Reclaiming My Broken Luna (Astrid and Killian) novel Chapter 279

Killian’s POV

I sat in my chair, the weight of guilt still pressing down on me, my mind spiraling with thoughts of Astrid.

Regret felt like a physical thing, constricting my chest, refusing to let go. I rubbed my temples, trying to block out the voices in my head, when suddenly there was a knock at the door.

I didn't want to deal with anyone right now. Not after everything. But the knock came again, more insistent. With a sigh, I forced myself to speak.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Beta Ryder stepped in, his face alight with excitement, practically beaming.

I blinked, surprised by the energy radiating from him. He was rarely this enthusiastic, and I wasn’t in any mood to deal with whatever news had put him in such a good mood.

“Killian,” Ryder began, unable to contain his grin. “I’ve got something important to tell you.”

I tried to mask my exhaustion, but it was a losing battle. “Ryder, now’s not really the time—”

“No, you’ll want to hear this,” he cut in, stepping closer. “The results… the DNA test you’ve been waiting for.”

I froze. The DNA test.

In an instant, my fatigue vanished, and I sat up straighter. My heart rate quickened. “The test?”

Ryder nodded, his grin widening. “It’s out, and… you’re not going to believe this.” His voice dropped, almost conspiratorial, drawing out the suspense.

I stared at him, every nerve in my body on edge. “Ryder, just tell me.”

He stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “The test came back negative. Giselle isn’t Ryker’s mother.”

For a moment, the words didn’t register. I blinked, my mind struggling to process what I’d just heard. "What?"

I grabbed the papers from Ryder’s hands and started skimming through it to check if he is saying the truth.

Ryder’s smile faltered slightly as he saw the confusion on my face, but he pressed on. “Giselle. She’s not Ryker’s biological mother. The test came back conclusive. There’s no match.”

I shot up from my chair, disbelief coursing through me as I stared at the paper showing that Ryker was right. The test came out negative.

“That can’t be right,” I stammered, my voice rising. “How is that possible? I married her because of him. I—” My mind raced, a thousand thoughts colliding at once.

"We did a DNA test as soon as Ryker was born, Ryder. I was told Ryker was my son! I married her because I thought she was his mother! How could this be a mistake?"

Ryder shook his head. "I don't know how, but it’s true. Giselle isn’t related to Ryker."

I staggered back a step, my heart thudding so hard it felt like it might burst from my chest. “She lied,” I whispered, the realization hitting me like a freight train. “She tricked me. She lied to me about all of this.”