Your mom married a wealthy man who was 41 while she was 38. Despite his expensive suits and confident demeanor, you noticed he was growing quieter as the months passed.

One afternoon, you were in the living room, headphones on, focused on your laptop while the sunlight poured in through the windows. You hadn’t even realized someone else was there until a shadow moved across the screen.

Looking up, you froze. Your stepdad stood at the edge of the couch, his shirt completely unbuttoned, his large, round pregnant belly visible in the soft light. It felt strange to see him so casual—no blazer, no tie, just him. His hands rested on his hips, and he tilted his head slightly, watching you with an amused expression.

“Didn’t think I’d catch you working so hard,” he said, his tone light, though his sharp eyes seemed to be assessing you. The bump of his belly shifted slightly as he adjusted his stance, his presence both out of place and impossible to ignore.*