I’m pregnant with your fiancé announced my best friend at the hen night.
You’ve lost your mind! That dress costs as much as a secondhand car! Irene stared at the price tag, eyes wide, unable to believe the number.
No, youre the one who’s gone mad if you think Ill marry something that wont make Steven forget how to breathe! Megan twirled before the mirror, holding the sumptuous train. A wedding only happens once!
I want to believe, Irene murmured, glancing at the bridal gowns price. But seriously, Megan, why spend so much? Steven loves you, not the dress.
Megan froze, her expression turning solemn.
You know, when my parents died I learned how precious moments are. I want this day to be perfect, so Mum and Dad, watching from above, could be proud.
Irenes tone softened instantly, regretting her harsh words. Megans parents had perished in a car crash three years earlier, and she had since masked her grief behind smiles and feigned cheerfulness.
Im sorry, Irene said, pulling Megan into a hug, careful not to crease the expensive fabric. If this is the dress you need, then its worth every penny.
Funny thing, Megan smiled, tucking a rebellious strand of hair behind her ear. Steven suggested we dip into our travel fund. He says Venice isnt going anywhere, and a bride only gets one perfect gown.
Irene smiled, thinking of Steven tall, composed, with kind eyes and a shy grin. The pair were the perfect match: she, bright and impulsive; he, calm and measured.
Irene, Im so happy, Megan whispered as the shop assistant fetched the veil. Sometimes it feels unreal. Steven is the best thing that ever happened to me.
Of course youre right, Irene teased, prompting Megans laughter.
Naturally! By the way, shall we talk about the hen night? Only two weeks left.
Everythings set, Irene replied, taking charge of the celebration as maid of honour. A cosy country cottage, pool, sauna, karaoke and your seven closest friends. No strippers, just as you asked.
Thats perfect, Megan winked. Id hate to see Jen miss out; shes still recovering from her divorce.
I have a special surprise for Jen, Irene grinned.
The assistant returned with a fan of lace veils, and the conversation shifted to length, style and fastening.
Irene drove home, exhausted but satisfied. Megan had finally chosen the dress and accessories; the only thing left was polishing the wedding details. She allowed herself the luxury of a hot bath, thinking of the upcoming weekend getaway for the hen night.
Just as she stepped out, a message chimed. Anna, another guest, wrote she couldnt make it her son had a sudden fever.
What a shame, Irene muttered, sending wellwishes. Her gut told her this wouldnt be the last cancellation. And indeed, by morning Svetlana called, apologising she couldnt get time off work.
Dont worry, Irene reassured her. As long as were all there on the wedding day, thats what matters.
Friday evening arrived. Irenes estate car, packed with snacks and drinks, rolled out of town. Of the seven invited friends, only four remained: Irene, Jen, Katie and Victoria. Megan, however, was unfazed.
Fewer people, more fresh air, she said, settling in the front seat beside Irene. And more champagne for each of us!
The girls laughed approvingly. Jen, the recently divorced friend for whom Irene had a special surprise, already uncorked a bottle of bubbly, pouring it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she declared. To the most beautiful, happiest and luckiest woman!
And to her amazing groom! added Katie, who worked with Steven at a construction firm. Any woman would be lucky with a man like him.
Im the unlucky one, Jen sighed. My ex turned out to be a real scoundrel.
Not all men are the same, Irene replied gently. Steven isnt.
Exactly, Megan agreed. Sometimes I wonder if I even deserve him. Yesterday he came home, set the table, lit candles, opened a bottle of wine and said, Youve been working so hard on the wedding, I want you to relax tonight.
Thats a proper gentleman, Victoria said enviously. My partner never even cooked an egg in three years.
The chat drifted to the classic debate over mens flaws and virtues, and when the car pulled up to a modest twostorey cottage by the lake, the champagne was already gone and spirits were high.
The rented cottage was spacious and cosy. The ground floor held a large kitchenliving area opening onto a terrace with a heated plunge pool; upstairs were three bedrooms and a bathroom with a sauna.
Amazing! Megan exclaimed, taking in the rooms. Youve outdone yourself, Irene!
Irene beamed. Shed spent almost a month hunting the perfect spot for the hen night. The location offered beautiful scenery, water, a place to grill outdoors and total privacy.
The evening began with dinner preparation. They chopped salads, grilled meat and roasted potatoes together. Jen, surprisingly, was unusually quiet, checking her phone often and staying on the sidelines.
Something wrong? Irene asked softly as the others moved to the terrace to set the table.
Jen shivered, as if pulling herself from deep thoughts.
No, just tired. Works a nightmare and the babys fussy.
If you need to talk, Im here, Irene said, squeezing Jens hand, receiving a weak smile in return.
The terrace dinner lifted everyones mood. More champagne was uncorked, old university stories resurfaced, and Megan, flushed with wine and attention, glowed with happiness.
Remember how we first met? she asked, looking around. Freshers, the dorm, I walked in and there was Irene with a guitar, Katie clutching a massive teddy bear
And me with three suitcases of clothes! Jen laughed. We all thought you were a posh girl.
Turns out you were just a shopaholic, Irene retorted.
Thanks to Jens wardrobe, we always went on dates in different outfits, Katie added. Remember our swap system?
The night continued with memories, jokes and wellwishes for the bride. When it grew dark and chilly, they moved back inside. Irene put on some music, Katie pulled out a deck of cards and suggested a game of Truth or Dare.
Lets do Never Have I Ever, Megan suggested, recalling old times.
The game started lightheartedly. Never have I kissed a girl Katie and Victoria took a sip, laughing. Never have I shoplifted Jen confessed, recalling a childhood gumchewing incident. Never have I dreamed of a wedding even Irene, who usually said a passport stamp wasnt for her, drank.
As the bottles emptied, the questions grew more intimate. Never have I done it in a public place, Never have I lied to my best friend, Never have I cheated.
On the final question, Jen suddenly burst into tears, mascara running down her cheeks.
Jen, whats wrong? Megan asked, moving closer. Its just a game.
Im sorry, Jen sobbed. I cant keep it inside any longer.
Maybe we should stop drinking? Victoria suggested gently, reaching for Jens glass.
No! Jen snapped, pushing the glass away. I have to say this!
The room fell silent. Even the music seemed to dim.
Megan, Jens tearstreaked face turned to her friend. I Im pregnant with Stevens child.
A deafening hush settled over the group. Megans mouth hung open, unable to process. Victoria and Katie stared at Jen in disbelief, while Irene felt a chill crawl up her spine.
What nonsense? Megan finally managed, voice shaking. Youre drunk. Or youve lost your mind.
Its true, Jen wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. It happened a month and a half ago, when you were away visiting Aunt Mary in York. I came over to return the visa papers you asked for. Steven was home alone
Shut up! Megan exploded, knocking over her wine glass. Crimson spilled across the light carpet like blood. Dont you dare keep telling this filthy lie!
Im not lying, Jen produced her phone, scrolling to a screenshot and handing it to Megan. Here, the test result and the message date with Steven.
Megan recoiled, as if the phone were a venomous snake.
I dont believe it, she whispered, though doubt already lingered in her voice. He would never
He told me we have problems, Jen continued, eyes fixed on the floor. That we sleep in different rooms, that the wedding is a mistake, that you two are about to split
Thats not true! Megan 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 Megan slapped her across the face. Jen screamed, clutching her cheek.
Enough! Irene stepped between them. Calm down, both of you!
Calm down? Megan turned to Irene, tears glistening. My best friend just claimed shes pregnant with my fiancé! How am I supposed to calm down?!
Lets sort this out, Irene said, voice steady despite the trembling inside. Jen, are you sure youre pregnant? And that its Stevens?
Yes, Jen answered quietly. The test is positive. I havent been with anyone since the divorce.
Did you ever consider talking to Steven about it instead of creating a scene at the hen night? Victoria asked, finally breaking her silence.
I tried, Jen lowered her head. He said it was my problem, that I was lying, that he only loved Megan but he said other things to me too.
Megan, with a calm gesture, took the phone and began scrolling through the messages. As each line passed, her face grew paler.
Theres nothing here, she said after a moment. Just Hey, hows it going? and When will you be home? No mention of a pregnancy.
He called me, Jen whispered. He didnt want to write it.
Convenient, Katie remarked wryly.
Megan kept scrolling, then froze on a photo. It showed Jen, halfundressed on a bed that Megan instantly recognised the bedroom she shared with Steven.
When was this taken? Megans voice was flat.
The day you left for York, Jen replied, voice shaking. Fifteenth April.
Megan closed her eyes, trying to steady her racing heart.
I didnt go to York on the fifteenth, she said slowly. I cancelled the trip. Aunt Mary had a hospital admission, so Steven and I stayed home and watched movies all evening.
Jens face paled even more.
But how could he say I was away? she asked, desperation in her tone.
Did you really think hed lie? Victoria asked, shaking her head. Or are you making this up?
No! Jen sprang up. Im not lying! He came to my flat, proof! She thrust the phone again, pointing at the picture.
Megan examined the image closely, then burst into nervous laughter.
Oh my God, she said, wiping tears that were now from laughter. Jen, thats not our bedroom. Thats your own flat. I recognise the wall with the swan mural you brought from your parents house.
Jen blinked, confused.
But
And look at the date on the photo, Megan continued, tapping the timestamp. Its 15.02, not 15.04.
A heavy silence settled. Jen sank onto the sofa, shoulders slumped.
So what does this mean? Irene asked, voice gentle. Are you lying to us?
I Jen covered her face with her hands. Im not lying about the pregnancy. The test is real.
But Steven isnt the father, is he? Megan asked quietly.
Jen remained silent, then whispered:
I dont know who the father is. Ive been seeing a few men since my divorce. When I found out I was pregnant, I panicked. No one wanted anything serious. Then I saw how caring Steven was, how much he loves you, how he wants a family
You decided hed be a good candidate for the babys dad, Victoria finished, eyes soft. And you fabricated a story to wreck your friendship.
Youre a terrible person, Megan said, voice cracking with hurt. I thought you were my best friend.
I was desperate, Jen sobbed, head in her hands. After the divorce I was alone, with a child, now a pregnancy I didnt know what to do.
Irene sighed heavily:
You could have asked for help. We would have been there. But you chose deceit.
Megan quietly gathered her coat.
Where are you going? Irene asked, noticing the late hour. Its too late to leave now.
I cant stay here, Megan said calmly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Ill call a taxi and go home.
Ill come with you, Irene replied firmly. I wont let you leave alone.
Jen remained seated, head bowed:
Megan, Im sorry. I was jealous of your happiness Forgive me.
Megan paused at the doorway, turned back:
Youve broken not just our friendship but also my trust in people. I dont know if Ill ever forgive you.
The car sped down the dark motorway, the night lights flashing past. Irene kept silent, giving Megan space to process.
You know what scares me most? Megan finally said. For a moment I believed the worst, I doubted Steven, I doubted us.
Its natural, Irene answered softly. Anyone would question when faced with such a claim.
But I shouldnt have, Megan said, punching the armrest. Ive known Steven for four years. He never gave me a reason to doubt him. One accusation, one word, and I was ready to think he was a traitor.
You were just frightened, Irene placed a hand on Megans shoulder. Now the truth is out.
Yes, Megan managed a bitter smile. My best friend turned out to be a traitor, ready to ruin my happiness for her own interests.
Jen made a terrible mistake, Irene sighed. But she was in despair, pregnant, lonely, uncertain
Are you excusing her? Megan snapped, anger flaring.
No, Irene said firmly. Im trying to understand. Theres a difference.
They fell silent. The taxis radio played a soft tune.
Ill call Steven, Megan said, pulling out her phone.
Right now? Irene glanced at her watch. Its almost two in the morning.
It doesnt matter. I need to tell him, Megan replied.
Steven answered almost instantly, as if hed been waiting.
Megan? Is everything okay?
Hearing his concerned voice, Megan broke down, recounting the nights events, Jens lies, and her fleeting doubt.
Ill be there, Steven said simply. Come home.
When they arrived at Megans flat, it was well past midnight. Irene asked the driver to wait; she intended to stay until they were alone.
Stay? Megan offered. We have a spare bedroom.
No, Irene shook her head. You need time together. Ill call you in the morning.
Megan hugged Irene tightly.
Thank you for being here.
Always, Irene smiled. Dont let this ruin your wedding. It will still be perfect, I promise.
Steven waited at the door in pajama trousers and a rumpled shirt, hair dishevelled, worry etched on his face. He pulled Megan into a tight embrace.
Im sorry, she whispered into his shoulder. I should never have doubted you.
Its all right, he kissed the top of her head. The important thing is that youre here with me.
Irene watched from the taxi window, smiling. Despite everything, she was convinced their wedding would be flawless because it rested on love that could survive any test.
As for Jen Irene took a deep breath. She would call her tomorrow, offer genuine help, because even those who make terrible mistakes deserve a chance at redemption.
The taxi pulled away, carrying Irene far from the cottage where two loving souls found solace in each other. She reflected that true friendship isnt about blind support; its about honesty, even when it hurts, and forgiveness when its possible.
Lifes wounds heal, though they leave scars. Those scars serve as reminders that even the fiercest storms can be weathered, provided you have people who truly love you. The real lesson: trust is fragile, but when built on honesty and compassion, it endures.
