Head of department pregnant with intern 18 years younger: "I'm so confused, I don't know which decision is right"

One time the whole room went on a business trip, after a party, we exceeded the limit.

I am a single mother of a son who is entering 8th grade this year. After many years of divorce, I only know how to focus on work. Currently I am a department manager at a company. I used to think my life would pass by like that, just raising my children would be enough.

Earlier this year, my department accepted an intern, 18 years younger than me. He is quiet, works hard, is punctual and is especially mature. He proactively asked about things he didn't know, and when he received suggestions, he took careful notes, not being self-centered like many other young people. Because I was directly instructing him, I spent a lot of time instructing him and sometimes helping him correct reports so he could complete the internship well. At the end of the internship, he still asked to stay at the company to continue collaborating, without salary to learn more and because he really liked the working environment here. Because I liked his hard-working personality and eagerness to learn, I created conditions and asked the company to give him a little allowance.

Gradually, we talked more. At first it was just work, then it was family and life. One day, he worked overtime until nearly 10 pm, and he still waited for me to finish work before returning. I felt like he cared about me, but I just thought that because I was the boss who directly guided me, he should pay attention. His actions and attitudes sometimes make me feel warm inside, but because I realize the age gap is too big, I always remind myself to be alert.

However, one time the whole room went on a business trip, after a party, we exceeded the limit. He said he had feelings for me. Even though he knew I was much older, he somehow felt like I wasn't that much older and always felt happy every time he talked to me. Nearly two months later, I discovered I was pregnant. I was dumbfounded, regretting taking emergency contraceptive pills too late and not having any effect.

He said he would be responsible for the baby. I couldn't bear it, he was still very young and had a whole future ahead of him. And I am the head of the department and the mother of a 14-year-old child. If this story reaches the company, I don't know how I will face my colleagues and son. I had thoughts of letting him quit his job and abandon the baby, but I felt guilty and couldn't bear it. I really don't know which decision is right for all of us. I'm so confused. Please show me a suitable path.