He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother backed him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
As soon as he stepped into the house, James spoke up.
“Dad, I’ve got news. The neighbor, Emily… she’s pregnant. It’s mine.”
His father, William, paused for a moment before replying calmly.
“Then marry her.”
“Are you mad? I’m still young. Its not the time to settle down, and we werent even serious”
“Werent serious?” William gave a cold smile. “So you were man enough to chase after a girl, but when its time to take responsibility, suddenly youre a boy. Fine.” Without another word, he raised his voice. “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Whats the matter?”
“Listen. Our son got a girl pregnant and now he wont do the right thing. Emily, the neighbors’ daughter. And hes trying to slink away like a coward.”
Margaret didnt even blink. Her face hardened.
“And hes right. Why let the first girl who comes along trap him? 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 DNA test. And besides, we shouldnt pressure Jameshes still young. Hes a man; temptation happens. But were not obliged to raise someone elses child.”
William took a deep breath and muttered,
“And what if it *is* his child?”
“So what if it is? Are we obliged to take on that burden? Tell him to get the test, and well see.”
She turned and walked back to the kitchen, leaving William alone with his son.
“You know, I was young once too,” he began. “I loved one girl but 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 love her, but I knew one thingthe baby wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And you know what, James? Ive never regretted staying.”
Three months later, the DNA test came back clear: 99.9% probability James was the father of Emilys child.
“So what?” Margaret scoffed when William set the results in front of her. “Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Emily moves into this house. She wont set foot here. Thats final!”
James sat silently, avoiding his fathers gaze. His expression made it clearhed chosen his mothers side. His fists clenched, but he 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 want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a house, and that boymy bloodwill have everything Ive earned. And as for you two? Youll get no more help 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 penny.”
Margaret exploded.
“Have you lost your mind? Youd cut off your own son?”
William didnt answer. He simply turned and walked away, ignoring the shouts and curses behind him. James sat frozen, unable to believe his fathers words. But he knew one thingif William said it, he meant it.
