I’m pregnant with your fiancés child, Emily blurted at the bachelorette party, her voice shaking.
Youve lost your marbles! That dress costs as much as a secondhand car! Hannah stared at her, eyes wide, unable to swallow the price tag.
No, youre the one whos gone off your trolley if you think Ill marry anything that makes James forget how to breathe! Hannah twirled in front of the mirror, clutching the extravagant train. A wedding only happens once in a lifetime!
Its nice to be hopeful, Emily muttered, glancing at the dresss price. But honestly, Hannah, why spend so much? James loves you, not the gown.
Hannah froze, her expression turning solemn.
You know, when your parents are gone you realise how precious moments are. I want this day to be perfect, so Mum and Dad, watching from above, could be proud.
Emilys tone softened; she regretted her harsh words. Hannahs parents had died in a car crash three years earlier, and since then shed learned to hide the ache behind smiles and feigned carefree chatter.
Sorry, Emily said, pulling Hannah into a hug, careful not to crush the pricey dress. If this is the right dress, then its worth every penny.
Funny thing, Hannah laughed, tucking a stray lock behind her ear. James suggested we dip into our travel fund. He said Venice wont go anywhere, but a bride in a perfect dress is a onceinalifetime thing.
Emily smiled, thinking of James tall, always composed, with kind eyes and a shy grin. They made a perfect pair: she, bright and impulsive; he, calm and sensible.
Im so happy, Hannah whispered when the shop assistant vanished to fetch a veil. Sometimes it feels unreal. James is the best thing thats ever happened to me.
After me, of course, Emily teased, prompting Hannah to burst out laughing.
Naturally! By the way, have you sorted the bachelorette plans? Two weeks left.
Everythings ready, Emily replied, having taken charge as maid of honour. A cosy country cottage, a pool, a sauna, karaoke and your seven best mates. No strippers, just as you asked.
Good thing we left that out, Hannah winked. Id feel sorry for Jen, she cant see the light after her divorce.
No worries, Ive got a special surprise for Jen, Emily grinned.
The assistant returned with a fan of lace veils, and the conversation shifted to length, style and fastening.
Emily drove home, exhausted but satisfied. Hannah finally chose the dress and accessories; only the final wedding details remained. She treated herself to a hot bath, dreaming of the upcoming weekend getaway for the hen do.
Just as she stepped out, a message pinged. Anna, another invitee, wrote that she couldnt make it her son had spiked a fever.
A shame, Emily muttered, sending wellwishes. Her gut told her this wouldnt be the last cancellation. Sure enough, Svetlana called later, apologising she couldnt get time off work.
Dont fret, Emily reassured. Well all be there on the big day.
Friday afternoon, Emilys SUV, packed with snacks and drinks, rolled out of town. Of the seven invited, only four showed up Emily, Jen, Kate and Victoria. Hannah, however, wasnt bothered in the slightest.
Fewer guests, more fresh air, she said, settling into the front seat beside Emily. And more champagne for each of us!
The girls cheered. Jen, the recently divorced friend for whom Emily had a special surprise, had already uncorked a bottle of prosecco, pouring it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she toasted. To the most beautiful, happiest, luckiest lady!
And to her wonderful groom! added Kate, who worked with James at a construction firm. Any woman would be lucky to have a man like him.
Ive had no luck, Jen sighed. My ex turned out to be a proper scoundrel.
Not all men are the same, Emily said gently. James isnt.
Thats right, Hannah agreed. Sometimes I feel I dont deserve him. Yesterday he came home, lit candles, cooked dinner, opened a bottle of wine, and said, Youve been working so hard on the wedding, I want you to relax tonight.
Now thats a man, Victoria exclaimed with a hint of envy. My boyfriend hasnt even managed to fry an egg in three years.
The chat drifted to the usual banter about male quirks, and when the SUV pulled up to a modest twostorey cottage by the lake, the prosecco was gone and everyone was in high spirits.
The rented cottage was spacious and homely. On the ground floor a large kitchenliving area opened onto a terrace with a heated plunge pool; upstairs were three bedrooms and a bathroom with a sauna.
Blimey, this place is amazing! Hannah exclaimed, taking in the rooms. Youve outdone yourself, love!
Emily smiled proudly. Shed spent nearly a month hunting for the perfect spot: scenic countryside, water, a spot for a barbecue and total privacy.
Evening began with dinner prep salads, grilled meat, roasted potatoes. Jen, surprisingly quiet, stayed mostly to herself, checking her phone and barely joining the chatter.
Everything alright? Emily asked softly when the others moved to the terrace to set the table.
Just tired, Jen replied, her voice weary. Works a nightmare and the little ones a handful.
If you need to talk, Im here, Emily said, squeezing Jens hand. Jen managed a faint smile.
As the night wore on, the terrace buzzed with laughter, more champagne, and stories from university days. Hannah, cheeks flushed from wine, reminisced.
Remember how we first met? Freshers week, I walked into the common room and there you were, Emily, strumming a guitar, Kate with that gigantic teddy bear
And me with three suitcases of clothes! Jen laughed. We all thought you were some posh socialite.
Turns out I was just a shopaholic, Emily added.
Thanks to Jens wardrobe, we always showed up to dates in different outfits, Kate chimed. Remember our swap system?
The night continued with more memories, jokes, and wellwishes for Hannah. When it grew cooler, they moved back inside, turned on some music, and Kate pulled out a deck of cards, suggesting a game of Truth or Dare.
How about Never Have I Ever? Hannah proposed, just like the good old days.
The game kicked off lightheartedly. Never have I ever kissed a girl, Kate and Victoria sipped. Never have I ever shoplifted, Jen confessed, laughing about a childhood gumchewing incident. Never have I ever dreamed of getting married, everyone raised a glass, even Emily, who always said a passport stamp wasnt for her.
As the bottles emptied, the questions grew more daring. Never have I ever had sex in a public place, Never have I ever lied to my best friend, Never have I ever cheated
On the final question Jen broke down, tears streaming down her cheeks, mascara smearing.
Jen, whats wrong? Hannah asked, moving closer. Its just a game.
I cant, Jen sobbed. Im pregnant with James. With your fiancé.
A heavy silence fell. Hannahs mouth hung open, unable to process. Emily and Kate stared in horror, while I felt a chill crawl up my spine.
What nonsense is this? Hannah finally managed. Youre drunk or youve lost your mind.
Its true, Jen wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. It happened a month and a half ago when you were away in York. I came over to drop off the visa papers you asked for. James was home alone
Shut up! Hannah snapped, flinging her wine glass. Scarlet wine soaked the light carpet like blood. Dont you dare keep spewing this filthy lie!
Im not lying, Jen said, pulling out her phone. She scrolled, then handed Hannah a screenshot of a pregnancy test and a dated text exchange with James.
Hannah recoiled as if bitten by a snake. I dont believe it, she whispered, but doubt crept into her voice. He would never
He said you two were sleeping in separate rooms, that the wedding was a mistake, that you were planning to split Jen continued, eyes fixed on the screen.
No! Our marriage is perfect! We love each other! Hannah shouted. Then why would he do this?
Why did he say hed wanted me for ages, that I was special Jens voice trembled. She slammed her palm into her own cheek; a sharp sound echoed.
Enough! I stepped between them. Calm down, both of you!
Hush, Emily, Hannah snapped, tears shining. My best friend just claimed shes pregnant with my fiancé! How am I supposed to calm down?
Lets sort this out, I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Jen, are you certain youre pregnant? And that James is the father?
Yes, Jen replied quietly. The test is positive. I havent been with anyone since the divorce.
Did you ever consider talking to James about this instead of causing a scene at the hen do? Victoria asked, finally finding her voice.
I tried, Jen lowered her head. He told me it was my problem, that I was lying, that he only loves Hannah but thats not true. He said other things to me.
Hannah, suddenly very composed, snatched Jens phone and began scrolling through the messages. Her face grew paler with each swipe.
Theres nothing here, she finally said. Just Hey, hows it going? and When are you coming over? No mention of a pregnancy, no confession.
He called me, Jen whispered. He didnt want to write it down.
Convenient, Kate remarked dryly.
Hannah kept scrolling, then froze on a photo. It showed Jen, halfclothed on a bed that Hannah recognised all too well the bedroom she shares with James.
When was this taken? Hannah asked, voice flat.
The 15th of April, Jen answered. The day you were supposed to be in York.
Hannah closed her eyes, trying to steady her racing heart.
I didnt go to York, she said. My aunt had a heart attack, we stayed home and watched movies all night.
Jens eyes widened. But James told me youd left
Did you believe him? Victoria asked, shaking her head. Or are you making this up?
No! Jen snapped. Im not lying! He came to my flat, and heres proof! She thrust the phone toward Hannah again.
Hannah examined the picture closely, then burst into a nervous laugh.
Oh my God, she said, wiping tears from her cheeks, now more from nervousness than grief. Jen, thats not our bedroom. Thats your own flat. Look at the swanpattern wallpaper you brought that from your parents house.
Jen stared at the photo, confused.
And the date on it reads 1502, not 1504, Hannah added, pointing. It was taken in February.
A heavy pause settled over the room. Jen sank onto the sofa, shoulders drooping.
So whats the truth? I asked gently. Youre not making this up about the pregnancy, are you?
I I dont know who the father is, Jen admitted in a whisper. After my divorce I dated a few men. When I found out I was pregnant I panicked. I thought James was kind, caring, the kind of man whod be a good dad, so I lied.
You used our marriage as a cover, Victoria said coldly. You tried to ruin everything.
I never meant to hurt you, Jen sobbed. I was desperate, alone, with a baby on the way. I didnt know what to do.
Emily sighed heavily. You could have asked for help. We would have been there for you.
Hannah stood, gathering her things. Where are you going? I asked, alarmed.
Its late, Hannah said, voice steady but eyes glistening. Ill take a taxi home.
Ill go with you, Emily said resolutely. You wont go alone.
Jen stayed seated, head in her hands. Im sorry, Hannah. I was jealous of your happiness Please forgive me.
Hannah paused at the doorway, turning back. Youve shattered my trust, not just in you but in people. I dont know if I can ever forgive you.
The taxi sped down the dark country road, lights flashing past the windows. I stayed silent, watching Hannahs profile, knowing she needed time to heal.
What scares me most? Hannah finally said, breaking the quiet. For a moment I believed the worst. I doubted James, I doubted us.
Its natural to question, Emily replied softly. Anyone would feel that way after hearing something like this.
But I shouldnt have, Hannah muttered, clenching her fist. Ive known James four years. Hes never given me a reason to doubt him. One accusation, one word, and I almost let it ruin everything.
You were just overwhelmed, I said, placing a hand on her shoulder. Now the truths out. You know whats real.
Exactly, Hannah replied, a bitter smile forming. My best friend turned out to be a traitor, trying to wreck my happiness for her own mess.
Jen made a terrible mistake, Emily said, shaking her head. But shes in a desperate place pregnant, isolated, scared.
Do you excuse her? Hannah asked, eyes flashing.
No, I answered firmly. But I try to understand. Theres a difference.
Silence fell again as the taxis radio played a low, soothing tune.
Ill call James, Hannah said, pulling out her phone.
Its almost two a.m., Emily noted, glancing at her watch.
It doesnt matter. He needs to hear this.
James answered on the first ring, his voice edged with worry. Hannah? Everything okay?
Hannahs voice broke as she recounted the nights events, the lies, her fleeting doubt. James listened, then simply said, Ill be home now.
When their car pulled up to the cottage, it was well past midnight. Emily asked the driver to wait while she headed to her own flat.
Stay here? Hannah offered. We need some time alone to talk.
No, Emily shook her head. You two need to sort it out. Ill call you in the morning.
Hannah hugged Emily tightly. Thank you for being here.
Always, Emily smiled. Dont let this ruin your wedding. Itll still be perfect, I promise.
Hannah nodded and went inside. James was already waiting on the doorstep in casual trousers and a crumpled shirt, hair slightly dishevelled, eyes full of concern. He pulled her into a tight embrace.
Im sorry, she whispered into his shoulder. I should never have doubted you.
Its alright, he kissed the top of her head. The important thing is youre here, were together.
From the taxi window I watched them, a smile forming. Despite everything, their love seemed strong enough to survive any test.
As for Jen Id call her tomorrow, offer real help, because even those who stumble badly deserve a chance at redemption.
The taxi pulled away, taking me away from the cottage where two loving souls found solace in each other. I realised that true friendship isnt about blind support at all costs; its about honesty, however bitter, and forgiveness when its possible. At this stage, forgiveness was still far off. The wound was fresh, the pain sharp. Time would heal, though it would leave scars merely reminders of the storm we survived because we had people who truly cared.
