I can provide some general thoughts on how individuals might react in such a scenario.
If a person were to discover that one of their parents had secretly had another child and never disclosed it, their reaction would likely depend on various factors, including their personality, family dynamics, and personal beliefs. Here are some potential responses:
Shock and Emotional Turmoil: Learning such a hidden family secret can be extremely shocking and emotionally distressing. The person might need time to process the information and come to terms with the situation.
Curiosity and the Need for Answers: The person may feel curious and seek answers about the circumstances surrounding the secret child and why the parent kept it hidden.
Seeking Family Support: Some individuals may choose to confide in other family members or close friends to share their feelings and seek emotional support.
Confrontation: Depending on the relationship with the parent, the individual might decide to confront them about the secret child to understand the reasons behind the secrecy.
Acceptance and Moving Forward: After the initial shock and emotional turmoil, some individuals may eventually come to accept the situation and decide to move forward, focusing on building relationships with any newfound family members if they choose to do so.
Privacy and Boundaries: The individual might choose to respect the parent's privacy and decision to keep the secret, especially if there were compelling reasons for doing so.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: In some cases, there might be legal and ethical issues to consider, such as inheritance matters or potential implications on family relationships.
It's essential to recognize that each person's reaction would be unique, and there's no one "right" way to respond to such a situation. Some people might seek therapy or counseling to help them navigate their feelings and emotions. Ultimately, the decision on how to handle this discovery would be up to the individual involved.