Ill only make a decision after a DNA test, Jane declared, her voice edged with accusation.
Victor, still stiff from the funeral two weeks earlier, replied firmly, I think Alice should stay with us.
The little girl had been living with them ever since Janes friend left the country; they had arranged temporary guardianship before the departure. That arrangement was due to end in a month, so a decision had to be made.
Victors hardline tone irritated Jane.
Is it because shes your daughter? she shouted, the words spilling out. Admit it! I cant endure this any longer!
What am I supposed to endure, Jane? Victor asked, genuinely puzzled.
Jane and Megan had known each other since they were babies. Their mothers had shared a ward at the same maternity hospital, and later they discovered they lived on adjacent streets, attended the same park, and eventually the same nursery, primary school, and university.
They looked alike and shared similar temperaments; Megan was a touch more headstrong, while Jane was, as her mother liked to say, far too kindhearted.
The two girls rarely quarreled; instead they helped one another through tough times.
It’s wonderful you have a friend like that, Megans mother would sigh. Shell be like a sister to you.
You must cherish such a friendship, Janes mother would add. Hold onto it.
They treasured the bond. When Paula later joined their university, they didnt immediately welcome her into the tightknit circle. Yet Paula was persistent, always tailing them, and eventually the three of them became inseparable.
Without Paula, Megan and Jane spent even more time together, which made Paula feel left out. For a while the third friend drifted away when the first married and moved away, but she soon returned and the trio reassembled.
Jane married next, at twentyfive, to a promising engineer four years her senior. She and Victor wanted children; there were no medical obstacles, yet nothing happened.
Three years into their marriage, Megan announced she was pregnant. She refused to name the father, though Jane suspected it was David, a man Megan had been seeing for a year. He vanished after a fight with her.
Ill manage on my own! Megan declared proudly. Its a shame my mother wont see her granddaughter, but I have enough money for the baby and a nanny.
Of course, Megan. Well help you, Jane said, genuinely delighted for her friend.
Paula rolled her eyes constantly, reminding everyone that a child needed a father and that it was a huge responsibility. Only a husband should be involved in raising a child, she would mutter.
Jane and Megan exchanged amused looksPaula could be a bit of a nag, but that was just her.
Eventually, Jane became the godmother to little Alice. The child often visited Victors house, where he delighted in playing with her. For a time the couple even forgot their own struggles to have a child.
Six years after Alices birth, Megan met the man of her dreamsArthur. He was clever, handsome, kind, and caring.
Unfortunately, it cant work out for us, Megan sighed.
What do you mean? Jane asked, startled.
Hes probably married, Paula sneered. Or his mother is a hawkeyed tyrant.
No, thats not the case! Megan defended Arthur. He was married once, but they split long ago. Theyve not spoken since, and his mother, Elizabeth, is wonderful.
What then? Jane pressed.
Hes about to take a posting abroadcrucial for his career, Megan explained, disappointment in her voice.
Well, thats it, thenconsider him lost! Paula scoffed.
Jane shot her a reproachful glance and made a sour face.
Doesnt he want you to come with him? she asked Megan.
Yes, hes urging me. But we cant take Alice with us. Shed have to start school there, and she doesnt even speak the language.
Are you really swapping a child for a man? Paula taunted again.
No, Megan sighed, weary.
The next day Jane sat down seriously with Victor to discuss taking Alice in permanently.
We cant let Megan lose this chance, she said. Alice feels like family to us, and
I understand, I understand, Victor chuckled, Im not opposed. Is Megan on board?
Im not sure yet, Jane replied, then added, Youre the best husband in the world! and clung to his arm.
Megan was initially stunned by the proposal, hesitated, but eventually agreed.
Dont worry about the money, she assured Jane.
Dont be ridiculous, Victor replied, waving it off.
They said their goodbyes with tears, promising to keep in daily contact. Alice quickly grew accustomed to living with her godmother, knowing her own mother would return soon.
During one video call, Paula dropped by, wine bottle in hand, complaining about a new lover who refused to commit.
You treat her like a burden, helping her, and she just laughs at you, Paula slurred.
What are you talking about? Jane asked, genuinely confused.
About Megan. Shes my friend, but shes cunning, Paula muttered.
Either speak clearly or shut up, Jane ordered.
Fine! Megans well, shes my friend, but Paula tried to continue, then stumbled out of the room, swearing shed leave immediately.
Victor, tucking Alice into bed, wondered why his friend had fled so quickly.
There had never been secrets between them, so Jane confessed everything to Victor.
Some people need to cut back on drinking, he shrugged. And honestly, Paula has always been the third wheeljealous and shortsighted. I never understood how you got friends with her.
It was the first time Victor openly criticized Paula, and Jane believed him, though a tiny seed of doubt sprouted. She recalled how often Victor had met Megan without her knowledge.
Janes mood shifted, but she tried to act normally. Still, she found herself watching Alice for any resemblance to Victorher eyes, her laugh, the way she held a spoon, even her love of chocolate with nuts. The similarities gnawed at her, and she grew increasingly uneasy about the bond between her goddaughter and her husband.
Arguments with Victor over trivial matters became more frequent. He couldnt grasp what was happening, and at one point even suggested Jane see a doctor.
They went three days without speaking. Then a devastating tragedy struck: Megan and Arthur were involved in a car crash. Arthur survived with serious injuries, but Megan died instantly.
Victor and Jane spent a fortune and endless hours arranging for Megans burial back in England. In those dark days, Jane almost forgot her suspicions, but they resurfaced as the pain of loss dulled.
Two weeks after the funeral Victor repeated his earlier resolve: I think Alice should stay with us.
Alice had been living with them all this time under the temporary guardianship, which was now due to end. Victors firm tone again sparked Janes anger.
Is it because shes your daughter? she shouted. Admit it! I cant bear this any longer!
What am I supposed to bear, Jane? Victor asked, exasperated. Did you really believe that Paula? I thought you were a sensible woman and not gullible!
No, what are you even talking about? There was nothing between me and Megan, and there could never have been!
Youll have to prove it, Jane snapped, teeth clenched. Ill decide after the DNA test.
Victor, genuinely caring for Jane, promptly agreed to the test, which later showed he was not Alices father.
Janes shame never left her, but at least she didnt fling accusations at Megans memory. She now silently asked for forgiveness for the years she spent suspecting her friends.
Alice remained with them. Jane cut off contact with Paula, delivering all her thoughts in a sharp, final conversation. Victor pretended nothing had happened, as if the past should stay buried, especially now that Jane was finally pregnant.
Through the tangled web of friendships, betrayals, loss, and love, the family learned that trust is fragile, envy can poison even the strongest bonds, and honesty, however painful, is the only way to keep relationships whole. In the end, they discovered that true security comes not from bloodlines or material wealth, but from the willingness to forgive, to stand together, and to value the people who choose to stay by your side.
