I’m pregnant with your fiancé’s child declared Charlotte’s best friend at the henparty.
You’ve lost your mind! That dress costs as much as a secondhand car! Emma stared at her friend, eyes wide, unable to believe the number on the tag.
No, you’re the one who’s gone mad if you think I’d marry anything that would make James stop breathing! Charlotte swirled in front of the mirror, clutching the lavish train. A wedding only happens once!
I want to be hopeful, Emma murmured, glancing at the price of the wedding gown. But seriously, Charlotte, why spend so much? James loves you, not the dress.
Charlotte halted, her expression turning solemn.
You know, when my parents died I learned how precious moments are. I want this day to be perfect, so Mom and Dad, looking down from above, could be proud.
Emma softened immediately, regretting her harsh words. Charlotte’s parents had been killed in a car crash three years earlier, and since then she had hidden her grief behind smiles and feigned carefree attitudes.
I’m sorry, Emma said, hugging Charlotte carefully so as not to crumple the costly gown. If this dress is right, then it’s worth every penny.
Funny thing, Charlotte laughed, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. James suggested we dip into our travel fund. He says Venice will always be there, but a bride in the perfect dress only gets one shot.
Emma smiled, thinking of James tall, always composed, with kind eyes and a shy grin. The pair made an ideal match: she bright and impulsive, he calm and sensible.
Emma, I’m so happy, whispered Charlotte as the shop assistant stepped away to fetch the veil. Sometimes it’s hard to believe. James is the best thing that ever happened to me.
Of course, after me, Emma teased, making Charlotte burst into laughter.
Naturally! By the way, have we sorted the henparty? Only two weeks left.
Everything’s set, Emma confirmed. As maid of honour shed taken care of it herself. A cosy country cottage, a pool, a sauna, karaoke and your seven closest friends. No strippers, just as you asked.
Thats perfect, Charlotte winked. Im glad we left out the exfriend Lucy; after her divorce shes been a bit out of it.
No worries, I have a separate surprise for Lucy, Emma replied.
At that moment the shop assistant returned with a fan of delicate veils, and the conversation turned to length, style and fastening.
Exhausted but satisfied, Emma drove home, having finally chosen the dress and accessories. She allowed herself a hot bath, thinking about the upcoming weekend getaway for the henparty.
Just as she stepped out of the tub, a message buzzed on her phone. Anna, another guest, wrote that she couldn’t attend her son had a sudden fever.
That’s a shame, Emma murmured, sending wellwishes for a speedy recovery. She sensed this wouldn’t be the last cancellation. Indeed, later Sophie called, apologising she couldn’t get time off work.
Don’t worry, Emma reassured her. As long as were all there for the wedding, that’s what matters.
By Friday evening, Emma’s jeep, packed with treats and drinks, rolled out of town. Of the seven invited friends, only four remained: Emma, Lucy, Katie and Violet. Charlotte, however, wasn’t upset at all.
Fewer guests, more fresh air, she said, settling into the front seat beside Emma. And more champagne for each of us!
The women cheered. Lucy, the newly single friend for whom Emma had a special surprise, popped a bottle of bubbly and poured it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she toasted. 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 with a man like him.
I wasn’t that lucky, sighed Lucy. My ex turned out to be a scoundrel.
Not all men are the same, Emma replied gently. James isnt.
Exactly, Charlotte agreed. Sometimes I feel I dont deserve him. Yesterday he came home, lit candles, cooked dinner, opened a bottle of wine and said, Youve been working so hard on the wedding, I want you to relax tonight.
Now that’s a man, Violet said enviously. Mine never even managed to fry an egg in three years.
The chat drifted to the ageold debate over mens flaws and virtues, and when the jeep pulled up to a modest twostorey cottage on a lake, the champagne bottle was empty but spirits were high.
The rented cottage was spacious and cosy. The ground floor featured a large kitchenliving area opening onto a terrace with a heated plunge pool; upstairs were three bedrooms and a bathroom with a sauna.
Amazing! Charlotte exclaimed, taking in the rooms. Youve outdone yourself, Emma!
Emma smiled proudly. Shed spent nearly a month searching for the perfect henparty venue. Here they had beautiful scenery, water, a spot for a barbecue and total privacy.
Evening began with dinner preparation everyone chopped salads, grilled meat and baked potatoes. Lucy, surprisingly quiet, stayed mostly to herself, glancing at her phone and rarely joining the chatter.
Is something wrong? Emma asked softly when the others moved to the terrace to set the table.
Lucy shivered, as if a thought had just struck her.
No, Im just tired. Works a mess and the babys fussing, she admitted.
If you need to talk, Im here, Emma said, squeezing Lucys hand. Lucy managed a faint smile.
As the night wore on, they reclined on the terrace, opened another bottle of bubbly and swapped stories from university days. Charlotte, flushed from wine and attention, beamed.
Remember how we first met? she asked, eyes scanning the group. Freshers, the dorm, I walked in and there was Emma with a guitar, Katie clutching a huge teddy bear
And I arrived with three suitcases of clothes! Lucy laughed. We all thought you were some sort of rich girl.
Turns out you were just a shopaholic, Emma replied.
Thanks to Lucys wardrobe, we always went on dates in different outfits, Katie added. Remember our clothing swap system?
The night continued with jokes, memories and wishes for the bride. When it grew chilly, they moved inside. Emma put on some music, Katie fetched a deck of cards and suggested a game of Truth or Dare.
Lets play Never Have I Ever instead, Charlotte proposed. Like the good old days.
The game started lightheartedly. Never have I ever kissed a girl Katie and Violet took a sip, giggling. Never have I ever shoplifted Lucy confessed, recalling a childhood gumchewing incident. Never have I ever dreamed of getting married even Emma drank, admitting she never felt the need for a passport stamp.
As the bottles emptied, the questions grew deeper. Never have I ever had sex in a public place, Never have I ever lied to my best friend, Never have I ever cheated
On the final question, Lucy burst into tears. Her mascara ran down her cheeks.
Lucy, whats wrong? Charlotte asked, leaning in. Its just a game.
Im sorry, Lucy sobbed. I cant keep this inside any longer.
Maybe we should stop drinking? suggested Violet gently, trying to take the glass away.
No! Lucy snapped, pushing the glass away. I have to say it!
A heavy silence fell. Even the music seemed to dim.
Lucy, she turned to Charlotte, eyes red, Im pregnant with Jamess child.
The room went deadsilent. Charlottes mouth hung open, disbelief written across her face. Violet and Katie stared in horror. Emma felt a cold shiver run down her spine.
Thats nonsense, Charlotte finally managed. Youre drunk or youve lost your mind.
Its true, Lucy wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. It happened a month and a half ago when you were away in York. I came over to drop off the visa paperwork you asked for. James was alone
Shut up! Charlotte exploded, knocking over a glass of red wine. The liquid spread across the light carpet like blood. Dont keep telling this filthy lie!
Im not lying, Lucy snapped, pulling out her phone. She scrolled, then handed Charlotte the screen. Look, the test result. And the messages with James.
Charlotte recoiled, as if the phone were a venomous snake.
I dont believe it, she whispered, but doubt already crept in. Hed never
He said you two were having problems, Lucy continued, voice trembling. That you were sleeping in separate rooms, that the wedding was a mistake, that you might split
Thats not true! Charlotte shouted. Our marriage is perfect! We love each other!
Then why did he do it? Lucy asked bitterly. Why did he say I was special, that he wanted me
She stopped, and Charlotte slapped her hard. Lucys cheek reddened, and she cried out in pain.
Enough! Emma stepped between them. Calm down, both of you!
Calm down? Charlotte turned to Emma, tears glistening. My best friend just told me shes pregnant with my fiancé! How am I supposed to stay calm?!
Lets sort this out, Emma said, trying to keep her voice steady. Lucy, are you sure about the pregnancy? And that James is the father?
Yes, Lucy whispered. The test is positive. I havent been with anyone else since my divorce.
Did you ever think of talking to James about this instead of making a scene at the henparty? asked Violet, who had been silent until now.
I tried, Lucy lowered her head. He brushed it off, said it was my problem, that I was lying, that he only loved you
Charlotte, suddenly composed, snatched Lucys phone and began scrolling through the messages. As she read, her face grew paler.
Theres nothing here, she said finally. Just ordinary texts: Hey, hows it going? When will you be home? No mention of a pregnancy.
He didnt want to write it, Lucy replied quietly. He called instead.
How convenient, Katie muttered.
Charlotte kept scrolling, then froze on a photograph. It showed a halfdressed woman on a bed, the room unmistakably familiar.
When was this taken? Charlotte asked, voice flat.
The day you left for York, Lucy answered. Fifteenth of April.
Charlotte closed her eyes, trying to steady her racing heart.
I didnt go to York, she said. I cancelled the trip. Aunt Margaret had a heart attack and was in hospital. James and I stayed home, watched movies all night.
Lucys eyes widened.
But James told me you were away, she protested.
Did you believe him? Violet asked, shaking her head. Or did you just make it up?
No! Lucy shouted, pointing at the photo. He came to my flat, proof!
Charlotte examined the picture more closely and burst into nervous laughter.
Oh my God, she said, wiping tears that were now half from laughter, half from nerves. That isnt our bedroom. Thats my own flat. The wall with the swan painting? You brought that from my parents house.
Lucy stared at the image, bewildered.
But
And look at the date on the photo, Charlotte continued, pointing. Its 1502, not 1504.
A heavy pause settled over the room. Lucy sank onto the couch, shoulders slumped.
So what now? Emma asked gently. Are you lying to us?
I Lucy covered her face with her hands. Im not lying about being pregnant. The test is real.
But James isnt the father, right? Charlotte asked quietly.
Lucy remained silent, then whispered:
I dont know who the father is. Ive been seeing a few men since the divorce. When I found out I was pregnant, I panicked. No one wanted a serious relationship. Then I saw how caring James is, how he loves you, and I hoped I hoped he could be the father of my child.
You decided to use him as a candidate, Violet finished for her, voice low. And you lied to wreck his marriage.
You were my best friend, Charlotte said, her voice breaking with hurt. I thought youd never betray me like this.
I was desperate, Lucy sobbed, lowering her head. After the divorce I was alone, with a baby on the way, and I didnt know what to do. I thought youd understand.
Emma sighed heavily.
You could have asked for help. We would have all helped you. But you chose deception.
Charlotte gathered her coat in silence.
Where are you going? Emma asked, concerned. 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.
Then Ill go with you, Emma declared firmly. I wont let you drive alone.
Lucy remained on the couch, head in her hands.
Charlotte, Im sorry, she whispered. Im jealous of your happiness Forgive me.
Charlotte paused at the door, turning back.
Youve broken not just our friendship, but my trust in people. I dont know if Ill ever forgive you.
The taxi sped down the dark highway, its lights flashing past. Charlotte sat in silence, eyes fixed on the passing countryside. Emma kept her hand on Charlottes shoulder, understanding that time was needed to heal.
You know whats the scariest part? Charlotte finally said. For a moment I believed the worst. I doubted James, I doubted everything.
Thats natural, Emma replied softly. Anyone would doubt after hearing something like that.
But I shouldnt have, Charlotte said, clenching her fist. Ive known James for four years. Hes never given me a reason to suspect him. Yet one accusation made me question everything.
You were just frightened, Emma said, squeezing her shoulder. Now you know the truth.
Yes, Charlotte managed a bitter smile. My best friend turned out to be a traitor, ready to destroy my joy for her own needs.
Lucy made a terrible mistake, Emma sighed. But she was in desperation, pregnant and alone.
Do you excuse her? Charlotte asked, anger flashing.
No, Emma answered firmly. Im trying to understand, not to excuse.
They fell silent. The radio in the taxi played a soft melody.
Im going to call James, Charlotte said, pulling out her phone.
Now? Emma looked at the clock. Its almost two in the morning.
It doesnt matter. He needs to hear the truth, Charlotte replied.
James answered almost immediately, as if hed been waiting.
Charlotte? Is everything alright?
Tears streamed down Charlottes face as she recounted the nights events, Lucys lies, and her fleeting doubt.
Ill be there, James said simply. Come home.
When they arrived at James and Charlottes house, it was well past midnight. Emma asked the driver to wait, intending to head home.
Stay if you like, Charlotte offered. We have a spare bedroom.
No, Emma shook her head. You need to talk alone. Ill call you in the morning.
Charlotte embraced Emma tightly.
Thank you for staying, she whispered.
Always, Emma replied, smiling. And dont let this ruin your wedding. It will still be perfect, I promise.
James stood at the doorway in pajama trousers and a rumpled shirt, hair unkempt but his eyes steady. He wrapped his arms around Charlotte, holding her close.
Im sorry, she whispered into his shoulder. I never should have doubted you.
Its all right, he kissed the top of her head. The important thing is that youre here, that were together.
From the taxi window, Emma watched the two of them, convinced that their wedding would indeed be flawless because it rested on love that could survive any test.
As for Lucy Emma took a deep breath. She would call her tomorrow, offer real help, because even those who make grave mistakes deserve a chance at redemption.
The taxi pulled away, carrying her away from the cottage where two loving hearts found comfort in each other. Emma thought that perhaps true friendship isnt about unwavering support at every turn, but about honesty even when it hurts, and forgiveness when its possible. And that, she realized, is the real foundation of a lasting bond.
