Since we were kids, my brother had the best of everything. My parents even paid for his college tuition while I worked to cover mine. My entire life, I blamed them for favoring him because he is a guy.

Now I’m 43, and I recently told Dad, “Unlike you, I’ll make sure to treat my two kids equally!” He shed tears. Mom attempted to stop him, but he then made a shocking revelation. He said, “It’s time you know—I’m not your brother’s father.”

I was startled when dad told me that he and Mom had a brief separation when I was three years old. During that time, she met a wealthy man and became pregnant with my brother. Their relationship lasted several months before she returned to her father.

The wealthy father did not want to be engaged in my brother’s life, but he did agree to give money every month to help his kid. Dad wanted Mom back so desperately that he consented, even if it meant his own daughter and son wouldn’t have the same opportunities. What is the worst part? My brother had no idea.