He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother stood by him, but his father defended the unborn child.
“Dad, I have news. The neighbour, Lily… she’s pregnant. It’s mine,” said James, barely through the door.
William, his father, paused for a moment before speaking calmly.
“Then marry her.”
“What? Im too young. This isnt the time for familywe havent even been together that long”
“Really?” William scoffed bitterly. “So you were man enough to chase after girls, but when it comes to facing the consequences, you turn into a child. Brilliant.” Without another word, he raised his voice and called for his wife. “Margaret! Come here a moment!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Whats happened?”
“Listen. Our sons got a girl pregnant and wont marry her. Lily, the neighbours daughter. Shes carrying his child, and hes hiding like a rat.”
Margaret didnt even seem surprised. Her face hardened.
“And good for him. Why bring the first girl who comes along into this house? These girls are cunningthey find someone with money, trap them, then come crying, ‘Marry me!’ And who knows? Maybe its not even his. He should get a test. Besides, we shouldnt pressure Jameshes still young. Hes a man, it was hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise other peoples children.”
William sighed deeply and spoke quietly.
“But what if it *is* his child?”
“So what if it is? Should we take responsibility for it? Tell him to get the tests done, find out the truth.”
She turned and walked out, leaving William alone with his son.
“Look, I was young once too,” he began. “I loved someone else, but I married your mother. Not out of loveout of duty. Because being a man isnt just about passion. Its about choice and consequences. She was pregnant. I didnt know if I could be with her, but I knew one thingthe child wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And James… as hard as it was, I never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test confirmed itwith 99.9% certainty, James was the father of Lilys child.
“And what of it?” Margaret laughed when William placed the paper in front of her. “Yes, hes the father. But that doesnt mean Lily sets foot in this house. Not a chance! Ive said my piece!”
James stood there, staring at his hands. His face betrayed ithe had chosen his mothers side. He clenched his fists but stayed silent.
William rose slowly from the table.
“If the two of you have made your decision, now hear mine.”
His voice was quiet, but it cut like a knife.
“As long as I live, my grandson will want for nothing. Ill build a home, and hemy grandsonwill inherit everything Ive worked for. And the two of you? Youll get nothing from me. I refuse to be part of this shame. James, from today, youre no longer my son. Everything I have goes to the child. Not a single penny for either of you.”
Margaret erupted.
“Have you lost your mind? Youd cut your own son out of his inheritance?!”
William didnt answer. He just turned and walked away, ignoring her shouts and curses. James remained standing, unable to believe what hed just heard. But he knew one thingwhen William spoke, he meant it.
