TWO MOTHERS

THE KISS THEY REGRET

Zahra opened the door.

Rain dripped from Daniel’s hair. His eyes were desperate. `Talk to me.`

Then he saw it. The paper on her floor. `99.9% Match.`

His face went blank. `Zahra… is this about me?`

She couldn’t breathe. `Yes.`

`Then that night we spent together…` His voice cracked. `We’re—`

He couldn’t say it.

Because the truth meant he had kissed his mother.The silence was deafening.

Rain hit the window behind him. Daniel took a step back like she had slapped him. His hands were shaking.

`No,` he whispered. `No, that can’t be right.`

`It’s right,` Zahra said. Her voice was dead. `I was 16. I had you. I gave you up because my father said I was a disgrace.`

Daniel pressed a hand to his mouth. `And then… we met. At that hotel. And I—`

He couldn’t finish. Shame covered his face. `God, Zahra. I kissed you. I wanted you. And you’re my—`

He didn’t say the word. He couldn’t.

Zahra’s tears fell. `I didn’t know either. Not until the test.`

Daniel turned toward the door. `I need to go.`

`Daniel, wait—`

But he was already gone. The door slammed.

And Zahra was left alone with a secret that could destroy both of them.