Zed's heart pounded as he opened the envelope containing the DNA results. He had taken samples from both himself and Katie, driven by the nagging suspicion that had been growing inside him. As he read the results, his hands began to shake. Their DNA did not match. The certainty hit him like a tidal wave - they were not siblings.

A whirlwind of emotions surged through him. The truth was now in his hands, but it came with a heavy burden. He thought about his parents, who had loved and cared for them unconditionally. How could he confront them with this revelation? The thought of shattering the family they had built was too much to bear.

Zed also thought about Katie. He didn't want her to know the truth. She deserved to live her life peacefully, without the weight of this knowledge. He couldn't bear to disrupt her world, particularly when she appeared to be finding her own path.

Despite the shock, Zed felt a strange sense of happiness in his heart, knowing they were not siblings. It was a bewildering blend of relief and joy, but he clenched his fist, suppressing the surge of emotion. He couldn't afford to let this feeling show, not now.

As he sat in his room, the DNA results still clutched in his hand, Zed felt a profound sense of isolation. The truth was a heavy secret, one that he would have to carry alone. He knew he had to protect Katie and preserve the family they had, even if it meant living with the unspoken truth.

The days that followed were a blur. Zed went through the motions of his daily routine, but his mind was constantly preoccupied with the secret he now held. He avoided any deep conversations with his parents, fearing that his emotions might betray him. He also kept a close eye on Katie, making sure she was happy and unaware of the storm brewing inside him.

Despite the weight of the secret, Zed found solace in the moments he shared with Katie. They continued to plan their trip to Paris, and the excitement of the upcoming adventure provided a welcome distraction. Zed cherished these moments, knowing that they were precious and fleeting.

As the semester break approached, Zed resolved to make the most of their time in Paris. He wanted to create new memories with Katie, ones that would strengthen their bond and bring them closer together. He hoped that the trip would provide him with the clarity he needed to navigate the complexities of their relationship.

For now, Zed kept the truth locked away, determined to protect the family he loved. The unspoken truth weighed heavily on him, but he knew that some secrets were better left buried.