The taxi pulled up near the entrance of the club, its neon lights flickering through the darkness like a beacon. Emily pushed open the door, thanking the driver with a polite nod before stepping onto the pavement. She wore fitted jeans and a sleeveless top that flattered her figure, paired with her usual trainersshed never been one for high heels, no matter how much her friend Charlotte had begged her to dress up for the occasion.
Inside, the music pulsed loudly, a stark contrast to the quiet street outside. The air was thick with laughter and chatter, the dance floor alive with movement.
There you are! Charlotte bounded over, throwing her arms around Emily. Ready for birthday wishes and presents? she teased, swaying to the beat.
Charlotte thrived in the spotlight, adored crowdseverything Emily found exhausting. Shed have much preferred a quiet evening at a cosy café or curled up at home with a film. But friendship sometimes meant showing up, even when youd rather be anywhere else.
Come on, Ill introduce you to some mates! Charlotte tugged her toward the bar, where two tall lads stood deep in conversation. One turned, his dark eyes locking onto Emilys.
Hello, he said, his voice warm. Im Oliver. This is my brother, James.
Emilys heart skipped. There was something in his gaze that made the noise around her fade, as if they were the only two in the room.
Pleasure to meet you, Oliver added with a smile. Youre like sunlight in this dim place.
She laughed. Flattery will get you everywhere.
Oh, just you wait, James interjected, finishing his drink. Olis going to sweep you off your feetmark my words.
The night flew by in a blur of music and laughter. Oliver, ever the gentleman, insisted on walking her home. They chatted easily, as if theyd known each other for years rather than hours.
Its late, Emily said finally, lingering at her doorstep. Thank you for tonight.
Oliver hesitated, then grinned. Id love to call you tomorrowif thats all right?
Ill be waiting, she replied, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before slipping inside.
Her parents were long asleep, unused to her staying out so late. She tiptoed to her room, but sleep wouldnt comenot with Olivers smile still dancing behind her eyelids.
Morning brought a grin she couldnt shake. A flutter settled in her chest, light and giddy.
Im in trouble, she murmured to herself, laughing.
The weekend passed in a haze of errands before she met Charlotte at their usual café.
Saw the way he looked at you, Charlotte winked. Wedding bells soon, eh?
Emily ducked her head. I think I think Im really falling for him.
Think? Love, youre already gone!
Charlotte had always been the one flitting from romance to romance, while Emily waited for something real.
Monday came and went. Then Tuesday. By Wednesday, Emilys phone remained stubbornly silent. Had he forgotten? Changed his mind? Found someone else?
After her last lecture, she rushed outonly to stop dead. Oliver stood at the foot of the steps, flowers in hand. Relief and annoyance warred inside her.
Im so sorry, he blurted. It was chaosmy mates car broke down in the middle of nowhere. Phones died. I couldnt even call.
She laughed, tension melting. And here I was imagining every worst-case scenario.
Let me make it up to you, he said, offering his arm. Dinner tonight?
The restaurant was intimate, the music soft. Two months later, they were inseparable. Oliver loved her laugh; she loved the safety of his arms. They wandered Londons quiet streets at night, lost in each other.
Then one evening, James called.
Em, I need your help, he said, excitement bleeding through. Im proposing to Charlotte. Help me pick the ring?
At the jewellers, they settled on a delicate piece, a diamond heart nestled among smaller stones. James added roses and a teddy bear clutching a Love sign.
Just look her in the eyes and say it, Emily encouraged, kissing his cheek. Shell say yes.
But Oliver never showed up that night.
Late, a text came: *Goodbye. Dont call.*
She called again and again. No answer.
Charlotte knew nothing. James was away. The days blurred, nausea creeping in. Four weeks pregnant, and now utterly alone.
Thenvoices.
Youre awake! Charlotte clutched her hand.
The door creaked open. Oliver entered, roses in hand, James behind himbruised and sheepish.
Im a fool, Oliver whispered. I saw you kiss him and lost my head.
James rubbed his eye. Weve sorted it.
Oliver pressed his forehead to hers. No more scares. Ill be herefor you, for our baby.
Love isnt always smooth sailing. Jealousy clouds judgment. But trust? Thats what keeps hearts whole.
