Gemotions

He strode into the crowded bar, the music throbbing against his chest, and ordered a scotch on the rocks, his voice carrying easily over the din. Mark ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair and grinned at the bartender, a playful glint in his eyes. He’d just closed a massive deal, the kind that sealed his reputation as a powerhouse. He felt… invincible. That feeling of mastery was familiar, welcome. He felt in control of his destiny.

The DNA results arrived as he was leaving, a notification on his phone. He barely glanced at the results, expecting the usual breakdown of ancestry. Then, the words jumped out: "Not a genetic match for parents listed." A chill snaked up his spine. The foundation of his life, his family, the very ground he stood on, suddenly felt uncertain. The roar of the bar seemed to fade. He felt a dizzying emptiness, as if someone had pulled the rug out from under him.