CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE – WHEN DOUBTS ARISE

A few days later, the two sisters were strolling through a park together, enjoying the sunny spring day. Elena looped her arm through Jasmine's, smiling in a way that warmed Jasmine's heart. "I'm so glad we found each other," Elena said softly. "I really did spend my whole life feeling so incomplete, like a puzzle missing its most vital piece. But now...I've never felt more whole." Jasmine squeezed her sister's hand, the words triggering a fresh wave of affection and protectiveness. This woman was her family, her kin. There was no way Elena could be deceiving her, not with the rawness of love and kinship shining from her eyes. Steeling herself, Jasmine spoke up carefully. "Elena...can I ask you something? About the DNA results that confirmed we're sisters?" She felt Elena momentarily tense beside her before visibly relaxing, waving a nonchalant hand. "Oh, of course. Yes, I should have showed you the official paperwork from the lab ages ago. I've just been so caught up in finally