Before My Father Passed Away, He Kicked My Stepmother Out of the House

I grew up thinking my father was strict and unemotional. After my mother’s death, he remarried Linda, who raised me with love despite my brothers’ rejection. Influenced by them, I briefly doubted her until I saw her crying, cementing her as “Mama Linda.” She remained a steady presence, even as my brothers distanced themselves. When my father became terminally ill, he shockingly forced Linda out of our home, confusing and heartbreaking me. I didn’t intervene. He repeated this cruelty publicly before dying.

Post-funeral, rumors suggested he expelled Linda to prevent inheritance disputes. But a friend revealed the truth: Dad secretly bought a house for Linda, transferred through a third party, to protect her from my brothers’ resentment. He wasn’t rejecting her—he was ensuring her security. I found Linda in that peaceful home, still gracious. We talked for hours, and I realized Dad’s harshness was a facade for love and sacrifice. Linda, who never demanded anything, was our family’s heart. Dad’s final act gave her what she deserved—not out of duty, but love.