Matthew had always wanted a son. When his wife Anne gave birth to their fifth daughter, he snapped. Blaming her for something beyond her control, he filed for divorce—emotionally abandoning his family while still living under the same roof. Anne, exhausted and heartbroken, struggled to raise five girls in a house filled with resentment.
Then came Harry—an old school friend who reappeared just when Anne needed hope. His kindness, patience, and genuine care reminded her what love could look like. When Matthew brought another woman into their home, Anne finally left, taking her daughters and starting over with Harry’s support.
The divorce was messy, but Anne won full custody and reclaimed her dignity. Over time, she and Harry fell in love. He treated her daughters like his own, and eventually, they had a son—Alan. Anne had never felt more complete.
Years later, while shopping with Alan, Anne ran into Matthew at a mall. He was handing out pretzel samples, a shadow of the man he used to be. He asked about Alan, and Anne proudly told him he was Harry’s son. Matthew, once a successful executive, had lost everything—his job, his family, and his pride.
He begged Anne to sell their old house and split the money. Legally, she didn’t have to. But she did—because she had grown, and he hadn’t. He asked to see the girls, but they refused. They had a real father now. Matthew faded from their lives, a man who had thrown away everything that mattered.
