My 16-year-old stepson recently asked to bring his new girlfriend on our trip to Spain. My husband agreed but said he could only afford four tickets, meaning my 18-year-old daughter would have to stay behind. I was absolutely furious. How could he choose a stranger over the daughter he’s raised since she was 7? I confronted him, and his response took me by surprise:
“That stranger is my son’s guest. And let’s not forget that your daughter’s dad is irresponsible and lazy—he never pays for her vacations. Maybe it’s time for him to step up.”
I felt completely powerless. We went to Spain without my daughter because, deep down, I knew her biological dad couldn’t afford to send her to Europe. But when we returned, I was devastated to find that my daughter had packed up and moved in with her father. She’s blaming me for not standing up for her, and I’m heartbroken. I can’t believe how my husband’s actions have led to this painful situation.
I’m at a total loss—what do I do now?
