**Diary Entry**
I still cant believe how things unfolded today. My son, Oliver, walked through the door, his face pale, and dropped the news like a bombshell.
Dad, I have something to tell you. Emily from the next street shes pregnant. Its mine, he said, barely meeting my eyes.
I paused, then replied calmly, Then marry her.
His reaction was instant. What? Im too young. This isnt the time for a familyweve only been together a few months!
Oh, really? I scoffed, bitterness creeping in. So you were man enough to chase girls, but when it comes to facing the consequences, you turn into a child. Brilliant. Without another word, I raised my voice. Margaret! Come here a moment.
Margaret wiped her hands on her apron as she stepped into the kitchen. Whats happened?
Listen to this. Our sons got a girl pregnantEmily, the neighbours daughterand now he wont do the right thing. Hes acting like a coward.
She didnt even blink. Her face hardened. Good. Why should we welcome the first girl who comes along? These girls are cunningthey latch onto whoever has the most money, let themselves get caught, then demand marriage. And whos to say its even his? He should get a test. Besides, Olivers still young. Hes only humanit was bound to happen. But were not raising someone elses mistake.
I sighed deeply. But what if it *is* his?
So what? Is that our burden? Tell him to get the tests done. Well know for sure then. With that, she turned and left, leaving me alone with Oliver.
You know, I began quietly, I was young once too. I loved someone else, but I married your mother. Not for loveout of duty. Because being a man isnt just about passion, its about choices and consequences. She was pregnant. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew one thingthe child was innocent. My blood, my responsibility. And Oliver I never regretted staying.
Three months passed. The DNA test confirmed it: 99.9% probability. Oliver was the father.
So what? Margaret laughed when I placed the paper in front of her. Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Emily steps foot in this house. Over my dead body!
Oliver stood there, staring at his hands. The conflict was written all over his facehed chosen his mothers side. Silent, fists clenched, not a word spoken.
I rose slowly from the table. If the two of you have made your decision, then hear mine.
My voice was low, but sharp as a blade.
As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. I have land. Ill build a house. Everything Ive saved will go to that child. And the two of you? Youll get nothing from me. I refuse to be part of this disgrace. Oliver, as of today, you are no longer my son. Everything I have belongs to the child. Not a single penny goes to you.
Margaret exploded. Have you lost your mind? Youd cut off your own son?
I didnt answer. Just turned and walked away, ignoring her shouts. Oliver remained frozen, disbelief in his eyes. But he knewwhen I say something, I mean it.
