He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother stood by him, but his father defended the unborn child.
“Dad, I have news,” said James, barely stepping through the door. “The neighbor, Lily… she’s pregnant. It’s mine.”
Victor, his father, paused for a moment before speaking with quiet control.
“Then marry her.”
“What? I’m too young. This isnt the time for a familyweve barely been together!”
“Seriously?” Victor scoffed bitterly. “So you were man enough to chase after girls, but now its time to face the consequences, you act like a child? Fine.” Without another word, he raised his voice and called for his wife. “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Whats happened?”
“Listen. Our sons got a girl pregnant and wont do right by her. Lily, the neighbors daughter. Shes carrying his child, and hes hiding like a rat.”
Margaret didnt even look surprised. Her face hardened.
“And hes right to. Why bring the first girl who comes along into this house? These girls are cunningthey find a man with money, let themselves get caught, then come demanding marriage! And who knowsmaybe its not even his. He should get a test. Besides, we shouldnt pressure James. Hes still young. Hes a manit was hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise someone elses mistakes.”
Victor sighed deeply and spoke slowly.
“But what if it *is* his?”
“And if it is? Should we take responsibility? Tell him to get the tests. Lets know for certain.”
She turned and left, leaving Victor alone with his son.
“You know, I was young once too,” he began. “I loved someone else, but I married your mother. Not for lovefor duty. Because 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 thing for certainthe child was innocent. My blood, my conscience. And James… though it wasnt easy, I never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test confirmed itwith 99.9% certainty, James was the father of Lilys child.
“So what?” Margaret laughed when Victor placed the paper in front of her. “Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Lilys setting foot in this house. Not a chance! Ive said my piece!”
James stood silently, staring at his hands. The conflict was clear on his facehed chosen his mothers side. He clenched his fists but stayed silent.
Victor slowly rose from the table.
“If the two of you have made your choice, now listen to mine.”
His voice was quiet, but it cut like a knife.
“As long as I live, my grandson will want for nothing. Every brick Ive laid, every pound Ive earnedhe will inherit. And the two of you? Youll get nothing from me. I refuse to be part of this disgrace. James, from today, you are 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 disinherit your own son?!”
Victor didnt answer. He simply turned and walked away, ignoring the screams and curses behind him. James stood frozen, unable to believe what hed just heard. But he knew one thingwhen Victor said something, he meant it.
