At a family gathering, my wife's sister slapped me in front of my kids. She yelled, "You're not even a real father. You just adopted them." I touched my cheek, which was stinging, and smiled, saying, "Since you brought it up." Now, my wife keeps apologizing, and my in-laws are begging me. Chapter 1. The gathering that changed everything. It was supposed to be a peaceful Sunday. My wife Evelyn had insisted we attend her family's annual garden gathering. The one where her parents, siblings, and their kids would all show up to show off their wealth, gossip behind closed doors, and pretend everything was perfect. I went for my children, Ava and Eli. I say my because they are in every way that matters. I adopted them when I married Evelyn 5 years ago. Their biological father vanished without a trace. I raised them. I stayed up through their nightmares, coached their soccer practices, sat through every parent teacher meeting. But to some people in Evelyn's family, I was just the standin. I had brought a gift for her father, a vintage watch I found after months of hunting and was just about to hand it to him when her sister Clarissa came storming across the yard. Her voice pierced the calm. "You think you belong here?" She snarled, jabbing a manicured finger at me. "You've always been beneath this family. You're just a leech." Everyone froze. Evelyn's eyes widened, but she didn't speak. I calmly said, "Clarissa, maybe not here." Before I could finish, she stepped forward and slapped me. The sound echoed across the patio. My kids gasped. Eli clutched Ava's hand. I slowly turned back to face her, my cheek stinging. Then she screamed something that made my blood go cold and the entire gathering shatter. You're not even their real father. You just adopted them. You're nothing. Silence. The kids were trembling. Evelyn's mouth dropped open. My in-laws didn't move. No one defended me. I gently touched my cheek, still burning from the slap. Then looked Clarissa in the eye and smiled. since you brought it up. Maybe it's time everyone knows the whole truth. I looked around. I was hoping to keep this buried, but since we're talking about real parents. Well, Clarissa stepped back. Evelyn turned pale. Her father dropped his wine glass. And in that moment, I began to unravel everything.Chapter 2. The envelope I never opened until now. Everyone stood frozen as if time itself had paused. Clarissa looked smug, still high from her outburst. My kids were shaken. Ava had tears in her eyes. Eli hid behind me, confused and afraid. Evelyn finally stepped forward, her voice shaking. Clarissa, that was uncalled for, but I held up my hand. No, Evelyn. Let's not protect anyone today. Let's tell the truth. From my inside pocket, I pulled out a sealed manila envelope, weathered at the corners, unopened for years. I held it up so everyone could see. This envelope, I said quietly, was handed to me 5 years ago, the day I legally adopted Ava and Eli. It contains the final report from the private investigator I hired, the one Evelyn begged me not to open. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Evelyn's face went ghost white. I kept my promise until today. My fingers trembled slightly as I peeled the seal open for the first time. Inside was a stack of documents, photos, and a notorized letter from the investigator. Watch: [in comment] - Made with AI | HOME IDEA