He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother supported him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
“Dad, I have news. The neighbour, Lily… shes pregnant. Its mine,” said James as soon as he stepped inside.
Victor, his father, paused for a moment before replying calmly, “Then marry her.”
“What? Im too young. This isnt the time for a family, especially since weve barely been together”
“Seriously?” Victor cut in bitterly. “So you were man enough to chase girls, but when it comes to taking responsibility, you act like a child? Fine.” Without another word, he raised his voice and called out, “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 do the right thing. Lily, the neighbours daughter. Shes carrying his child, and hes hiding like a rat.”
Margaret didnt even flinch. Her face hardened. “Good for him. Why should we bring the first girl who comes along into this house? These girls are cunningsnagging whoever has money, then trapping them with a baby. Whos to say its even his? Make him take a test. Besides, James is still young. Hes a man, it was hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise someone elses child.”
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 done first.”
She turned and walked out, leaving Victor alone with his son.
“You know, I was young once too,” Victor began. “I loved someone else, but I married your mother. Not out of love, but duty. Being a man isnt just about passionits about choices and consequences. She was pregnant. I didnt know if wed work, but I knew one thingthe child was innocent. My blood, my conscience. And James, though it wasnt easy, I never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test confirmed it: with 99.9% certainty, James was the father of Lilys child.
“So what?” Margaret laughed when Victor placed the papers before her. “Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Lilys moving into this house. Not a chance! I wont have it!”
James stood silent, staring at his hands. His face made it clearhed chosen his mothers side. He clenched his fists but said nothing.
Victor rose slowly from the table.
“If you two have made your decision, now hear mine.” His voice was quiet but sharp as a blade.
“As long as I live, my grandson will want for nothing. I have landIll build a house, and *he*my grandsonwill inherit everything Ive worked for. But you two? Youll get nothing from me. I refuse to be part of this disgrace. James, from today, youre no longer my son. Everything I own goes to the child. Not a penny for either of you.”
Margaret exploded. “Have you lost your mind? Youd disinherit your own son?!”
Victor didnt answer. He simply turned and left, ignoring her shouts and curses. James stood frozen, unable to believe what hed just heard. But he knew one thingwhen Victor spoke, he meant it.
In the end, some choices define not just who we are, but who were willing to become.
