Ill only decide after a DNA test, Jane declares, her voice trembling.
I think Emily should stay with us, William says firmly, two weeks after the funeral.
The little girl has been living with them ever since they arranged temporary guardianship before her mother left for the United States. That arrangement is due to end in a month, so a decision must be made soon.
Williams stern tone irritates Jane.
Is it because shes your daughter? she snaps. Admit it! I cant keep putting up with this any longer!
What are you putting up with, Jane? William asks, bewildered.
Jane and Megan have known each other since they were babies. Their mothers shared a hospital ward in a London maternity unit, and later they discovered that they live on neighboring streets, stroll in the same park, and send their children to the same preschool, then the same secondary school, and finally the same university.
They look alike and share similar temperaments, though Megan is a bit more headstrong and Jane, as her mother always said, is far too kindhearted.
The two girls hardly ever argue; instead they help each other and support one another through tough times.
Thats wonderful, having a friend like her, Megans mother sighs. Shell be like a sister to you.
Such a friendship is worth cherishing, Janes mother replies. Make sure you keep it.
They value and protect it. When Paula later joins their university, they are hesitant to let her into their closeknit circle.
Paula is tenacious, follows them everywhere, and eventually the three become inseparable. Without Paula, Megan and Jane spend even more time together, which makes Paula feel left out.
For a while the third friend drifts away after Megans older sister marries and moves away, but she returns and the trio reunites.
At twentyfive, Jane marries a promising engineer, four years her senior. She and William want children; there are no medical obstacles, yet nothing happens.
Three years into their marriage, Megan unexpectedly announces shes pregnant. She refuses to name the father, though Jane suspects its David, a man Megan had been seeing for a year who vanished after a fight.
Ill manage on my own! Megan declares proudly. Its a shame my mother wont see her grandchild, but I have enough money for the baby and a nanny.
Yes, Megan, well help you, Jane says, genuinely happy for her friend.
Paula rolls her eyes, constantly reminding them that a child needs a father and that its a huge responsibility. At least youll have a husband to share the load, she adds.
Jane and Megan share a amused glancePaula can be a bit of a nag, but what can they do?
Jane becomes Emilys godmother. The little girl often visits their flat, and William loves looking after her. For a while the couple forgets their own fertility worries.
Six years after Emilys birth, Megan meets the man of her dreams, Andrew. Hes smart, attractive, kind, and caring.
Only fate keeps us apart, Megan sighs.
Why? Jane asks, startled.
Maybe hes married, Paula snarks. Or his mothers a hawkeyed beast.
No, thats not true, Megan defends him. Yes, Andrew was married, but they split ages ago. They dont have children and barely speak. His mother, Elizabeth, is wonderful.
What then? Jane presses.
Hes about to go on an overseas assignmentcrucial for his career, Megan says, regretful.
Great, youve lost a fiancé! Paula sneers.
Jane gives Paula a reproachful look and makes a sour face. Isnt he inviting you to come with him? she asks Megan.
Yes, hes urging me to go, but we cant take Emily with us. She needs school, she doesnt speak the language, and hes considerate, but he wont want the hassle.
Are you swapping your daughter for a man? Paula retorts sarcastically.
No, Megan sighs, exhausted.
The next day Jane sits down with William to discuss taking Emily in permanently.
You cant let Megan lose this chance, can you? she pleads. Emily feels like family to us.
I get it, William chuckles. Im fine with it. Is Megan on board?
Im not sure yet, Jane admits, then adds, Youre the best husband in the world! and hugs him tightly.
Megan is initially taken aback by the proposal, hesitates, then agrees.
You dont have to send money, she assures Jane.
Dont be ridiculous, Jane replies with a laugh.
They part with tears, promise daily video calls, and Emily quickly gets used to living with her godmother while her mother plans a return.
During one of those calls Paula drops in, wine bottle in hand, complaining about a new boyfriend who wont commit or think about having at least two children.
You treat her like a sack of potatoes, help her, and she just laughs at you, the wineslurred Paula says.
What are you talking about? Jane asks, genuinely confused.
Its Megan. Shes my friend, but shes cunning, a pest, Paula mutters.
Either speak clearly or shut up, Jane snaps.
Fine! Ill say it: Megans husband fathered Emily, so Victor isnt opposed to the girl staying with us. He wouldnt want a strangers child in his house! Paula exclaims.
Did you have a few drinks before you came in, or are two glasses enough to make you babble? Jane retorts, disgusted.
Maybe I could leave right now, but that doesnt change the truth! Paula declares, rising and exiting silently.
Why did your friend leave so quickly? William asks, tucking Emily into bed, having missed the whole argument.
Theres never been secrecy between them, so Jane tells William everything.
Someone needs to cut back on drinking, William shrugs. Honestly, its clear Paulas the third wheeljealous and shortsighted. I still dont get how you became friends with her.
Its the first time William openly criticises Paula, which shocks Jane. She believes him, though a tiny doubt flickers.
She recalls the many times William met Megan without her, how he always welcomed Paulas visits, how he now fusses over Emily.
Megan notices Janes mood shift, though Jane tries to act normal.
Paula never provides concrete proof of betrayaljust her words. When pressed again, she snaps, Ive told you everything! Open your eyes!
Jane starts watching Emily more closely, seeing little resemblances to William: the same eyes, the same laugh, the same way she holds a spoon, the same love of chocolate with nuts. It feels uncanny, as if Emily were a miniature version of William.
The suspicion gnaws at Jane; she watches with growing unease as Emily and William interact. Their arguments over trivial matters become more frequent, and William, clueless, even suggests she see a doctor.
Three days pass without a word between them. Then a horrific news flash: Megan and Andrew are in a car crash. Andrew suffers severe injuries; Megan dies instantly.
Jane and William pour a fortune and endless nerves into arranging a proper burial back in England.
In those dark days Jane forgets her doubts, but they return once the grief eases.
I think Emily should stay with us, William repeats, firm two weeks after the funeral.
Emily has been living with them ever since the temporary guardianship began, which is set to expire in a month, demanding a final decision.
Williams resolute tone again irritates Jane.
Is it because shes your daughter? she erupts. Admit it! I cant keep bearing this!
What are you bearing, Jane? William asks, baffled. Did you really believe that… Paula? I thought you were a sensible woman and had forgotten all this nonsense!
No, what are you even talking about? There was never anything between me and Megan, and there couldnt have been! William protests.
Youll have to prove it, Jane snaps, teeth clenched. Ill decide only after a DNA test.
William, still loving her, agrees immediately to the test, which confirms he is not Emilys father.
Shame never leaves Jane. Its a relief she never hurled those accusations at Megan in person.
Now she must silently apologise to her late friend for the rest of her days.
Emily remains with them. Jane cuts off all contact with Paula, voicing everything she feels in a sharp outburst.
William pretends nothing happened. Why dwell on the past when his wife is finally pregnant?
