He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother backed him, while his father stood up for the unborn child.
Dad, I have news. The neighbor, Lucía shes pregnant. With me Javier said as he stepped into the house.
Marcelino, his father, paused a moment before answering calmly:
Then marry her.
Are you kidding? Im still young. Its not the right time to start a family, and we arent even in a serious relationship
Is that so? the father gave a cold smile. You were a man when it came to chasing a girl, but when responsibility knocks, you turn into a child. Fine. Without another word, he shouted to his wife: Carmen! Come here!
Carmen entered the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron:
Whats wrong?
Listen. Our son got a neighbors daughter pregnant and now he wont marry her. Hes trying to hide like a coward.
Carmen showed no surprise. Her face hardened:
And hes right. Why bring any girl into this house? Modern girls are shrewd: they look for money, get pregnant, then demand marriage. Sometimes the child isnt even theirs. Lets run the facts. Besides, we shouldnt pressure Javier; hes still young. Hes a man, its hard to resist, but were not obliged to support other peoples children.
Marcelino inhaled deeply and muttered:
What if it really is his child?
And if it is? Are we forced to shoulder that burden? Tell him to get tested and well find out.
He turned back to the kitchen, leaving Marcelino alone with his son.
You know, I was young once too he began. I loved one woman, but married another. Not for love, but out of duty. Being a man isnt just passion; its decisions and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could be with her, but I knew one thing: the child isnt to blame. Its my blood, my conscience. And, Javier, despite everything, I never regretted staying.
Three months passed. The DNA test gave a clear result: with 99.9% certainty, Javier was the father of Lucías child.
So what? Carmen scoffed as Marcelino placed the paper on her. Yes, hes the father, but that doesnt mean Lucía lives here. She wont set foot in this house. I say so!
Javier sat, avoiding his fathers gaze. His expression showed hed sided with his mother. He clenched his fists but said nothing.
Marcelino rose slowly from the table:
If you two have already made your choice, now hear mine.
His voice was deep and firm:
As long as Im alive, my grandson wont lack anything. Ill buy land, build a house, and hemy bloodwill have everything Ive earned. You cant count on my help any longer. I refuse to be part of this shame. Javier, from today on you are no longer my son. Everything I have will go to that child. You wont see a single euro from me.
Carmen exploded:
Are you mad? You want to disinherit your own son?
Marcelino gave no answer. He simply turned and walked away, ignoring the shouts and insults. Javier remained frozen, unable to grasp that his father could say such a thing. Yet he knew: if Marcelino spoke it, he would follow through.
