BACK WITH THE BILLIONAIRE’S ONLY SON

CHAPTER EIGHT: DNA RESULTS!

DANTE’S POV

"So this is what I’m saying, for the past two weeks the polls have been up in our favor. I think we’re going to win the election," Eduardo said. He’d been talking about my mayoral election for the past few minutes, but his words seemed to pass through my ears like a breeze through the desert. The only thing on my mind was the DNA results I was going to receive from the doctor today. Eduardo had submitted the samples two days ago, and now I was on the verge of discovering if Lorenzo was truly my son. The truth was, I was scared. Although the boy looked exactly like me and, based on the timeline of my relationship with Eva, he had to be my son, there was still a lingering doubt.

"Are you even listening to me?" Eduardo asked, noticing my detachment from the conversation.

"Yes, I am," I lied.

"What's on your mind, son?" Eduardo asked, concerned. He knew me well.

"I'm just wondering, what if... what if the boy's not mine?"

Eduardo looked at me as though I'd lost my mind. "Haven't you seen the boy? He looks exactly like you, like a copy and paste version. There's no way in heaven that he isn't yours. We're only doing this for evidence."

"Hmm," I sighed deeply and nodded. He was right, or at least I hoped he was. Lorenzo was the only child I could have in the entire universe.

Soon, we arrived at the hospital. My bodyguard opened the car door. Feeling a bit nervous, I put on my sunglasses as I strolled into the hospital building, heading towards the doctor's office.

"This way, Mr. Mortelli," my bodyguard led us to the office. I remained silent during the walk, unsure of what to say to Eduardo at a time like this. I was grateful that he understood me.

"Good to have you here, Mr. Mortelli. Please have a seat," the doctor said, pointing to the chair across from him. "I see all the good things you're doing in the city. I'm sure you're going to win the election."

"Thank you very much," I replied as I sat down across from him.

"Here's the result of the DNA test you did," he said, handing me an envelope. I grabbed it immediately and opened it. Feeling anxious, I took a deep breath and pulled out the paper. As I skimmed the letters, my eyes raced to find the answer, the only thing I wanted to know. My eyes finally landed on it, "Final Interpretation: Biological Match." Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile. I glanced at Eduardo, who returned my smile.

"Thank you, Doctor," I said, extending my hand to shake his and then nodding at Eduardo to bring out the confidentiality agreement. I couldn't afford to have anyone know I had a son until the situation was sorted out with Eva.

"Here's the agreement I mentioned, Doc," Eduardo said, approaching and handing it to the doctor. The doctor smiled and accepted it, reading the words on the agreement.

"I understand the importance of confidentiality in this matter. I'm a professional doctor, and it's my duty to keep my client's information private but I'll sign this to put your mind at ease," he said, taking the pen and signing the document.

"Thank you," Eduardo said, taking the signed agreement.

"Thanks, Doc," I said as I stood up. "If you ever need any assistance in the city, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help." I handed him my card.

He smiled with gratitude, not expecting the gesture from me. "Thank you, Mr. Mortelli. I can't wait to have you as our city mayor."

"Thanks," I replied, and Eduardo and I left the room.

As we left the doctor's office with the DNA results tucked safely away, Eduardo couldn't contain his excitement. "Congratulations, Dante. I told you there was nothing to worry about. Lorenzo is your son!"

“You did,” I said to Eduardo. “Call auntie and tell her the good news.” I couldn’t wait to hear her excitement over the phone. She’s finally going to have a nephew. Then it struck me! She would ask me who’s the mother and……..

“Don’t call her” I immediately grabbed the phone from Eduardo’s hand. “She’s going to ask who the mother is and hell will let loose when she finds out that it’s our mortal enemy who is the mother of my child.”

Eduardo nodded. “I understand, but it’s only a matter of time, you know she always finds out our secrets.”

“I know, but for now, I need my peace.” My aunt was like a super agent, several secrets and news get to her faster than they even get to me.

We entered the car and by now my mood had shifted, my mind had drifted to Eva. How was she going to react, was I going to receive another hot slap? As Eduardo kept expressing his joy for me, I tried to smile, but my relief was tinged with apprehension. The real challenge lay ahead, in facing Eva.

Soon Eduardo noticed the subtle shift in my mood and he asked. “What’s the matter?”

I sighed and leaned back in the car seat. "I just don't know how I'm going to deal with Eva. She's been keeping this secret for so long, and now that it's out, I can't predict her reaction. I want to be a part of Lorenzo's life, but I don't want to make things worse."

Eduardo kept silent and ruminated on my words for a moment. "You need to talk to her, Dante. You deserve the truth and an opportunity to sort things out. You can't let fear hold you back."

“You don’t understand. She hates me. I ruined her life, I ruined her family’s reputation.”

“I understand how you feel son but there was no other way to get back what belonged to you. It’s not your fault that her parents stole from your parents.”

“But it was my fault for using her to get my revenge.” I said sadly, this was the only time I felt regret and pain for what I did to Eva and her family. Prior to this time I’d justified my conscience by telling myself that they deserved it after all they did to me those years. But now, now that my sons mother is the woman I used for revenge I wonder if I made the right choice in seeking vengeance.

How was I supposed to speak to Eva? The last time we spoke I’d received a slap over nothing in particular. It was obvious she detested me, and she had the right to do so. All I could hope for was that her hatred wouldn’t get in the way of me being a father to Lorenzo.

“I’m sure she wouldn’t even want to meet up with me,” I said feeling dejected.

“I have an idea that’ll help us meet her.” Eduardo said, a glint of hope in his eyes.

“What is it?”

"We should set up a meeting with her, under different pretenses. I'll contact Eva's secretary and arrange a meeting as an investor interested in her company. Once you're face-to-face, we can reveal the real purpose of the meeting. This way, you'll have a chance to speak with her in a controlled environment."

I considered the plan. It had its risks, but it might be the best way to get to meet with Eva. I knew she definitely won’t want to see me if I tried to contact her sincerely. “Alright," I finally said, "It’s a good plan, arrange the meeting."

Eduardo smiled, his eyes filled with encouragement. "Good, Dante. We'll make this work. Lorenzo deserves to have both of his parents in his life."

Yes, he does and I also deserve to have a child after losing my entire family at such a young and tender age.

As we cruised through the city, thoughts of Lorenzo filled my mind. I thought about how much of his life I'd Missed, the countless activities we could've enjoyed together. I felt deprived and cheated, my blood boiling over as I clenched my fists. I couldn't wait to give Eva a piece of my mind.

Let's get one thing straight: I may have wronged Eva, but it wasn't entirely my fault. Back then, it was the only way to get back my father's company from her family's hands. The audacity of depriving me, Dante Mortelli, one of Italy's most influential men and the soon-to-be mayor, of the knowledge that I had a son was a clear insult to my very being. I mean, really, who did she think she was?

Eva had one simple task - to inform me that I had a son. It was her duty, regardless of our history. Now, the time had come for me to assert my rightful claim. No way in hell would I allow a mere woman to strip me of the privilege of fatherhood. I had the right to be part of Lorenzo's life, a right I wouldn't let Eva, or anyone else for that matter, obstruct. I was Dante Mortelli, and I would use any means necessary to make it happen.

We arrived home and I headed straight for the dining area. Dinner was already served, and I was starving. The aroma of the food teased my senses, and I couldn't wait to dig in. I took a bite of the steak, and my annoyance flared. The texture was all wrong; it was overcooked and tough. This was unacceptable. I wasn't going to tolerate subpar food in my own home. Not this night, not when I was already on edge.

I slammed my fork down and called the chef. He appeared, trembling and avoiding eye contact as he came nearer to me. I let my irritation simmer, watching him squirm.

"What is this?" I said, my voice firm.

He stammered out an apology. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Mortelli. I must have made a mistake."

"A mistake?" I seethed. "Do you realize I’ve had a long day? All I want is to come home to a well cooked steak."

He hung his head in shame, avoiding my gaze. "I promise it won't happen again, Mr. Mortelli. Please, give me another chance."

I leaned in, my face inches from his. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear. This is your last chance. If you ever serve me a substandard meal again, you'll be out of this kitchen and out of your job. Do you understand me?"

He nodded frantically, sweat glistening on his forehead. "Yes, Mr. Mortelli. I swear, it won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't," I said, standing up from my seat, my hunger now totally gone. I’d have to spend the night without eating.

“Would you like me to make you another meal?” The chef dared to ask as I head upstairs to my bedroom.

“No!” I blurted, the remnants of my anger seeping out. I hadn’t intended to snap at him earlier but I was fully frustrated and tired. The election stress was already a lot for me to bare and now I have to deal with Eva. I sighed and hit the shower. A long cold bath was what I needed to calm my muscles.