Adam has been a devoted stepfather since the moment his wife Stella entered his life with her 1-year-old son, Ryan. Because Adam is infertile, becoming a father figure to Ryan felt like a blessing he never expected. He fed him, changed him, soothed him at night, and financially supported both mother and child from day one. Ryan’s biological father disappeared long ago, making Adam the only real dad the boy has ever known.

After five happy years of marriage, Adam finally felt ready to take the next step: adopting Ryan legally. He imagined Stella would be touched, even excited, to see how deeply he loved her son. Instead, she reacted with anger and immediately shut down the idea. Her sudden hostility shocked Adam, who couldn’t understand why his genuine desire to protect and provide for Ryan upset her so deeply.

When Adam pressed for an explanation, Stella said she wanted Ryan to decide only when he is older. But a friend later revealed the real reason: Stella fears that if they ever divorce, she’d have to share custody with Adam. That revelation devastated him. It made him feel untrusted and unappreciated despite everything he has given to their family. Now Adam is torn between the love he has for Ryan and the betrayal he feels from his wife.

Heartbroken and confused, Adam is considering divorce, but he’s afraid of losing Ryan — the child he has raised as his own. He wonders if there is still a chance to save the relationship or if Stella’s distrust has already destroyed the foundation of their marriage.