He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother backed him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
“Dad, I have news. The neighbour, Lily… she’s pregnant. Its mine,” said James, barely through the door.
Victor, his father, paused for a moment before speaking calmly:
“Then marry her.”
“What? Im too young. Its not the time for a family, especially since we barely even dated”
“Really?” His father scoffed bitterly. “So, chasing girls made you a man, but when its time to take responsibility, 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 sniff out money, trip themselves up, then come crying, Marry me! Whos to say its even his? Make him take a test. Besides, theres no point pressuring Jameshes still young. Hes a man; temptation is hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise other peoples mistakes.”
Victor sighed deeply and spoke softly:
“But what if it really is his child?”
“And if it is? Should we pay for it? Tell him to get the tests done. Well know for sure.”
She turned and left the room, leaving Victor alone with his son.
“Look,” he began, “I was young once too. I loved someone else, but I married your mother. Not for lovefor duty. Being a man isnt just about passion, but choice and consequence. She was pregnant. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew one thingthat child was innocent. My blood. My conscience. And James, though it wasnt easy, Ive never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test confirmed it: 99.9% chance James was Lilys babys father.
“So what?” Margaret laughed when Victor placed the paper before her. “Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Lily sets foot in this house. Not over my dead body!”
James stood there, staring at his hands. His face betrayed himhed chosen his mothers side. Silent, fists clenched, he said nothing.
Victor rose slowly from the table.
“If the two of you have decided, then listen to what I have to say.”
His voice was quiet but sharp as a blade.
“As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. Ive got landIll build a house, and that childmy grandchildwill have everything Ive worked for. And the two of you? Youll get nothing from me. I refuse to be part of this disgrace. James, from today, youre no son of mine. Everything I have goes to the child. Not a single penny for either of you.”
Margaret exploded.
“Have you lost your mind? Youd cut off your own son?”
Victor didnt answer. He just turned and walked away, ignoring her shouts and curses. James stood frozen, unable to believe what hed just heard. But he knew one thing: when Victor spoke, he meant it.
