The husband went out for bread, leaving Elena with the baby in her arms. He returned after 10 years, intending to divide her apartment. But upon entering the living room, he was STUNNED

He had long been calling his stepdad Dad, and Robert greatly appreciated the teenager’s affection and tried to set a good example for him. — Don’t you find this strange. You raised me, taught me, walked with me, played and all that.

The list could go on forever. But suddenly he appears. And what, I should run to him, dropping my slippers? I’m not interested in meeting him, understand.

— Alex, — Jennifer tried to give her voice strictness. — I think it would be better if you did meet him. Remember, we talked about how you need to be able to solve problems with dignity.

They won’t resolve themselves. — I don’t see any problem at all, — Alex flared up. — Mom, I think you’re making a mountain out of a molehill…

For me, this Michael is a stranger. If I see him on the street, I won’t even recognize him. I was five years old when he left us.

Hear that, five! I don’t understand why I should waste time on this traitor. — You’ll meet him just once, — his mother persuaded. No one is forcing you to see him regularly.

You’ll just talk, and everyone will go their own way. After all, he’s your biological father, even if we don’t like it. Alex looked at Robert with a probing gaze.

He understood what the boy wanted to ask him. — No, buddy, I won’t be offended by that. You can rest easy.

The stepdad assured him. — All right. Alex reluctantly agreed.

Jennifer exhaled with relief. For some reason, it seemed to her that if Michael met his son and realized that the teenager had forgotten him and had a completely different life, he would definitely leave him alone. She was afraid that her ex-husband would start stalking them and ambushing them at every turn.

It’s better for father and son to meet not on the street, but at their home. In case of anything, she and Robert would always come to the rescue. Jennifer called Michael and invited him over.

He arrived not empty-handed. He handed his ex-wife a bouquet of nine roses. To Robert — a bottle of wine.

Although Jennifer’s new husband didn’t drink alcohol at all. And for Alex, he had a box wrapped in beautiful paper. — Here, Alex, this is for you, — Michael extended to his son.

While Alex was pondering whether to accept the gift from his biological father or not, Robert said thank you for him. Then everyone went to the kitchen, where everything was ready for a family tea party. In the center of the table stood a large Napoleon cake, and in a bowl lay chocolate candies, bird’s milk.

— Oh, my favorites! — Michael appreciated the treats. — Imagine that! — Jennifer said almost inaudibly. — Little Alex loves them too.

— Michael, where have you been all these years? — Robert decided to ask. — All over the place! — Michael answered vaguely. — I get bored sitting in one spot.

You could say I was finding myself. — Did finding yourself become more important to you than family? — Robert couldn’t hold back again. Michael looked at his ex-wife’s new husband from under his brow.

He knew perfectly well who this man was to her, but still didn’t miss the chance to make a snide remark. — Excuse me, who are you to my wife and son? I don’t think I’ve seen you before. — Michael! — Jennifer said in an icy tone…