He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mum backed him, but his dad stood up for the unborn child.
“Dad, Ive got some news. The neighbours daughter, Daisy shes pregnant. Its mine,” said James, barely through the door.
Victor, his father, paused for a moment, then said calmly, “Then marry her.”
“What? Im too young. Its not the right time for a family, especially since we havent been together that long”
“Seriously?” His father scoffed bitterly. “So you were man enough chasing girls, but when its time to take responsibility, you act like a child. Brilliant.” Without another word, he raised his voice and called for his wife. “Margaret! Come here a sec!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Whats happened?”
“Listen. Our sons got a girl pregnant and wont marry her. Daisy, next door. Shes carrying his child, and hes hiding like a rat.”
Margaret didnt even look surprised. Her face hardened. “Good. Why should we let the first girl who comes along into this house? These girls are cleverfind some bloke with more money, get themselves in trouble, then come crying, Marry me! And whos to say its even his? Get a test. Besides, we shouldnt pressure Jameshes still young. Hes a man, it was hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise someone elses kid.”
Victor sighed deeply and said quietly, “But what if it is his?”
“And if it is? Should we take the blame? Tell him to get the tests, find out for sure.” She turned and left the room, leaving Victor alone with his son.
“Look, I was young once too,” he began. “I loved someone else, but I married your mum. Not for lovefor responsibility. Being a man isnt just about passion. Its about choices 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 it: 99.9% chance James was Daisys babys father.
“So what?” Margaret laughed when Victor put the paper in front of her. “Yes, hes the dad. That doesnt mean Daisys moving in here. Not a chance! I said no!”
James stood there, staring at his hands. His face made it clearhed chosen his mums side. He clenched his fists but stayed silent.
Victor stood up slowly. “If youve both made up your minds, now listen to me.”
He spoke quietly, but his voice cut like a knife. “As long as I live, my grandson wont want for anything. Ive got landIll build a house, and hell get everything Ive worked for. But you two? Youll get nothing from me. I wont be part of this disgrace. James, from today, youre no longer my son. Everything goes to the child. Not a penny for you.”
Margaret exploded. “Have you lost your mind? Youd cut your own son out of his inheritance?!”
Victor didnt answer. He just turned and walked away, ignoring the shouting and curses. James stayed frozen, unable to believe what hed just heard. But he knew one thingwhen Victor said something, he meant it.
