Im pregnant with your fiancés baby blurted my best mate at the hen night.
Youve lost your mind! This gown costs more than a secondhand car! Ivy stared at the price tag, eyes wide, barely believing the number.
No, youre the one whos gone off your rocker if you think Ill marry anything that doesnt make James stop breathing! Molly spun in front of the mirror, holding the lavish train. A wedding only happens once, you know!
I wish it could be that simple, Ivy muttered, glancing at the dresss tag. Honestly, Molly, why splurge so much? James loves you, not the dress.
Molly froze, her expression turning serious.
You know, when my parents died I realised how precious moments are. I want this day to be perfect, so Mum and Dad, watching from above, could be proud.
Ivys tone softened instantly; shed forgotten how much that loss meant to Molly. Her parents had been killed in a crash three years earlier, and ever since Molly had learned to hide the pain behind jokes and a fake carefree vibe.
Im sorry, Ivy said, hugging Molly carefully so as not to ruin the dress. If this is the dress you need, then its worth it.
Funny thing, Molly grinned, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. James suggested we dip into our travel fund. He said Venice isnt going anywhere, but a brides perfect dress is a onceinalifetime thing.
Ivy smiled, thinking of James tall, always composed, with kind eyes and a shy grin. He and Molly were the perfect match: she bright, impulsive; he calm, sensible.
Ivy, Im over the moon, Molly whispered as the shop assistant went to fetch the veil. Sometimes it still feels unreal. James is the best thing thats ever happened to me.
Of course, after me, Ivy teased, making Molly laugh.
Absolutely! By the way, have we sorted the hen night? Only two weeks left.
All set, Ivy replied, taking charge of the plans as maid of honour. A cosy cottage in the country, a pool, a sauna, karaoke and your seven best mates. No strippers, just like you asked.
Thats a bonus, Molly winked. Id feel sorry for Jen, she still cant see the light after her divorce.
Ive got a special surprise for Jen, Ivy said with a grin.
Just then the assistant returned with a fan of lace veils, and the girls started debating length, style and fastening.
Ivy trudged home, exhausted but happy. Molly finally picked her dress and accessories, leaving only the final wedding details to sort. She treated herself to a long, hot bath, dreaming of the upcoming weekend hen party.
As she stepped out, a message pinged. Anna, another guest, wrote she couldnt make it her son had a sudden fever.
What a shame, Ivy murmured, sending wellwishes for a speedy recovery. She sensed more cancellations to come, and sure enough, later Svetlana called, apologising she couldnt get off work.
Dont worry, Ivy reassured her. Well all be there on the big day.
Friday afternoon, Ivys Jeep, packed with snacks and drinks, rolled out of town. Of the seven invited, only four showed up: Ivy, Jen, Kate and Victoria. Molly didnt mind one bit.
Fewer people, more fresh air, she said, settling into the front seat beside Ivy. And more champagne for each of us!
The girls laughed. Jen, the newly single friend, already popped a bottle of bubbly, pouring it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she cheered. To the most beautiful, happy and lucky lady!
And to her amazing groom! added Kate, who works with James at a construction firm. Any woman would be lucky with a bloke like him.
Ive been unlucky, Jen sighed. My ex turned out to be a right scoundrel.
Not all men are the same, Ivy replied gently. James isnt.
Exactly, Molly agreed. Sometimes I feel I dont deserve him. Yesterday he came home, candles lit, wine uncorked, and said, Youve been working so hard on the wedding, I want you to relax today.
Now thats a proper man, Victoria said with a hint of envy. My boyfriend still cant boil an egg after three years together.
The chat drifted to the usual pros and cons of men, and when the Jeep pulled up to a modest twostorey cottage by the lake, the champagne was gone but spirits were high.
The rental, arranged by Ivy, was spacious and cosy. Ground floor: a big kitchenliving area opening onto a terrace with a heated plunge pool; upstairs: three bedrooms and a bathroom with a sauna.
Wow, this place is stunning! Molly gushed, taking in the interior. Youve outdone yourself, love!
Ivy beamed. Shed spent weeks hunting the perfect spot scenic countryside, water, room for a BBQ and total privacy.
Evening began with dinner prep. They chopped salads, grilled meat, baked potatoes. Jen, surprisingly quiet, stayed mostly at the edge, checking her phone and barely joining the chatter.
Something on your mind? Ivy asked softly when the others moved to the terrace to set the table.
Jen shivered, as if pulled from a deep thought.
No, just tired. Works a nightmare and the little ones being a handful, she admitted.
If you need to talk, Im here, Ivy said, squeezing Jens hand. Jen managed a faint smile.
As they ate on the terrace, the mood lifted. More champagne was uncorked, stories from university resurfaced. Molly, flushed from wine and attention, glowed.
Remember how we first met? she asked, eyes scanning the group. Freshers, the dorm, I walked in and found Ivy with a guitar, Kate clutching a massive teddy
And me with three suitcases of clothes! Jen laughed. We all thought you were a bit posh.
Turns out you were just a shopaholic, Ivy teased.
Thanks to Jens wardrobe, we always showed up on dates looking different, Kate added. Remember our clothesswap system?
The night rolled on with memories, jokes, and wellwishes for the bride. When it grew chilly, they moved inside. Ivy turned on some music, Kate pulled out a deck of cards and suggested a game of Truth or Dare.
How about Never Have I Ever? Molly suggested. Like the good old days.
The game kicked off lightheartedly. Never have I ever kissed a girl Kate and Victoria took a sip, giggling. Never have I ever shoplifted Jen confessed a childhood gumchewing incident. Never have I ever dreamed of a wedding even Ivy admitted she never wanted a passport stamp.
As the bottles emptied, the questions got deeper: Never have I ever had sex in public, Never have I ever lied to my best friend, Never have I ever cheated
On the final question, Jen burst into tears, mascara running.
Jen, whats wrong? Molly asked, leaning in. Its just a game.
Im sorry, Jen sobbed. I cant keep it in
Maybe we should stop drinking? Victoria suggested gently, reaching for Jens glass.
No! Jen pushed the glass away. I have to say it, I cant hold it any longer!
The room fell silent. Even the music seemed to dim.
Jen, what is it? Ivy asked, her voice soft.
Im Im pregnant with James. With your fiancé.
A gasp rippled through the cottage. Mollys mouth hung open, disbelief etched on her face. Victoria and Kate stared, horror flashing in their eyes. Ivy felt a chill crawl up her spine.
What nonsense is that? Molly finally managed. Youre drunk. Or youve lost it.
Its true, Jen wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. It happened about six weeks ago, when you were away in York visiting your aunt. I dropped by to hand you the visa papers you asked for. James was home alone
Shut up! Molly snapped, knocking over her red wine. It spilled across the light carpet like blood. Dont you dare keep spouting that filthy lie!
Im not lying, Jen said, pulling out her phone. She scrolled, handed Molly a screenshot. Look, the test result. And the messages with James.
Molly recoiled, as if stung by a snake.
I dont believe you, she whispered, though doubt flickered in her voice. Hed never
He said you two were having problems, Jen continued, eyes fixed on the floor. That you slept in different rooms, that the wedding was a mistake, that you were thinking of calling it off
Thats not true! Molly shouted. Our marriage is perfect! We love each other!
Then why did he do it? Jen asked bitterly. Why did he say hed always wanted me, that I was special
She stopped, and Molly slapped her hard. Jen screamed, clutching her cheek.
Enough! Ivy stepped between them. Calm down, both of you!
Calm down? Molly turned to Ivy, tears glistening. My best friend just told me shes pregnant with my fiancé! How the heck am I supposed to calm down?!
Lets sort this out, Ivy said, trying to keep her voice steady. Jen, are you sure youre pregnant? And that its Jamess child?
Yes, Jen replied quietly. The test is positive. I havent been with anyone else since the divorce.
Did you ever think about talking to James first, instead of crashing the hen night? Victoria asked, finally speaking.
I tried, Jen lowered her head. He told me it was my problem, that I was lying, that he only loved you
Molly, suddenly calm, snatched Jens phone and began scrolling through the messages. Her face grew paler with each swipe.
Theres nothing she said after a moment. Just normal chats. Hey, hows it going? When are you coming over? Nothing about a pregnancy.
He called, Jen whispered. He didnt want to text that sort of stuff.
Convenient, Kate muttered dryly.
Molly kept scrolling, then froze on a photo. It showed Jen, halfclothed on a bed that Molly instantly recognised the bedroom she shares with James.
When was this taken? Molly asked, voice flat.
The day you left for York, Jen replied. Fifteenth of April.
Molly closed her eyes, heart hammering.
I didnt go to York on the 15th, she said, voice shaking. My aunt had a heart attack, we cancelled the trip. James and I stayed home, watched movies all night.
Jens expression twisted.
But James told me you left, she insisted. How could you
Did you actually believe him? Victoria asked, shaking her head. Or are you making this up?
No! Jen shouted, standing up. Im not lying! He came over, look at this proof! She thrust the photo again.
Molly studied the picture, then burst into nervous laughter.
Oh my God, she said, wiping tears. This isnt our bedroom. Its your flat. I know those ridiculous swans on the wall you brought them from your parents house.
Jen blinked, confused.
But
And look at the date, Molly continued, pointing. Its 1502, not 1504.
A heavy silence settled. Jen sank onto the sofa, shoulders slumped.
So what now? Ivy asked gently. Are we all being lied to?
I Jen covered her face with her hands. The test is real. I dont know who the father is. After the divorce Ive been with a few men. When I found out I was pregnant, I panicked. I thought James was caring, that hed be a good dad
You decided to use him as the father, Victoria said, her voice low. And lied to wreck their relationship.
Youre a nightmare, Molly whispered, hurt raw in her tone. I thought you were my best friend.
I was desperate, Jen confessed, voice cracking. Alone, with a baby, I didnt know what to do.
Ivy let out a sigh.
You could have asked for help. Wed have all been there, she said. But you chose this
Molly quietly packed her things.
Where are you going? Ivy asked, eyes wide. Its late, you should stay till morning.
I cant stay here, Molly said, tears streaming down her cheeks. Ill call a taxi and go home.
Im coming with you, Ivy said firmly. I wont let you go alone.
Jen stayed silent on the sofa.
Molly, Im sorry, she whispered. I was jealous of your happiness Forgive me.
Molly stopped at the door, turned back.
Youve destroyed more than our friendship, she said, voice trembling. I dont know if Ill ever be able to trust anyone again.
The car raced down the dark highway, Molly watching the lights flash by. Ivy kept quiet, knowing her friend needed space.
You know what scares me most? Molly finally said. For a second I believed the worst about James. I doubted him, us.
Thats natural, Ivy replied softly. Anyone would feel that after hearing something like that.
But I shouldnt have, Molly said, clenching her fist. Ive known James four years. Hes never given me a reason to doubt him. And yet one accusation one word and I was ready to think he was a cheat.
You were just overwhelmed, Ivy placed a hand on Mollys shoulder. Now you know the truth.
Yes, Molly smiled bitterly. I know my best friend turned traitor, ready to ruin my joy for her own gain.
Jen made a terrible mistake, Ivy sighed. But shes desperate, pregnant, alone
Are you condoning her? Molly asked, eyes flashing.
No, Ivy said firmly. Im just trying to understand. Theres a difference.
They fell silent as the radio played a soft tune.
Im calling James, Molly announced, pulling out her phone.
Now? Ivy glanced at her watch. Its almost two in the morning.
It doesnt matter. He needs to know, Molly said.
James answered almost instantly, as if he hadnt slept.
Molly? Is everything okay?
Hearing the tremor in his voice, Molly broke down, spilling the whole mess, the lies, the doubt that had seized her.
Ill wait for you, James said simply. Come home.
When they pulled up to Molly and Jamess house, it was well past midnight. Ivy asked the driver to wait while she headed back to the cottage.
Stay? Molly offered. We have a spare bedroom.
No, Ivy shook her head. You need some time alone. Ill check in tomorrow.
Molly hugged her tightly.
Thanks for being here.
Always, Ivy smiled. Dont let this ruin your wedding. Itll still be perfect, I promise.
James met Molly at the door in his pajama pants and a rumpled shirt, hair a mess but eyes full of relief. He wrapped her in a tight hug.
Im sorry, she whispered into his shoulder. I should never have doubted you.
Its okay, he kissed her forehead. The important thing is youre here, together.
Ivy watched from the taxi window, a small smile forming. Despite everything, she was sure their wedding would be flawless because it was built on love that could survive any test.
As for Jen Ivy took a deep breath. Shed call her tomorrow, offer real help, because even those who stumble deserve a chance at redemption.
The taxi pulled away, leaving the cottage behind where two souls found comfort in each other. Ivy thought maybe thats what true friendship is not just endless support, but honesty, even when it hurts, and forgiveness when its possible.
It was still early for forgiveness; the wound was fresh, the pain sharp. Time would heal, leaving scars that simply remind you youve weathered a storm, especially when youve got people who truly love you.
