My stepchildren insist I’m not their real dad after years of raising them. Fine, they can see life

The Painful Truth in the Kitchen

My stepchildren insist I’m not their real dad after years of raising them. Fine, they can see life without one.

Hello, Reddit Eyes Plus here. So the other night I’m in the kitchen, right, just minding my own business.

I was leaning against the counter after a long day. I can hear Ethan and Mia, my stepkids, in the living room.

They’re laughing and joking around. But then I catch a bit of what they’re saying.

And you know what they’re laughing about? Mr. Ethan’s all like, “He’s not even our real dad.”

“Why does he act like he is?” And Mia, my sweet little Mia, chimes in.

“Yeah, he’s just mom’s husband, not our dad.” Now let me tell you, that hit me hard.

I’ve been in their lives for six years. Six years of busting my butt to make sure they had everything they needed.

I’ve spent more time and money on those kids than I’ve spent on myself in years. But at that moment, they reduced me to what? Some guy.

I stood there gripping the counter, trying not to lose it. Then Ethan strolls into the kitchen, casual as anything.

He grabs a soda and says, “You know you’re not really our dad, right?” Oh, I kept my cool.

I looked him dead in the eye and said, “You’re absolutely right.” “I’m not your real dad.”