**Diary Entry**
I couldnt bring myself to marry my pregnant girlfriend. Mum stood by me, but Dad defended the unborn child.
“Dad, Ive got news,” I said the moment I stepped through the door. “Our neighbour, Lucy… shes pregnant. Its mine.”
My father, Edward, froze for a second before answering calmly, “Then marry her.”
“Are you mad? Im still young. Its not the right time to start a familywe werent even serious!”
“Werent serious?” His smile was cold. “So, you were man enough to chase a girl, but when it comes to responsibility, suddenly youre a boy. Fine.” Without another word, he called out sharply, “Margaret! Come here!”
Mum walked into the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron. “Whats happened?”
“Listen. Our son got a girl pregnantLucy, the neighbours daughterand now he wont marry her. Hes trying to hide like a coward.”
Mum didnt even flinch. Her face hardened. “And hes right. Why bring the first girl who comes along into this house? Girls these days are cunningthey find a man with money, get pregnant, then demand marriage. Whos to say the childs even his? Get a DNA test. And besides, we cant force Jameshes still young. Hes a man; its hard to resist temptation. But were not obliged to raise another mans child.”
Edward took a deep breath. “And what if it *is* his?”
“So what if it is? Are we supposed to bear that burden? Tell him to take the test. Then well know.”
She turned and walked back to the kitchen, leaving Edward alone with me.
“Son, I was young once too,” he began. “Loved one girl, but married another. Not for lovefor duty. Being a man isnt just about passion. Its about choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could stay with her, but I knew one thing: the child wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And you know what, James? I never regretted staying.”
Three months later. The DNA test came back clear: 99.9% probability that I was the father of Lucys child.
“So what?” Mum scoffed when Edward placed the paper in front of her. “Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Lucy moves in here. She wont set foot in this house. I wont allow it!”
I sat there, avoiding my fathers gaze. My expression made it clear whose side Id chosen. I clenched my fists but stayed silent.
Edward rose slowly from the table. “If the two of you have made your decision, then hear mine now.”
His voice was low but firm.
“As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a house, and hemy bloodwill have everything Ive earned. But you two wont see a penny from me. I refuse to be part of this disgrace. James, as of today, you are no longer my son. Everything I have belongs to that child.”
Mum exploded. “Have you lost your mind? Youd disinherit your own son?”
Edward didnt answer. He just turned and walked away, ignoring her shouts. I sat there, stunned, unable to believe what hed said. But I knew himif he said it, he meant it.
