Emily Clarke set a plate of omelette on the table and took the seat opposite James Bennett. Morning light filtered through the lace curtains, bathing the room in a soft golden hue. She rested her chin on her hand and gave a small smile.
James looked up from his phone.
Is she nice? What made you click with her? he asked.
Absolutely! Emilys eyes brightened. We chatted yesterday and discovered we share a lot. Shes into rock climbing, goes to the same gym I used to frequent, and loves the same books. Its as if theyd copied my taste and slid her into the office.
James laughed and reached for his coffee.
Thats brilliant. Youve needed a work friend for ages.
Exactly! Emily lifted her fork but didnt start eating; she was eager to talk. She also loves hiking. Weve already pencilled in a trip for next month. She tells everything with such honesty, no pretence at all.
James nodded, taking a bite of his toast.
Sounds great. Can you introduce us?
Of course! Lets plan a dinner this weekend. Ill cook, well have a good chat.
Sounds perfect, James replied easily. Why not?
Emily gave a satisfied nod and turned back to the omelette. Inside, everything was bright. She had a job she loved, a wonderful boyfriend of three years, and now a new friend who fit right in. Life seemed almost flawless.
Two weeks later Emily hosted the dinner at her flat in Camden. She scrubbed the apartment until it gleamed and prepared Jamess favourite dish rosemaryroasted chicken. Poppy Hughes arrived with a bouquet of tulips and a cake.
Emily, your place feels so cosy! Poppy exclaimed, looking around. I could stay here forever.
Emily laughed and took the flowers.
Thanks. James, this is Poppy. Poppy, this is James.
James extended his hand, smiling. Pleasure. Emily has spoken about you so much I feel like Ive known you for a century.
The feelings mutual, Poppy replied, shaking his hand. She tells me youre the most patient person on Earth.
James winked at Emily. You need patience with a lively girl like her.
The evening went wonderfully. James and Poppy quickly discovered a shared love for classic cinema and 70s rock. They argued passionately over which film was better, each trying to prove his point.
Emily sat between them, smiling. Her two favourite people were getting along. What could be better?
After that night the three of them met often movies, galleries, weekend walks in the countryside. James even began to suggest inviting Poppy more often, saying, Its never dull with her.
Emily was delighted.
But gradually she started noticing odd changes. James began staying later at work, whereas he used to leave on time. He texted less during the day and called even less. When Emily brought up future plans buying a house, wedding his replies grew short and evasive, as if the topics weighed him down.
Poppys behaviour shifted too. Occasionally Emily caught her watching James with a quick, assessing glance, as if she wanted to say something but held back, then she smiled and steered the conversation elsewhere.
One evening Emily was in the living room while James cooked in the kitchen. His phone lay on the table beside her. The screen lit up with a message. She glanced automatically. It was from Poppy, timestamp just before midnight: Thanks for today.
Emilys heart sank. She put the phone down, stared at the wall. What did it mean? Had they seen each other earlier? James had said he was late because of work.
She tried to shake the thoughts away, telling herself they were just good friends and she was being paranoid. Yet the doubt lingered.
In March the three of them drove to a cabin in the Lake District, a trip theyd planned for months. Emily imagined forest walks, evenings by the fire, quiet mornings by the lake. Poppy was eager from the start, and James backed her up. They rented a small house on the shore, packed tents and climbing gear.
From the first day the atmosphere felt off. Emily watched James and Poppy exchange glances, fall silent whenever she entered the room. On the second day they trekked together along the lake while Emily rested after a climb. James explained they were simply showing Poppy the way to an old chapel a local ranger had mentioned.
Emily nodded, but something tightened inside her.
On the final evening they gathered around the fire. Both James and Poppy looked uneasy, guilty. They avoided Emilys eyes. When she tried to draw them into conversation, their answers were terse.
That night Emily lay awake, convinced something had broken beyond repair.
A week after returning, James sent a text: Emily, we need to talk. Meet me at the café?
Emily sat at her desk, a knot of dread forming in her stomach.
At five oclock she arrived at the coffee shop on the corner of Kings Road. James was already there, a table by the window, and Poppy sat opposite him.
Emily paused at the door, feeling the urge to turn back, but her feet carried her to the table. She slipped into the seat, leaving her coat on the back of the chair.
Whats going on? she asked, glancing between them. Both wore apologetic expressions.
James stared at his napkin, tearing it into pieces before finally looking up. Emily, I dont know how to say this. We didnt plan it. It just happened.
Emily clenched her fists under the table.
In the Lake District we realised we fell in love with each other, James whispered. We tried to fight it, really tried, but we cant hide it any longer.
Poppys eyes filled with tears, mascara running. Emily, Im sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. Youre my best friend, but this feeling is stronger than us.
Poppy reached out, but Emily pulled her hand back. Anger, betrayal, sorrow churned into a tight knot in her throat.
Stronger than us? Emily snapped. You were behind my back while I was planning a future, thinking about marriage, children, a life together? How could you both do that to me?
James lowered his gaze. We didnt mean to We never wanted to hurt you.
Didnt want to? Emilys voice rose, drawing a few curious glances from other patrons. You were meeting in secret, texting late at night! This is betrayal, James. The worst thing you could do to me.
I know, James said, his voice barely audible. I was selfish. I cant keep lying to you.
And you? Emily turned to Poppy. You said I was your best friend. How could you?
Poppy sobbed, covering her face with her hands. Im sorry. I didnt see it coming. We just talked, spent time together, and then it became more than friendship.
Emily stood, the chair screeching as it slid back. She grabbed her bag and gave them one last look.
I dont want to see either of you again. Never.
She walked out into the chilly evening, tears streaming down her cheeks, refusing to wipe them away. She kept moving until she reached the underground station.
The next day Emily submitted a request to transfer to the companys Manchester office. Her manager was surprised but didnt press for details. She was valued, and the transfer was approved quickly.
Poppy tried to call, but Emily blocked the number. James sent a few messages; she deleted them without opening. He collected his belongings from her flat while she was out. When Emily returned, the apartment was empty, her shoes gone. She stood in the middle of the silent room, staring at where his sneakers had been.
Two weeks later Emily settled in a small flat in Manchester. Her parents disapproved of the move, but she was determined to start over, away from the memories of James and Poppy.
The first months were tough. She returned to climbing, now solo, and it gave her something to focus on.
One day a mutual acquaintance from London messaged her, saying James and Poppy had moved in together and were living as a couple for two months.
Emily read the message and turned off her phone.
The pain didnt vanish, but it dulled. She no longer stayed up at night replaying their final meeting. She simply kept moving forward, day by day.
Emily hadnt just lost a boyfriend and a friend; shed lost faith in peoples honesty, in the idea that friendship could be pure, that love couldnt be betrayed so easily. Yet she chose to rebuild her life, this time more cautiously letting new people in.
The ache would linger, but Emily knew she would survive, because sometimes the only way forward is to let go of what hurts and trust that new horizons will bring brighter days. The lesson she carried was simple: true strength lies not in holding onto broken promises, but in the courage to start anew.
