Im pregnant with your fiancés child, announced Charlottes best friend at the henparty.
Youve lost your mind! That dress costs as much as a used car! Emma stared at her, eyes wide, unable to believe the figure.
No, youre the one whos gone mad if you think Id marry anyone who wouldnt let James breathe! Charlotte twirled before the mirror, holding the lavish train. A wedding only happens once in a lifetime!
I want to be hopeful, Emma murmured, eyeing the price tag on the wedding gown. But honestly, Charlotte, why spend so much? James loves you, not the dress.
Charlotte halted, her expression turning serious.
You know, when my parents died I realised how precious moments are. I want this day to be perfect, so Mom and Dad, watching from above, could be proud.
Emmas tone softened; she regretted her harsh words. Charlottes parents had been killed in a car crash three years earlier, and since then shed learned to hide her grief behind smiles and feigned carefree airs.
Im sorry, Emma said, hugging Charlotte carefully so as not to wrinkle the expensive gown. If this dress is what you need, then its worth it.
Funny thing, Charlotte laughed, brushing a stray curl from her face. James suggested we dip into our travel fund. He says Venice isnt going anywhere, but a bride in a perfect dress is a onetime thing.
Emma smiled, thinking of James tall, always composed, with kind eyes and a shy grin. He and Charlotte were the perfect match she bright and impulsive; he calm and sensible.
Emma, Im so happy, whispered Charlotte as the shop assistant stepped away to fetch the veil. Sometimes it feels unreal. James is the best thing thats ever happened to me.
After me, of course, teased Emma, prompting Charlotte to burst into laughter.
Definitely! By the way, have you sorted the henparty? Two weeks left.
All set, Emma replied, taking charge of the plans as maid of honour. A cosy cottage in the Lake District, with a pool, sauna, karaoke and your seven closest friends. No strippers, just as you wanted.
Thats perfect, Charlotte winked. Id hate for Jenny to miss out; shes still struggling after the divorce.
Ive got a special surprise for Jenny, grinned Emma.
The shop assistant returned with a fan of delicate veils, and the conversation turned to length, style and fastening.
Emma drove home, exhausted but satisfied. Charlotte finally chose her dress and accessories; the final wedding details still needed polishing. She allowed herself a hot bath, dreaming of the upcoming weekend getaway.
A message chimed as she stepped out. Anna, another guest, wrote that she couldnt make it her son had a sudden fever.
What a pity, Emma whispered, sending wellwishes for a speedy recovery. Her gut told her more refusals were coming. It proved right later that morning when Svetla called, apologising that work wouldnt let her get away.
Dont worry, Emma reassured her. As long as were all there on the wedding day, thats what matters.
Friday evening, Emmas estate car, packed with snacks and drinks, rolled out of town. Of the seven invited friends, only four remained: Emma, Jenny, Katie and Victoria. Charlotte, however, wasnt upset.
Fewer people, more fresh air, she said, settling into the front seat beside Emma. And more champagne for each of us!
The girls cheered. Jenny, the divorced friend Emma had a special surprise for, already uncorked a bottle of bubbly, pouring it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she declared. To the most beautiful, happiest, luckiest woman!
And to her wonderful groom! added Katie, who worked with James at a construction firm. Any woman would be lucky to have a man like him.
Ive never been that lucky, sighed Jenny. My ex turned out to be a scoundrel.
Not all men are the same, Emma replied gently. James isnt.
Exactly, Charlotte agreed. Sometimes I wonder if I deserve him. Yesterday he came home, cooked dinner, lit candles, opened a bottle of wine and said, Youve spent so much time planning the wedding; I want you to relax today.
Thats a proper man, said Victoria enviously. My boyfriend never even makes an omelette after three years together.
The chat drifted to the usual debate over mens flaws and virtues, and when the car pulled up to a modest twostorey cottage by a lake, the champagne was gone but spirits were high.
The rented cottage was spacious and homey. The ground floor housed a large kitchenliving area opening onto a terrace with a heated plunge pool; upstairs were three bedrooms and a bathroom with a sauna.
Incredible! Charlotte exclaimed, surveying the rooms. Youve outdone yourself, Emma!
Emma smiled proudly. Shed spent nearly a month hunting the perfect spot for the henparty. Here were the lake, fresh air, a place for a BBQ and total privacy.
Evening began with dinner prep salads, grilled meat, roasted potatoes. Surprisingly, Jenny was unusually quiet, usually the chatterbox. She kept checking her phone and stayed on the sidelines.
Is something wrong? Emma asked softly as the others moved onto the terrace to set the table.
Jenny shivered, as if waking from a deep thought.
No, just tired. Works a nightmare and the babys being fussy, she admitted.
If you need to talk, Im here, Emma squeezed her hand, receiving a weak smile in return.
Dinner on the terrace lifted everyones mood. More champagne flowed, and stories from university days resurfaced. Charlotte, flushed from wine and attention, glowed.
Remember how we met? she asked, scanning the group. First year, dorm room, I walked in and found Emma with a guitar, Katie clutching a massive teddy bear
And me with three suitcases of clothes! Jenny laughed. We all thought you were a posh snob.
Turns out you were just a shopaholic, Emma teased.
Thanks to Jennys wardrobe we always had fresh outfits for dates, Katie added. Remember our swapping system?
The night continued with laughter, memories and wishes for the bride. When it grew chilly, they moved inside. Emma put on music, Katie fetched a deck of cards and suggested a game of Truth or Dare.
Lets do Never Have I Ever instead, Charlotte proposed. Like the good old days.
The game started lightheartedly. Never have I kissed a girl Katie and Victoria took a sip, laughing. Never have I shoplifted Jenny confessed to a childhood gumchewing incident. Never have I dreamed of a wedding even Emma, who never liked the idea of a passport stamp, took a gulp.
As the bottles emptied, the questions grew more daring. Never have I had sex in a public place, Never have I lied to my best friend, Never have I cheated
On the final question, Jenny burst into tears, mascara running.
Jenny, whats wrong? Charlotte asked, uneasy. Its just a game!
Im sorry, Jenny sobbed. I cant keep this inside any longer.
Maybe we should stop drinking? suggested Victoria gently, reaching for the glass.
No! Jenny snapped, pushing the drink away. I have to say it. I cant hold it any longer!
The room fell silent. Even the music seemed to dim.
Charlotte, Jennys tearstreaked face turned to her friend. I Im pregnant with James.
A stunned hush settled. Charlottes mouth hung open, unable to process. Victoria and Katie stared in disbelief, and Emma felt a chill run down her spine.
What nonsense is this? Charlotte finally managed. Youre drunk. Or youve lost your mind.
Its true, Jenny wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. It happened a month and a half ago when you were off to visit Aunt in York. I came over to drop off the visa paperwork you asked for. James was home alone
Shut up! Charlotte sprang up, flipping her wine glass. Crimson spilt across the light carpet like blood. Dont dare continue that filthy lie!
Im not lying, Jenny pulled out her phone, scrolling to a screenshot and thrusting it at Charlotte. Look, the test result. And the messages with James.
Charlotte recoiled, as if stung by a poisonous snake.
I dont believe it, she whispered, though doubt crept into her voice. He would never
He told me you two were having problems, Jenny continued, eyes fixed on the floor. That you sleep in separate rooms, that the wedding was a mistake, that you were planning to split
Thats not true! Charlotte shouted. Everythings perfect! We love each other!
Then why did he do this? Jenny asked bitterly. Why say I was special, that he wanted me
She faltered, and Charlotte slapped her hard. Jenny screamed, clutching her cheek.
Enough! Emma stepped between them. Calm down, both of you!
Calm down? Charlotte turned to Emma, tears welling. My best friend just told me shes pregnant with my fiancé! How am I supposed to stay calm?!
Lets sort this out, Emma said, voice steady despite the tremor inside. Jenny, are you sure youre pregnant? And that its Jamess child?
Yes, Jenny replied softly. My period is late, the test is positive. I havent been with anyone since my divorce.
Did you ever think you might have spoken to James about this instead of creating a scene at the henparty? asked Victoria, who had been quiet until now.
I tried, Jenny lowered her head. He told me it was my problem, that I was lying, that he only loved Charlotte but he said other things to me too.
Charlotte, now unusually composed, grabbed Jennys phone and began scrolling through the messages. With each swipe her face grew paler.
Theres nothing here, she finally said. Just normal texts: Hey, hows it going? When will you be back? Nothing about a pregnancy or any feelings.
He called, Jenny whispered. He didnt want to write it.
How convenient, muttered Katie.
Continuing to scroll, Charlottes hand froze on a photo. It showed a woman halfdressed on a bed, the room unmistakably familiar.
When was this taken? Charlotte asked, voice flat.
The day you went to York, Jenny answered. Fifteenth April.
Charlotte closed her eyes, heart racing.
I didnt go to York, she said slowly. My aunt had a heart attack, we stayed home and watched movies all evening.
Jennys expression cracked.
But James told me you left, she insisted. He came to my flat, thats proof!
Charlotte stared at the picture longer, then let out a nervous laugh.
Oh my God, she said, wiping tears that were now from laughter. Thats not our bedroom. Thats my own flat. I recognise the silly swanpainted wallpaper you brought it from my parents house.
Jenny blinked, confused.
And look at the date on the photo, Charlotte continued. Its 15Feb, not 15Apr.
A heavy silence settled. Jenny sank onto the sofa, shoulders slumped.
So what does this mean? Emma asked gently. Are you lying to us?
I Jenny covered her face with her hands. Im not lying about the pregnancy. The test is real.
But James isnt the father, right? Charlotte asked quietly.
Jenny stayed silent, then whispered:
I dont know who the father is. After my divorce Ive been with a few men. When I learned I was pregnant I panicked. No one wanted anything serious. Then I saw how caring James is, how he loves you, how he wants a family
You decided hed be a good candidate and lied, Victoria finished for her. To wreck your friendship.
Youre a terrible person, Charlotte murmured, her voice a mix of hurt and anger. I thought you were my best friend.
I was desperate, Jenny sobbed, head in her hands. I was alone, with a child, and didnt know what to do. I thought I could cheat my way out.
Emma sighed heavily.
You could have asked for help. Wed have supported you. But now
Charlotte silently gathered her things.
Where are you going? Emma asked, anxiety creeping in. Its late; you should stay until morning.
I cant stay here, Charlotte said, tears streaming down her cheeks. Ill call a taxi and go home.
Ill come with you, Emma insisted. I wont let you drive alone.
Jenny remained on the sofa, eyes downcast.
Charlotte, Im sorry. I envy your happiness I was jealous. Forgive me.
Charlotte paused at the door, turning back.
Youve shattered not just our friendship but my trust in people. I dont know if Ill ever forgive you.
The taxi that whisked Charlotte away into the night was silent, headlights flashing past the countryside. Emma didnt speak, understanding her friend needed space to heal.
You know whats the scariest part? Charlotte finally broke the silence. For a moment I believed the worst. I doubted James. I doubted us.
Its natural, Emma replied softly. Anyone would question things after hearing something like that.
But I shouldnt have, Charlotte clenched her fist. Ive known James for four years. Hes never given me a reason to doubt him. Yet one accusation made me ready to believe hed betrayed me.
You were just confused, Emma said, laying a hand on Charlottes shoulder. Now you know the truth.
Yes, Charlotte managed a bitter smile. I realize my best friend tried to destroy my happiness for her own interests.
Jenny made a terrible mistake, Emma sighed. But she was in despair, pregnant and alone
Are you excusing her? Charlotte asked, anger flaring.
No, Emma answered firmly. Im trying to understand. Theres a difference.
Silence fell again as the taxis radio played a soft tune. Charlotte pulled out her phone.
Ill call James, she said, eyes on the clock. Its almost two in the morning.
Now? Emma asked. Its late.
It doesnt matter. He needs to know, Charlotte replied.
James answered on the first ring, his voice weary.
Charlotte? Is everything alright?
Tears broke free as Charlotte recounted the nights events, the lies, her fleeting doubt.
Ill wait for you, James said simply. Come home.
When they arrived at Charlottes house, it was well past midnight. Emma asked the driver to wait, intending to head home herself.
Stay? Charlotte offered. We have a spare guest room.
No, Emma shook her head. You need to be alone, talk. Ill call you in the morning.
Charlotte embraced Emma.
Thank you for being here.
Always, Emma smiled. Dont let this ruin your wedding. It will be perfect, I promise.
James met Charlotte at the door in rumpled trousers and a hastily buttoned shirt, hair a mess, worry etched on his face. He pulled her into a tight embrace.
Im sorry, she whispered into his shoulder. I should never have doubted you.
Its okay, he kissed her crown. The important thing is youre here, together.
Emma watched from the taxi window, smiling. Despite everything, she believed their wedding would indeed be flawless, built on a love that could survive any test.
As for Jenny Emma took a deep breath. Tomorrow she would call, talk, and offer real help because even those who make horrific mistakes deserve a chance at redemption.
The taxi pulled away, carrying Emma away from the cottage where two loving souls found comfort in each other. She reflected that true friendship isnt about blind support, but about truth, however bitter, and forgiveness when its possible.
Time heals, though it leaves scars, and those scars are simply reminders that even the fiercest storms can be weathered when you have people who truly love you.
