I’m pregnant with your husbands child, announced my best mate at my hen night.
Youve lost your mind! That dress costs as much as a secondhand car! Emma stared at me, eyes wide, unable to swallow the figure on the price tag.
No, youre the one whos gone mad if you think Ill walk down the aisle in something that wont make James stop breathing! Lucy twirled before the mirror, clasping the luxurious train. A wedding only happens once!
I hope youre right, Emma muttered, glancing at the gowns label. But honestly, Lucy, why splash out like that? James loves you, not your dress.
Lucy froze, her expression turning solemn.
You know, when your parents are gone you learn how precious moments become. I want the day to be flawless, so Mum and Dad, looking down from above, could be proud.
Emmas tone softened instantly; she regretted her harsh words. Lucys parents had died in a road crash three years earlier, and since then shed learned to hide the pain behind smiles and feigned nonchalance.
Sorry, Emma said, pulling Lucy into a hug, careful not to crumple the expensive dress. If this is the right dress, then its worth every penny.
Funny thing, Lucy smiled, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. James suggested we dip into our travel fund. He said Venice isnt going anywhere, but a bride in a perfect gown only gets one chance.
Emma pictured James tall, always composed, warm eyes and a shy grin. He and Lucy were the perfect pair: she, bright and impulsive; he, calm and levelheaded.
Emma, Im so happy, Lucy whispered as the shop assistant slipped away to fetch a veil. It still feels surreal. James is the best thing thats ever happened to me.
After me, of course, Emma teased, earning a laugh from Lucy.
Naturally! By the way, have you sorted the hen night? Only two weeks left.
Everythings set, Emma replied. Shed taken charge of the celebration as maid of honour. A cosy country cottage, a pool, a spa, karaoke and your seven closest friends. No strippers, just as you asked.
Thats a relief, Lucy winked. Id feel sorry for Jenny; shes still reeling from her divorce.
Ive got a special surprise for Jenny, Emma grinned.
The assistant returned with a basket of lace veils, and the conversation drifted to length, style and fastening.
Emma drove home, exhausted but pleased. Lucy finally chose her dress and accessories; the wedding details were almost all settled. She allowed herself a hot bath, thinking of the upcoming hen party slated for the coming weekend.
Stepping out, she heard a notification. Anna, another guest, texted that she couldnt make it her son had a sudden fever.
What a pity, Emma murmured, sending wellwishes. Her gut told her this wouldnt be the last cancellation. And indeed, later Sophie called, apologising that work would keep her from taking time off.
Dont worry, Emma reassured her. As long as were all there on the wedding day.
By Friday evening, Emmas estate car, packed with snacks and drinks, rolled out of town. Of the seven invited friends, only four remained Emma, Jenny, Katie and Victoria. Lucy wasnt upset in the slightest.
Fewer people, more fresh air, she said, settling in the front seat beside Emma. And more champagne for each of us!
The girls cheered. Jenny, the newly single friend for whom Emma had a special surprise, already uncorked a bottle of bubbly and poured it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she declared. To the most beautiful, happiest, luckiest woman!
And to her amazing groom! added Katie, who worked with James at a construction firm. Any woman would be lucky to have a man like him.
Ive been unlucky, sighed Jenny. My ex turned out to be a real scoundrel.
Not all men are the same, Emma replied gently. James isnt like that.
Exactly, Lucy agreed. Sometimes I feel I dont deserve him. Yesterday he came home, cooked dinner, 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 man, Victoria said with a hint of envy. My boyfriend hasnt even managed to fry an egg in three years.
The chat turned to the ageold debate over mens flaws and virtues, and when the car pulled up to a modest twostorey cottage by the lake, the champagne was gone and spirits were high.
The rented cottage was spacious and welcoming. 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.
Incredible! Lucy exclaimed, taking in the place. Youve outdone yourself, Emma!
Emma smiled proudly. Shed spent almost a month hunting the perfect spot for the hen night. It had everything scenic countryside, water, a grill for barbecues, and complete privacy.
Evening began with dinner prep chopping salads, grilling meat, roasting potatoes. Unexpectedly, Jenny was unusually quiet. Normally talkative and giggly, she lingered by her phone, barely joining the merriment.
Everything alright? Emma asked softly as the others moved to the terrace to set the table.
Jenny shivered, as if waking from a reverie.
Im fine, just tired. Works a nightmare and the babys a handful, she replied.
If you need to talk, Im here, Emma squeezed her hand, receiving a faint smile in return.
As the night wore on, they opened more champagne, swapped stories from university, and laughed about old mischief. Lucy, flushed from wine and attention, beamed.
Remember how we first met? she asked, scanning the group. First year, dorm block, I walked into a room and there was Emma with a guitar, Katie clutching a massive plush bear…
And I arrived with three suitcases of clothes! Jenny laughed. We all thought you were a posh little snob.
Turns out you were just a shopaholic, Emma chimed in.
Thanks to Jennys wardrobe we always had something new for dates, Katie added. Remember our clothesswap system?
The night drifted on, filled with memories, jokes and wellwishes for the bride. When darkness fell and the air cooled, they moved inside. Emma put on some music, Katie fetched a deck of cards, and suggested a game of Truth or Dare.
How about Never Have I Ever? Lucy proposed. Like the good old days.
The game started lightheartedly. Never have I kissed a girl Katie and Victoria took a sip, laughing. Never have I shoplifted Jenny smiled, recalling a childhood gumchewing escapade. Never have I dreamed of a wedding everyone, even Emma, who always joked about not needing a passport stamp, drank.
As the bottles emptied, the questions grew bolder. Never have I had sex in a public place, Never have I lied to my best friend, Never have I cheated
On the final question, Jenny burst into tears, mascara running.
Jenny, whats wrong? Lucy asked, moving closer. Its just a game.
Im sorry, Jenny sobbed. I cant keep it in any longer
Maybe we should stop drinking? Victoria suggested gently.
No! Jenny snapped, pushing the glass away. I have to say it, I cant hold it any longer!
Silence fell. Even the music seemed to dim.
Jenny, she looked at Lucy, eyes red. I Im pregnant with James. With your fiancé.
A deadclear hush settled over the room. Lucys mouth hung open, disbelief etched across her face. Victoria and Katie stared in horror. Emma felt a cold shiver run down her spine.
What nonsense is that? Lucy finally managed. Youre drunk or youve lost your mind.
Its true, Jenny whispered, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. It happened a month and a half ago when you were off to visit Aunt Margaret in York. I dropped by to return the visa papers you asked for. James was home alone
Shut up! Lucy erupted, knocking over her wine glass. Crimson liquid spread across the light carpet like blood. Dont you dare keep spouting this filthy lie!
Im not lying, Jenny said, pulling out her phone. She scrolled, then handed the device to Lucy. Here, the test result. And the messages with James.
Lucy recoiled, as if stung by a snake.
I dont believe you, she whispered, doubt creeping in. Hed never
He told me you two were having problems, Jenny continued, eyes fixed on the floor. That you slept in separate rooms, that the wedding was a mistake, that you were heading for a split
Thats not true! Lucy shouted. Our marriage is perfect! We love each other!
Then why did he do it? Jenny asked, bitterness seeping through. Why say I was special, that he wanted me
She stopped, and Lucy slapped her hard. Jenny yelped, clutching her cheek.
Enough! Emma stepped between them. Calm down, both of you!
Calm down? Lucy turned to Emma, tears glistening. My best friend just told me shes pregnant with my fiancé! How on earth am I supposed to calm down?!
Lets sort this out, Emma said, voice steady despite the tremor inside. Jenny, are you sure? Are you certain its Jamess child?
Yes, Jenny replied quietly. My period is late, the test is positive. I havent been with anyone else since the divorce.
Did you try speaking to James about it instead of making a scene at the hen night? asked Victoria, who had been silent.
I tried, Jennys head fell. He said it was my problem, that I was lying, that he only loved Lucy
Emma, trying to keep control, took the phone and began scrolling through the messages. With each swipe, her face paled.
Theres nothing here, she said finally. Just normal chatter: Hey, hows it going?, When will you be home? No mention of a pregnancy or any affair.
He called me, Jenny whispered. He didnt want it in texts.
Convenient, Katie muttered dryly.
Emma kept scrolling, then froze on a photo. It showed a halfclothed woman on a bed the familiar bedroom they shared with James.
When was this taken? Emmas voice was flat.
The day you left for York, Jenny answered. Fifteenth of April.
Lucy closed her eyes, trying to steady her racing heart.
I didnt go to York on the 15th, she said. My aunt had a hospital emergency, so we stayed home, watched movies all night.
Jennys face crumpled.
But how could he
Did you really believe him? Victoria asked, shaking her head. Or are you now making it all up?
No! Jenny shouted, standing. Im not lying! He came to my flat, thats proof! she held up another picture.
Emma examined it and suddenly burst into a nervous laugh.
Oh dear, she said, wiping tears that were now from laughter, not sorrow. Thats not our bedroom. Thats your own flat. I recognize the ridiculous swanpainted wall you brought from your parents house.
Jenny stared at the photo.
But
Look at the date, Emma continued. Its 15February, not 15April.
A heavy silence settled. Jenny sank onto the sofa, shoulders slumped.
So what does that make you? Emma asked softly. Are you lying to us all?
I Jenny covered her face with her hands. Im not lying about the pregnancy. The test is positive.
Then the father isnt James, is it? Lucy asked quietly.
Jenny stayed silent, then whispered:
I dont know who the father is. Ive been with a few men since the divorce. When I found out I was pregnant, I panicked. None of them wanted anything serious. When I saw how caring James is, how much he loves you, I I hoped hed be the father.
You thought you could use him as a safety net, Victoria concluded, her voice low. And you fabricated a story to wreck his marriage.
Youve been a real snake, Lucy said, pain evident in her tone. I thought you were my best friend.
I was desperate, Jenny sobbed, cradling her head. After the divorce I was alone, with a baby on the way I didnt know what to do.
Emma sighed heavily.
You could have asked for help. We would have all been there for you. But now
Lucy gathered her things in silence.
Where are you going? Emma asked, worry sharpening her voice. Its late; you should stay until morning.
I cant stay here, Lucy replied, tears streaming down her cheeks. Ill call a taxi and go home.
Im coming with you, Emma said firmly. I wont let you go alone.
Jenny remained seated, head bowed.
Lucy, Im sorry. I dont know what possessed me. I was jealous of your happiness Forgive me.
Lucy stopped at the door, turned slowly.
Youve just shattered not only our friendship but also my trust in everyone. I dont know if Ill ever be able to forgive you.
The taxi that whisked Lucy away on the dark motorway was quiet. Emma watched the road lights blur past, giving Lucy space to collect herself.
You know whats the worst part? Lucy finally said, voice breaking. For a moment I believed the worst, I doubted James, I doubted us.
Its natural, Emma replied gently. Anyone would be shaken by what you heard.
But I shouldnt have, Lucy clenched her fist on her knee. Ive known James for four years. Hes never given me a reason to doubt him. And I one accusation, one careless word, and I was ready to believe hed betrayed me.
You were just confused, Emma placed a hand on her shoulder. Now the truth is out.
Yes, Lucy said with a bitter smile. I now see my best friend as a traitor, ready to ruin my happiness for her own selfish needs.
Jenny made a terrible mistake, Emma sighed. Shes in a desperate place, pregnant, alone, uncertain
Are you excusing her? Lucy snapped, anger flaring.
No, Emma answered firmly. Im just trying to understand. Theres a difference.
They fell silent again. The radio in the taxi played a soft tune.
Im calling James, Lucy announced, pulling out her phone.
Now? Emma glanced at the clock. Its almost two in the morning.
It doesnt matter. I need to tell him, Lucy said.
James answered almost instantly, as if hed been waiting.
Lucy? Is everything alright?
Hearing her fiancés worried voice, Lucy burst into tears, recounting the nights chaos, Jennys lies, and her fleeting doubt.
Ill be there, James said simply. Come home.
When they arrived at Lucy and Jamess house, it was well past midnight. Emma asked the driver to wait; she intended to head back to her flat first.
Could you stay? Lucy offered. We need some time alone to talk.
No, Emma shook her head. You both need privacy. Ill call you in the morning.
Lucy embraced Emma.
Thanks for being here.
Always, Emma smiled. Dont let this ruin your wedding. It will be perfect, I promise.
Lucy nodded and walked to the front door. James was already waiting, dressed in casual trousers and a hastily thrownon shirt, hair a mess, eyes worried. He wrapped his arms around her tightly.
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 youre here, that were together.
Emma watched from the taxi window, smiling. Despite everything, she was convinced their wedding would indeed be flawless, built on a love strong enough to survive any test.
As for Jenny Emma took a deep breath. Tomorrow shed call her, offer genuine help, because even those who make grave mistakes deserve a chance at redemption.
The taxi pulled away, carrying her away from the house where two loving souls found comfort in each other. Emma reflected that true friendship isnt about endless support at any cost; its about honesty, even when its bitter, and forgiveness when it can be given.
For now, forgiveness was still a long way off. The wound was fresh, the pain sharp. Time would heal, though it would leave scars merely reminders of storms weathered, as longAs the first light of dawn brushed the sky, Lucy and James walked hand in hand onto the garden path, ready to face whatever lay ahead together.
