James refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother supported him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
He refused to marry the girl, despite her pregnancy. His mother backed his decision, but his father defended the babys future.
“Dad, Ive got news,” James said as he stepped inside. “Our neighbor, Emily shes pregnant. Its mine.”
His father, William, paused for a moment before replying calmly, “Then marry her.”
“Are you mad? Im still young. Its not the time to start a family. We werent even serious”
“Werent serious?” Williams smile was cold. “So you were man enough to chase after a girl, but when it comes to responsibility, suddenly youre a boy. Fine.” Without another word, he called sharply for his wife. “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron.
“Whats the matter?”
“Listen. Our son got a girl pregnant and now refuses to marry her. Emily, the neighbors daughter. And he wants to hide like a coward.”
Margaret didnt even blink. Her face hardened.
“And hes right. Why let just anyone into this house? Girls these days are cunningfind a man with money, get pregnant, and demand marriage. Then it turns out the baby isnt even his. He should get a test. And besides, we shouldnt pressure James. Hes still young. Hes a manit was hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise someone elses child.”
William took a deep breath and muttered, “What if it really is his?”
“So what if it is? Are we forced to take on that responsibility? Tell him to get the test, and well see.”
She turned on her heel and walked back to the kitchen, leaving William alone with his son.
“Listen,” he began, “I was young once too. I loved one girl but married another. Not for lovefor responsibility. Because being a man isnt just about passion. Its about choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could be with her, but I knew one thing: the baby wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And you know what, James? I never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test gave a clear answer: with 99.9% certainty, James was the father of Emilys child.
“So what?” Margaret scoffed when William placed the paper in front of her. “Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Emily moves into this house. She wont step foot here. Ive said my piece!”
James sat in silence, avoiding his fathers gaze. His expression made it clear hed chosen his mothers side. He clenched his fists but said nothing.
William rose slowly from the table.
“If the two of you have made your decision, now hear mine.”
His voice was low but firm.
“As long as I live, my grandchild will never want for anything. Ill buy land, build a house, and hemy bloodwill have everything Ive earned. And the two of you will no longer have my support. I refuse to be part of this disgrace. James, from today, youre no longer my son. Everything I have goes to that child. You wont see a penny from me.”
Margaret exploded.
“Have you lost your mind? Youd disinherit your own son?”
William didnt answer. He simply turned and walked away, ignoring the shouts and insults behind him. James remained frozen, unable to believe his fathers words. But he knew one thingif William said it, he meant it.
