When John held his newborn son for the first time, joy filled the hospital room until his father made a shocking accusation against John’s wife, Tina. Instantly, a moment meant for celebration unraveled into suspicion and heartbreak.

The hallway outside the hospital room buzzed with excitement. John paced, rubbing his hands together, his eyes flicking from the closed door to the family members around him.

His parents, Ron and Linda, stood a few steps behind him, their eyes fixed on the door but with a subtle tension between them. Tina’s parents, Annie and Mark, sat on the bench by the wall, chatting softly, excitement brightening their tired faces.

“Calm down, John,” Linda said with a gentle smile. She reached out, patting his arm. “You’ll get to hold him soon enough.”

“I know, Mom, I just — I can’t believe he’s finally here!” John replied, his face breaking into a grin. He looked around, his eyes wide with anticipation. “Tina’s amazing. She’s been so strong.”

Ron shifted, crossing his arms as he watched his son. “We’re proud of her too,” he said, his tone even but careful. He exchanged a glance with Linda, who nodded but kept her expression neutral.

Don’t worry, son,” Ron added with a slight frown. “Just make sure you know what you’re doing now that there’s three of you.”

John laughed a little nervously. “I think I’ve got this, Dad.” He grinned at his father, though the older man’s expression remained unreadable.

Mark, Tina’s father, chuckled from the bench. “That’s right, John,” he said warmly. “New life — nothing like it. It changes everything.”

Linda nodded but didn’t smile. “True. Responsibility isn’t easy, not with a family business, either.”

John looked at his mother, hesitating, but before he could reply, the nurse stepped out, smiling.

“All right,” she said. “You can go in now, but be gentle. She’s tired.” She held the door open, and everyone filed in, quieting as they entered the softly lit room

As they stepped inside, Tina lay propped against the pillows, her face pale but glowing with happiness. Her hair was pulled back, and she cradled the tiny bundle in her arms. John’s face softened instantly, and he rushed to her side, his eyes fixed on the baby.

“Oh, Tina,” he whispered, reaching out to touch the baby’s cheek. “He’s perfect.” He looked at her, his eyes shining. “I don’t know how you did it.”

Tina laughed softly, though her exhaustion showed in her eyes. “I had help,” she murmured, smiling at him. “Here. Hold him.”

She gently placed the baby in John’s arms, and he held his son for the first time, his face filling with wonder. “I… I’m so lucky,” he said, barely able to get the words out.

Linda and Ron moved closer. “Let me hold him, John,” Linda said softly, her voice touched with a rare warmth. She reached for the baby, her eyes softening as she cradled him in her arms.

“Sweet little boy,” she cooed, her expression growing tender. “Just beautiful.”

After a few moments, she handed the baby to Tina’s mother, Annie, who immediately teared up. “Oh, my dear girl,” she said to Tina. “He’s perfect. Just perfect.”

Then, the grandfather took his turn. But as soon as he looked down at the baby, his eyes widened, fixated.

“LIAR!” he suddenly shouted. Linda rushed over, took one more look at the baby, and then glared at her daughter-in-law.

“We’re doing a DNA test. Right now,” she demanded.

Ron’s eyes darkened. He looked at Tina, who was watching him with a weak smile. “That birthmark,” he said, his tone clipped.

Tina blinked, confused. “What… what do you mean?”

Ron straightened, holding the baby out as if the tiny boy himself were somehow responsible. “That mark,” he said, louder now. “The same one that’s on Jimmy’s boy.”

The room went silent. Tina’s smile faded as she stared at him. “I don’t understand,” she said, her voice trembling.

“You know exactly what I mean,” Ron snapped, his face reddening. “Don’t pretend. The boy has the exact same birthmark as our neighbor’s son. The boy who’s always hanging around. The one you’ve known since high school.”

The entire room froze. John looked between his father and his wife, his face pale. “Dad, what are you talking about?” he asked, his voice shaking.

“Look at that mark, John,” Ron said, his tone harsh. “You’re telling me it’s a coincidence?”