So, get thishe flat-out refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mum backed him up, but his dad stood up for the unborn baby.
He wouldnt marry the girl, no way. His mum was on his side, but his dad wasnt having any of it.
«Dad, Ive got news,» said Oliver the second he walked in. «The neighbour, Emily shes pregnant. Its mine.»
William, his dad, froze for a second before answering calmly:
«Well, marry her then.»
«Are you mad? Im still young. Its not the right time to start a familywe werent even serious!»
«Werent you?» His dad gave a cold smile. «So you were man enough to chase after a girl, but when its time to step up, suddenly youre a boy again. Right.» Without another word, he called out sharply, «Margaret! Come here!»
Margaret walked into the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron.
«Whats happened?»
«Listen. Our boys got a girl pregnantEmily, the neighbours daughterand now he wont do the right thing. Wants to slink off like a coward.»
Margaret didnt even blink. Her face hardened.
«And hes right. Why bring the first girl that comes along into this house? Girls these days are cleverthey find a lad with money, get themselves in trouble, then demand marriage. Whos to say the babys even his? He should get a test. And besides, we shouldnt pressure Oliverhes still young. Hes a man, its hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise someone elses child.»
William took a deep breath and muttered, «And what if it is his?»
«And what if it is? Are we duty-bound to take that on? Tell him to get the test, and well know for sure.»
She turned on her heel and stalked back to the kitchen, leaving William alone with his son.
«You know, I was young once too,» he began. «Loved one girl, married another. Not for lovebecause it was the right thing to do. Being a man isnt just about passion, its about choices and consequences. Your mum was pregnant. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew one thingthat baby wasnt to blame. My blood, my responsibility. And you know what, Oliver? I never regretted staying.»
Three months later, the DNA test came back clear: 99.9% chance Oliver was the father of Emilys baby.
«So what?» Margaret snapped when William laid the paper in front of her. «Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Emilys moving in here. Shes not setting foot in this house. Ive said my piece!»
Oliver stayed slumped in his chair, avoiding his dads eyes. His face said it allhed chosen his mums side. He clenched his fists but stayed silent.
William stood up slowly.
«If the two of you have made your decision, then hear mine.»
His voice was low but firm.
«As long as I live, my grandchild wont go without. Ill buy land, build a house, and hemy bloodwill have everything Ive worked for. And the two of you wont see another penny from me. I wont be part of this shame. Oliver, as of today, youre no son of mine. Everything I have goes to that child. You wont get a single pound.»
Margaret exploded.
«Have you lost your mind? Youd cut off your own son?»
William didnt answer. He just turned and walked out, ignoring the shouts and curses behind him. Oliver sat there, stunned, unable to believe his dad had actually said it. But he knewwhen William made a promise, he kept it.
