A stepfather, married to Julia for nearly a decade, has raised her daughters, Ava and Bella, as his own since they were six and eight. He supported them financially, attended every school event, and tried to be a true father figure. Despite his efforts, now that the girls are 16 and 18, they remain distant and indifferent, leaving him feeling unappreciated and heartbroken.

The breaking point came when he excitedly announced a surprise trip to Hawaii for their birthdays. Instead of joy, Ava rolled her eyes, and Bella coldly said, “You’re delusional if you think you’re our dad.” Crushed by her words, he reacted in anger, canceling the trip and saying they clearly wouldn’t want him there anyway.

Chaos followed. Julia was shocked, Ava accused him of “trying to buy their love,” and later, Julia privately urged him to apologize and reinstate the trip, warning that his decision might push the girls further away. The stepfather now feels conflicted, wondering if his reaction was justified or if he hurt his chances of ever bonding with them.

Though deeply wounded, he’s been advised to consider forgiveness and patience. By reinstating the trip and openly expressing his feelings, he might turn the moment into an opportunity for healing and honest communication, giving their blended family a chance to grow closer over time.