15October2025
Dear Diary,
Today was supposed to be the perfect rehearsal for my wedding, but it quickly turned into a storm of emotions that Im still trying to sort through.
I was in the boutique on Oxford Street, staring at the price tag of the dress my best friend, Ivy, had just pointed out. Youve lost your mind! That gown costs as much as a used Mini! she gasped, eyes wide. I could barely believe the figure shed read out loud.
Its you whos gone mad if you think Ill marry anything that doesnt make Simon forget how to breathe, I retorted, twirling before the mirror while clutching the luxurious train. A wedding only happens once in a lifetime!
I tried to soften my tone. Id like to think youre hoping for the best, I murmured, glancing at the price again. But honestly, Marilyn, why spend so much? Simon loves you, not the dress.
Marilyn suddenly grew solemn. When my parents died in that car crash three years ago, I realised how precious each moment is. I want this day to be flawlessso that my mum and dad, watching from above, could be proud. The memory of their loss made her eyes glisten, and my earlier harshness melted away.
She continued, Simon suggested we dip into our honeymoon fund. He says Venice will still be there, but a bride in a perfect dress only gets one chance.
I smiled, thinking of Simontall, always composed, with kind eyes and a shy grin. He and Marilyn were a perfect match: she fiery and impulsive; he steady and thoughtful.
Marilyn, Im so happy, I whispered when the sales assistant stepped away to fetch a veil. Sometimes it feels unreal. Simon truly is the best thing thats ever happened to me.
She teased, After me, of course, and we both laughed.
We still need to firm up the bachelorette plans, she reminded me. Only two weeks left.
Ive got everything sorted, Ivy replied, taking charge of the party. A cosy country cottage, a pool, a sauna, karaoke, and your seven closest friendsno strippers, just as you asked.
Marilyn winked, Good thing we didnt invite Jenny; she wouldnt have seen the light after her divorce.
Ive got a special surprise for Jenny, Ivy said with a grin.
The assistant returned with a stack of lace veils, and we debated lengths, styles, and fastening methods. Exhausted but satisfied, I drove home, allowed myself a steaming bath, and thought about the upcoming weekend bachelorette.
Just as I was pulling the plug, my phone buzzed. Anna, another friend, texted that she couldnt make ither son had spiked a fever. What a pity, I sighed, sending wellwishes. My gut told me more cancellations were coming, and indeed, that evening Svetlana called, apologising she couldnt get away from work. Dont worry, I reassured her. Well all be there on the big day.
Friday afternoon, my Jeep packed with snacks and drinks rumbled out of the city. Of the seven invited, only four made the journey: me, Jenny, Katie, and Victoria. Marilyn didnt seem upset at all.
Fewer people, more fresh air, she said, settling beside me in the front seat. And more champagne for each of us! The girls cheered. Jenny, the recently divorced friend, had already popped a bottle of bubbly and was pouring it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she shouted. To the most beautiful, happy, lucky woman!
And to the amazing groom! added Katie, who works with Simon at the construction firm. Any girl would be lucky to have a man like him.
Jenny sighed, I never got that lucky. My ex was a proper scoundrel.
Im not like that, I gently replied, Simon isnt.
Marilyn nodded, 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 thats a man, Victoria remarked, a hint of envy in her voice. My boyfriend never even made me scrambled eggs in three years.
Our conversation drifted to the usual male quirks when we arrived at the modest twostorey cottage by the lake. The champagne was gone, but spirits were high. The place was exactly what Ivy had spent a month hunting for: a heated plunge pool, a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private sauna.
Wow, Marilyn breathed, taking in the spacious living area. Youve outdone yourself, love!
I smiled, proud of the effort. The cottage offered the perfect blend of nature, seclusion, and a spot for an outdoor BBQ.
We cooked dinner togethersalads, grilled meat, roasted potatoes. Surprisingly, Jenny was unusually quiet, glancing at her phone and staying on the sidelines.
Whats wrong? I asked softly when the others moved out to the terrace to set the table.
She shivered, Just tired. Works a nightmare and the baby is fussy. I squeezed her hand, offering a listening ear.
The evening warmed up as we sipped more champagne, shared stories from universityfirstyear dorm nights, Ivys guitar, Katies gigantic teddy bear, and my three suitcases of clothes that made everyone think I was a snob. Laughter filled the air.
Later, we turned on some music, Katie pulled out a deck of cards, and suggested a game of Truth or Dare. Marilyn proposed Never Have I Ever instead, just like the old days.
The game started lightheartedly: Never have I ever kissed a girl Katie and Victoria giggled and took a sip. Never have I ever shoplifted Jenny confessed she once stole a chewing gum as a kid. Never have I ever dreamed of my own wedding even I, who always said I didnt need a stamp in my passport, took a drink.
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.
At the final prompt, Jenny burst into tears. Her mascara ran down her cheeks.
Jenny, whats wrong? Marilyn asked, leaning in. Its just a game, love.
Im pregnant, Jenny sobbed, by Simonyour fiancé. The room fell into a dead silence.
I felt a chill crawl up my spine. Marilyns mouth opened, speechless. Victoria and Katie stared in horror, and I could barely breathe.
What are you saying? Marilyn demanded, voice shaking. Youre drunk or youve lost your mind.
Its true, Jenny insisted, wiping her tears. It happened a month and a half ago when you went to visit Aunt in York. I was at your flat delivering the visa papers you asked for. Simon was alone
Marilyn snapped, knocking over a glass of red wine, the stain spreading across the carpet like blood. Enough! Dont tell that filthy lie!
Jenny produced her phone, scrolling to a screenshot of a text exchange with Simon, then handed it over. Marilyn recoiled as if the device were a poisonous snake.
I dont believe it, she whispered, though doubt crept into her voice. He would never
Jenny continued, He said you two were having problems, that you slept in separate rooms, that the wedding was a mistake, that you were thinking of breaking up.
Marilyn slapped Jenny hard. The sound echoed, and Jennys hand flew to her cheek. I stepped between them. Enough! I shouted. Calm down, both of you.
Marilyn turned to me, eyes brimming. My best friend just told me shes pregnant with my grooms child! How am I supposed to calm down?
I tried to keep my voice steady. Jenny, are you absolutely sure? Did you take a test?
Yes, she whispered, positive. I havent been with anyone else since the divorce.
Victoria asked gently, Why didnt you talk to Simon first instead of shouting at the bachelorette?
Jenny sank her head onto her hands. He said it was my problem, that I was lying, that he only loves Marilyn
Marilyn, trying to stay rational, examined the messages on Jennys phone. These are just ordinary chatsHey, hows it going? When will you be back? Nothing about a pregnancy.
Jenny said, He never wrote it. He called instead.
Katie sniped, Convenient.
Marilyn kept scrolling, then froze on a photo: Jenny, halfdressed on a bed that looked eerily familiar.
When was this taken? Marilyn asked, voice flat.
15April, Jenny replied. The day you left for York.
Marilyn shook her head. I cancelled that trip. Aunt fell ill, we stayed home watching movies.
Jenny protested, But Simon told me you were away!
Victoria shook her head. Did you really believe him?
Jenny, desperate, showed another picture.
Marilyn stared at it and burst into nervous laughter. Oh my god, she said, wiping tears. Thats not our bedroom. Thats my own flat. The wall with the swans you brought that from my parents house.
She pointed out the date on the photo: 15February, not April.
Silence hung heavy. Jenny sank onto the sofa, shoulders slumped.
Are you lying to us? Ivy asked softly. Youre pregnant, right?
Jenny nodded, voice trembling. The test is positive, but I dont know who the father is. Ive been seeing a few men after the divorce. When I learned Simon was caring, I hoped hed be the one
Victoria finished for her, You thought hed be a good father and fabricated the whole story.
Marilyn whispered, You were my best friend.
Jenny choked out, I was desperate. After the divorce I was alone with a baby on the way. I didnt know what to do.
I sighed heavily. You could have asked for help. We would have been there.
Marilyn gathered her things in silence. Where are you going? I asked, nervous. Its late; you should stay until morning.
I cant stay, Marilyn said, tears streaming down her cheeks. Ill call a taxi and go home.
Im coming with you, Ivy declared, firm. You wont go alone.
Jenny stayed quiet, head in her hands. Marilyn, Im sorry. I was jealous of your happiness. Please forgive me.
Marilyn paused at the door, turned slowly. Youve shattered not just our friendship but my trust in everyone. I dont know if Ill ever forgive you.
In the taxi that sped down the nightlit motorway, Marilyn stared out at the passing lights. I finally spoke. You know what scares me most? For a moment I believed it. I doubted Simon, I doubted us.
Its natural to doubt, I replied gently. Anyone would feel that way after hearing such a thing.
But I shouldnt have, she muttered, fists clenched. Ive known Simon for four years. Hes never given me a reason to question him. One accusation and I was ready to believe he was a traitor.
You were overwhelmed, I said, placing a hand on her shoulder. Now the truth is out, and you can move forward.
Marilyn managed a bitter smile. Yes, my best friend turned out to be a betrayer, ready to ruin my happiness for her own reasons.
I think Jenny made a terrible mistake, I sighed, but shes in a desperate placepregnant, alone.
Do you excuse her? Marilyn snapped back, anger flaring.
No, I said firmly. But Im trying to understand.
We fell silent as the radio played a soft tune.
Im calling Simon, Marilyn announced, pulling out her phone. It was nearly twoa.m.
Marilyn? Everything alright? Simons voice came through, worried.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I recounted the nights chaos, the lies, the doubt.
Ill be there soon, he said simply. Just hold on.
When we finally arrived at Marilyns flat, it was past midnight. I asked the driver to wait while I stayed with them for a moment. Marilyn offered a spare bedroom, but I declined, insisting they needed space. I promised to call in the morning.
Marilyn embraced me tightly. Thank you for staying.
Ill always be here, I whispered, smiling through my own tears. Dont let this ruin your wedding. It will still be perfect, I promise.
She nodded, and Simon appeared at the door in his rumpled pajamas, hair dishevelled, eyes full of concern. He wrapped his arms around her, whispering, Im sorry I made you doubt me.
I never should have doubted, she said, pressing her forehead to his. Im glad youre here.
From the taxi window I watched them together, a small, hopeful bubble amidst the wreckage of the night. Im convinced their love will weather any test.
Tomorrow Ill call Jenny, offer genuine help. Even those who make terrible choices deserve a chance at redemption.
For now, the wound is fresh, the pain sharp, but time will healleaving only the scars as reminders that even the fiercest storms can be survived when you have people who truly love you.
I.
