He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother backed him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
He wouldnt marry the girl, no matter what. His mother agreed, but his father fought for the babys future.
“Dad, Ive got news. The neighbour, Lucy… shes pregnant. Its mine,” said James as soon as he stepped inside.
Martin, his father, froze for a second before answering calmly.
“Then marry her.”
“Are you mad? Im still young. Its not the time to start a familywe werent even serious!”
“Werent you?” His fathers smile was cold. “So you were man enough to chase after a girl, but now, when its time to take responsibility, suddenly youre a child. Fine.” Without another word, he called loudly for his wife: “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret 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. He wants to run like a coward.”
Margaret didnt even blink. Her face hardened.
“And hes right. Why bring just anyone into this house? Girls these days are cleverthey find a man with money, get themselves pregnant, then demand marriage. Whos to say the childs even his? He should get a test. Besides, we cant force Jameshes young. Hes a man; temptations hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise another mans mistake.”
Martin took a deep breath and muttered,
“What if it *is* his child?”
“And what if it is? Are we bound to shoulder that burden? Tell him to get the test, and well see.”
She turned on her heel and went back to the kitchen, leaving Martin alone with his son.
“Listen, I was young once too,” he began. “Loved one, married another. Not for lovefor duty. 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 thingthe child wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And you know what, James? I never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test came back clear99.9% probability. James was the father.
“So what?” Margaret scoffed when Martin laid the paper before her. “Yes, its his. That doesnt mean Lucys moving in here. She wont set foot in this house. Ive said my piece!”
James sat silent, avoiding his fathers gaze. His expression said hed chosen his mothers side. He clenched his fists but didnt speak.
Martin rose slowly from the table.
“If the two of you have made your choice, now hear mine.”
His voice was deep, steady.
“As long as I live, my grandchild wont go without. Ill buy land, build a house, and that boymy bloodwill have everything Ive earned. And the two of you? Youll get nothing from me. I wont be part of this shame. James, from today, youre no son of mine. Everything I have goes to that child. You wont see a single penny.”
Margaret exploded.
“Have you lost your mind? Youd disown your own son?”
Martin didnt answer. He just turned and walked away, ignoring the shouts and curses. James stayed where he was, frozen, unable to believe his father meant it. But he knewwhen Martin said something, he meant it.
