**Diary Entry**
I couldnt bring myself to marry my pregnant girlfriend. Mum sided with me, but Dad stood up for the unborn child.
I refused. Plain and simple. Mum backed me, insisting I was too young, that it wasnt my fault. But Dadwell, Dad saw it differently.
«Dad, Ive got news,» I said the moment I walked in. «Lucy, the girl next door shes pregnant. Its mine.»
William, my father, froze for a second before answering calmly. «Then marry her.»
«Are you mad? Im barely out of uni. This isnt the time to settle down, and we werent even serious!»
«Werent you?» He gave me a cold smile. «Plenty of nerve chasing after her, but when it comes to owning up, suddenly youre a boy again. Right.» Without another word, he called out sharply, «Margaret! Come here!»
Mum walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. «Whats this about?»
«Listen. Our sons got a girl pregnantLucy, the neighbours daughterand now hes trying to wriggle out of it like a coward.»
She didnt even blink. Her face hardened. «And hes right to. Why let the first scheming girl waltz in here? These modern lasses know what theyre doingfind a chap with prospects, trap him with a baby, then demand a ring. Whos to say its even his? He should demand a test. And dont pressure Oliverhes young. Men have urges. But were not raising some strangers child.»
Dad exhaled slowly. «And if it *is* his?»
«So what if it is? Are we obliged to clean up his mess? Get the test done. Then well see.» She turned on her heel and marched back to the sink, leaving us in silence.
«You know,» Dad began quietly, «I was young once too. Loved a girl, but married another. Not for lovefor duty. Because being a man isnt just about passion. Its about choices. Consequences. Your mother was expecting. I didnt know if I could love her, but I did know one thingthat baby wasnt to blame. My blood. My conscience.» He met my eyes. «And Ive never regretted staying.»
Three months later, the DNA test came back clear: 99.9% chance the child was mine.
«And?» Mum scoffed when Dad laid the results before her. «So hes the father. Doesnt mean Lucys moving in here. I wont have it. Thats final!»
I stayed seated, avoiding Dads stare. My silence said enoughId chosen my side.
Dad rose slowly from the table. «If youve made your decision, then hear mine.» His voice was steady. «As long as I live, my grandchild wont go without. Ill buy land. Build a house. Everything I havemy bloodwill go to that child. And you two? Consider my support withdrawn. I wont be part of this shame. Oliver, as of today, youre no son of mine.»
Mum exploded. «Have you lost your mind? Youd disinherit your own boy?»
Dad didnt answer. He just turned and left, ignoring her shouts. I sat there, stunned. But I knew one thingwhen William Hartley made a vow, he kept it.
