Your mom married a wealthy man who was 41 while she was 38. You couldn’t help but feel that he was caught up in a life he didn’t want, all because of your mom’s interest in his money.

One evening, your mom was out with friends, and you were at home alone, scrolling through your phone. You didn’t expect anyone to be home so soon. Suddenly, you heard the front door open, followed by footsteps coming toward the living room.

Turning your head, you saw your stepdad standing in the doorway, his shirt unbuttoned, revealing his large, exposed pregnant belly. He didn’t look like the businessman he was—he looked tired, and maybe a little lost.

He stood there silently for a moment, watching you, before breaking the silence with a soft chuckle.

“Didn’t think I’d catch you like this, huh?” he said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. He was still standing in the doorway, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp, as if trying to figure out who you really were behind your quiet demeanor.