Divorced Dad Moved Cities to Escape a Painful Truth, But When His Son Rejects Both His Ultimatum and Money, He's Left Stunned.

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In an emotional roller coaster of a tale, the Original Poster (OP), a divorced father of three, grapples with the revelation of his middle child’s true paternity and the resulting strain it places on their relationship. After a series of failed attempts at reconciliation and an escalating conflict culminating in a financial ultimatum, OP finds himself at odds with his own decisions. As the climax unfolds, he stands on the precipice of losing his son entirely, leaving readers teetering on the edge of an unresolved family dispute.

Shattered Foundation

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OP discovered his middle son, Alexander, was not his biological child. This revelation three years ago devastated him and caused a bitter divorce from his wife. To heal, OP moved to a new city, effectively distancing himself physically from his family.

Distance, Not Abandonment

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Though physically distant, OP stayed in touch with his kids, calling every day. He also fulfilled his financial responsibilities, paying child support for all three. However, he couldn’t bring himself to talk directly to Alexander, focusing his attention on his other two children.

Heartbroken Accusations

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One day, an upset Alexander confronted OP, questioning why he was not given the same attention as his siblings. Despite the harsh reality, OP replied gently, explaining his need for time to heal, assuring Alexander of his love and fatherly role. The exchange left both parties in pain.

Back to Old Ground

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OP returned to his original city a year later with a new wife, eager to rebuild his life. The other two children visited immediately, but Alexander held back. Concerned, OP decided to approach his son through his ex-wife.

Mended Ties

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OP apologized to Alexander for his previous behavior, but the young man refused to visit OP’s home. However, he agreed to spend time with OP, showing a willingness to mend their strained relationship despite hurt feelings.

Another New Life

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OP’s new wife became pregnant, news that Alexander did not take well. He distanced himself from OP again, even refusing to attend the wedding. OP was informed that Alexander’s biological father reached out to him in an attempt to develop a relationship. However, Alexander firmly rejected him, emphasizing that he already had a father, giving OP hope for repairing their relationship.

Unbroken Resistance

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Hoping to rekindle their broken connection, OP invited his son to live with him again. Alexander refused to move in with his father and his siblings, still feeling unresolved about his father’s past decisions. OP became frustrated at his thwarted attempts to reconcile with his son.

Arrival of a Half Sister

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OP’s wife gave birth to a daughter, but Alexander did not visit to meet his half-sister. OP, frustrated and hurt, called his son and threatened to withdraw his college fund if he did not come to meet the new baby. Alexander promptly hung up on OP.

Motherly Wisdom

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OP’s own mother did not agree with his actions and scolded him for his rash ultimatum. She viewed his threat as potentially damaging their already fragile relationship further. OP was left questioning his actions.

Financial Support in Question

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OP found himself questioning the point of financially supporting a child who seemingly didn’t want a relationship with him. His doubts and hurt clouded his judgment, making him consider cutting off the college fund he had set aside for Alexander.

Lingering Guilt

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Despite OP’s attempt to reconcile, Alexander struggled with feelings of rejection and displacement, making it challenging for him to navigate his relationship with his father. OP was haunted by lingering guilt over his previous treatment of Alexander, reminding him of the pain he had caused.

Refusal to Accept the New Normal

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Alexander’s refusal to accept OP’s new family displayed his lingering resentment. He struggled with accepting his father’s new partner and baby half-sister, further driving a wedge in their relationship. This marked a stark contrast to his siblings’ swift adaptation to their new family dynamic.

Legal Father Vs. Biological Father

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OP found himself caught in the crossfire between Alexander’s reluctance to accept his biological father and his resistance to fully reconnect with OP. The struggle of navigating the complex dynamics of paternity and filial bonds intensified the already complicated relationship. OP’s continuous efforts to reach out to Alexander further highlighted the intricate emotional entanglements.

The Showdown

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In an emotional outburst, Alexander rejected both OP’s ultimatum and his continued financial support. This pivotal moment signified Alexander’s desire for emotional connection over financial assistance, serving as a wake-up call for OP.

Search for Resolution

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OP was left questioning his approach and reflecting on the damage caused by his ultimatum. Despite the rocky relationship, he remained hopeful of mending his bond with his son. Unsure of how to reconnect with Alexander, OP turned to an online community for their response and was surprised by what he read.

Was The Father’s Behavior Appropriate?

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The readers in the forum were very opinionated on the matter. They did not go easy with their comments. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “You abandoned your son, who no doubt took this news as hard or harder than you did. You turned your back on him.”

Another Commenter Thinks

Another responder wrote, “You clearly favor your biological kids. In what world would your estranged son want to visit more people you consider family when you don’t consider him that?”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “This kid found out his life was a lie, and then the only father he ever knew skipped town and couldn’t even look at him for a crime he did not commit. Threatening him because he has a hard time adjusting to all these changes makes you an awful father. Do better. This kid obviously still wants you around.”