He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mum backed him up, but his dad stood up for the unborn child.
“Dad, Ive got something to tell you. Our neighbour, Daisy shes pregnant. Its mine,” said Oliver, barely through the door.
His father, Henry, paused for a moment before replying calmly, “Then marry her.”
“What? Im too young. This isnt the right time for a family, especially since we havent even been together that long”
“Seriously?” Henry cut in bitterly. “So you were man enough to chase girls, but now its time to take responsibility, you act like a child? Fine.” Without another word, he raised his voice and called for his wife, “Margaret! Come here a minute!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Whats happened?”
“Listen. Our sons got a girl pregnant and doesnt want to marry her. Daisy, the neighbours daughter. Shes carrying his child, and hes hiding like a rat.”
Margaret didnt even look surprised. Her face hardened. “And hes right. Why bring the first girl who comes along into this house? Girls like that are cunningthey find someone with more money, let themselves get caught, then come demanding marriage! And whos to say its even his? Get a test done. Besides, theres no point pressuring Oliverhes still young. Hes a man, its hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise someone elses child.”
Henry sighed deeply and said quietly, “But what if it really is his?”
“And if it is? Is that our burden? Tell him to get the tests done so we know for sure.” She turned and left, leaving Henry alone with his son.
“Look, I was young once too,” Henry began. “I loved someone else, but I married your mother. Not for love, but out of duty. Because being a man isnt just about passionits about choices and consequences. She was pregnant. I didnt know if I could be with her, but I knew one thing for certainthe child wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And Oliver, as hard as it was, Ive never once regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test confirmed it99.9% chance Oliver was Daisys babys father.
“So what?” Margaret laughed when Henry put the paper in front of her. “Yes, hes the father. But that doesnt mean Daisy is setting foot in this house. Not a chance! I said no!”
Oliver stood there, staring at his hands. His face made it clearhed chosen his mothers side. He clenched his fists but stayed silent.
Henry slowly rose from the table. “If the two of you have made your decision, now listen to mine.”
He spoke quietly, but his voice cut like a knife. “As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. I have landIll build a house, and hemy grandsonwill get everything Ive worked for. And you two? Youll get nothing from me. I refuse to be part of this shame. Oliver, from today, youre no longer my son. Everything I have goes to the child. Not a single penny for you.”
Margaret exploded. “Have you lost your mind? Youd cut off your own son from his inheritance?!”
Henry didnt answer. He just turned and walked out, ignoring the shouts and curses behind him. Oliver stood frozen, unable to believe what hed just heard. But he knew one thingwhen Henry said something, he meant it.
