inside her at that; she had to tell Alexander, but first-she needed verification on what he was truly doing. The tension hit her the minute she walked into that warehouse.

“Hello?” she shouted, the sound bouncing around in the vacancy.

Then, without warning Lillian appeared out of the shadows with a wicked grin. "Very persistent of you.

Emily’s pulse quickened. “What do you want, Lillian?”

Lillian’s smile widened. “I want you to back off. Keep digging, I will reveal a hidden secret of your past that you probably won't survive.

Her breath got stuck in her throat before — being almost rude about it. “What are you talking about?”

Lillian sneered, "You fancy yourself the great do-gooder of us all Emily. “Yet, everyone has skeletons in their closet. Keep it up, and I promise you Alexander will know just who the hell you really are.

Emily’s mind raced. She could not give Lillian the victory, of course—but neither would Johanna permit her past to be exposed. “Lillian, this is not finished,” she tried to keep her voice level.

Laughter filled the warehouse — that of a person… Lillian. “Oh, it’s far from over. But, Emily (wafting cigarette smoke) some things are just better off dead.

Emily walked out of the warehouse, all kinds of thoughts brewing in her mind. She had to confront Alex, but how could she without revealing her own secrets? It was all a blur - racing mind as she drove back to the office. Arriving to find Alexander waiting there, a look of concern written on his face.

“Emily, where have you been?” 'You are?' he replied, his voice filled with worry.

Emily took a deep breath, trying to be as candid about it as she could. I heard a tip from someone about the paternity test. So I went to meet the source and it was a trap. Lillian was there.”

Alexander’s eyes widened. “What did she want?”

Emily put her phone down on the table and confessed, “She used a secret from my past to threaten me into no longer investigating.

The open quality of Alexander.s face softened. “Emily, wherever you are—we'll deal with it. You do not need to subject yourself to that —

Emily's eyes began to fill with tears. You know I'm not going to pull you down with me Alexander. But I can’t let Lillian win.”

Alexander reached forward, pulled her roughly into his chest. “We’re a team, remember? We’ll face the cards head on as they get dealt. “First things first we need to get a hold of my paternity test.

Izzy burst into the room and her face was lit with glee. “Emily, I found something! Now there is no question that the test results were tampered with. I’ve got proof.”

Warming hope blossomed in her heart, Emily turned, tears drying as she walked over to Izzy. “Show us.”

Izzy arrayed her discoveries across the desk, indicating the inconsistencies she had just learned of. The lab technician at the heart of The state crime labs is embroiled in a scandal involving court documents claiming he has fabricated test results before. It’s all here.”

He glanced at the evidence, then back to Emily. “This is our chance. Lillian and then I counter to expose her!

With that nod Emily was resolute. “Then let’s do it. Together.”