"Princess, let me explain…" Mark turned toward her, trying to release himself from Claudia's grasp.

"There is nothing to explain, Mark!" Princess' face reddened with rage. "And as far as I'm concerned, the wedding is off!"

Princess burst into tears and ran out the door. Mark could hear her peeling out of his driveway.

How did I get myself into this? Mark pondered. He looked at Claudia.

"Claudia, are you sure about this?"

Claudia nodded. She was clinging to the possibility that this latest development might bring her Mateo back to her.

"Does Antonio know?"

"He thinks little Salvador is his."

"You named him after your father?"

"Yes, well, my grandfather's name was already taken." She smiled softly through her tears. "I have to know for sure, Mateo, but I think Salvador is your son."

Mark examined the child's face. He didn't see any resemblance to himself, but perhaps he was only hoping.

"How did you find me?" He asked.

"I had to find out who the messengers tracked down for help when you came to our village. A man named Chief Anderson. When I told him my news, he directed me straight to you."

"Well, I need proof. Are you willing to provide that?"

Reluctantly, Claudia nodded her assent.

"Yes." She replied. "We're staying at the Marriott in town. Call me later."

Claudia stood up once more and held the baby in her arms. She walked to the door. "I'm so sorry, Mateo. I didn't want it to be like this."

Mark's head drooped in defeat. "I know." He responded as Claudia disappeared once more.

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Mark knew it was futile to try to console Princess at this point. She had heard the damaging news straight from Claudia's mouth, and he knew that she'd never let him talk to her in the state she was in.

Instead, he called Jason, and updated him on the latest catastrophe.

"Jase, please, go and find Prin for me. I've devastated her."

"What did you do this time, skip? Tell her her thighs looked too big in those striped pants?"
Jason joked, but he quickly realized that it wasn't a joking matter.

"Claudia tracked me down." Mark drew in a deep breath. "And what's worse, she brought a baby with her. She claims it's mine."

"Is it?" Jason asked.

"I don't know. There is a possibility."

"Awww, man, you didn't…" Jason groaned.

"I didn't. Mateo did. I wasn't myself. I didn't know that I was engaged to Princess. Just got caught up in the moment, you know?"

"Princess won't see it that way." Jason warned.

"That's why I need for you to talk to her. I know she'll wrap a yoyo around my neck if I try to talk to her." Mark pleaded. "In the mean time, I'm going to try to get Anderson to do some DNA testing. I have to know if the boy is mine."

"Ok, Skip. I'll try to get through to her. But be ready, she may not ever take you back after this stunt. It was bad enough when she realized that you and Claudia had gotten close. But she had no idea you two had gotten that close." Jason admonished. "I'll keep you posted. Let me know what you find out."

"Thanks, Jase." Mark said, and then rushed over to Center Neptune to discuss matters with the Chief.