Im pregnant with your fiancé, Poppy declares at the hen night.
Youve lost your mind! Claire gasps, staring at the dress price tag, eyes wide. That gown costs as much as a secondhand car!
No, youre the one whos gone mad if you think Ill marry anything that doesnt make James forget how to breathe! Emily twirls before the mirror, gripping the lavish train. A wedding only happens once!
I want to be hopeful, Claire mutters, glancing at the price. But seriously, Emily, why spend so much? James loves you, not the dress.
Emily freezes, her expression turning solemn. You know, when my parents died I learned how precious moments are. I want our day to be perfect, so Mum and Dad can look down and be proud.
Claires tone softens. Emilys parents died in a car crash three years ago; since then she hides the ache behind smiles and a carefree front.
Sorry, Claire says, hugging Emily carefully so as not to crumple the expensive fabric. If the dress is right, then its worth every penny.
You know whats funny? Emily grins, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. James suggested we dip into our travel fund. He says Venice isnt going anywhere, but a bride in the perfect dress is a onceinalifetime thing.
Claire pictures James tall, always composed, kind eyes, a shy smile. He and Emily make an ideal pair: she, bright and impulsive; he, calm and sensible.
Im so happy, Emily whispers as the shop assistant steps away to fetch a veil. Sometimes it feels unreal. James is the best thing thats happened to me.
After me, of course, Claire teases, making Emily laugh.
Naturally! And what about the hen night? Two weeks left.
Everythings set, Claire assures, having taken charge of the planning as maid of honour. A cosy country cottage, a pool, a sauna, karaoke and your seven best mates. No strippers, just as you wanted.
Exactly, Emily winks. Id feel sorry for Zoe she still cant see past her divorce.
Dont worry, Ive got a special surprise for Zoe, Claire smiles.
The assistant returns with a basket of lace veils, and they shift to debating length, style, and fastening.
Back home, Claire, exhausted but content, watches Emily finally choose the dress and accessories. The wedding details are almost sorted, and she allows herself a hot bath, thinking about the upcoming weekend hen party.
She steps out of the tub to a new message. Anna, another guest, writes she cant make it her son suddenly has a fever.
Ah, thats a shame, Claire replies, wishing the little boy a speedy recovery. Her gut tells her this isnt the last cancellation. Sure enough, later Sophie calls, apologising she cant get off work.
Dont worry, Claire reassures her. Well all be there on the day.
Friday evening, Claire loads the estate car with snacks and drinks and heads out of town. Of the seven invited friends, only four remain: Claire, Zoe, Katie and Victoria. Emily isnt fazed.
Fewer guests, more fresh air, she says, sliding into the front seat beside Claire. And more champagne for each of us!
The girls cheer. Zoe, the recently divorced friend for whom Claire has a special surprise, pops a bottle of bubbly and pours it into plastic cups.
To the bride! she declares. To the most beautiful, happiest, luckiest woman!
And to her amazing groom! Katie adds, who works with James at a construction firm. Any woman would be lucky to have a man like him.
Im the unlucky one, Zoe sighs. My ex turned out to be a scoundrel.
Not all men are the same, Claire says gently. James isnt.
Exactly, Emily nods. 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.
Thats a proper man, Victoria says with a hint of envy. My boyfriend never even makes me scrambled eggs after three years together.
The conversation drifts to the usual menversuswomen banter as the car pulls up to a modest twostorey cottage by the lake. The champagne is gone, but spirits are high.
The rental, arranged by Claire, is spacious and inviting. The ground floor boasts a large kitchenliving area that opens onto a terrace with a heated plunge pool; upstairs are three bedrooms and a bathroom with a sauna.
Wow, Emily exclaims, taking in the place. Youve outdone yourself, love!
Claire smiles proudly. Shes spent a month scouting the perfect spot gorgeous countryside, water, a place for a BBQ, and total privacy.
Evening begins with dinner prep. They chop salads, grill meat, roast potatoes. Zoe, surprisingly quiet, stays mostly in the corner, checking her phone.
Whats wrong? Claire asks softly as the others move onto the terrace to set the table.
Nothing, Zoe replies, just tired. Works been a nightmare and the babys been fussy.
If you need to talk, Im here, Claire says, squeezing Zoes hand. Zoe offers a weak smile.
Meals on the terrace lift everyones mood. More champagne flows, stories from university flood back. Emily, cheeks flushed from wine, beams.
Remember how we first met? she asks, scanning the group. First year, dorm room, Claire with a guitar, Katie with a massive teddy bear
And me with three suitcases of clothes! Zoe laughs. We all thought you were a posh snob.
And really just a shopaholic, Claire chimes in.
Thanks to Zoes wardrobe, we always showed up on dates in different outfits, Katie adds. Remember our clothingswap system?
The night carries on with jokes, memories, and wishes for the bride. When it gets chilly, they move back inside. Claire puts on music, Katie pulls out a deck of cards, suggesting a game of Truth or Dare.
How about Never Have I Ever? Emily proposes, like the good old days.
The game starts lightheartedly. Never have I kissed a girl, Kat says, prompting a giggle and a sip. Never have I stolen from a shop, Zoe admits, recalling a childhood gumchewing incident. Never have I dreamed of a wedding, Emily says, causing everyone, even Claire, to raise their glass.
As the bottles empty, the questions turn sharper: Never have I had sex in a public place, Never have I lied to my best friend, Never have I cheated
On the final round, Zoe bursts into tears.
Zoe, whats wrong? Emily asks, moving closer. Its just a game.
I cant Im pregnant with James, Zoe blurted, voice shaking.
Silence crashes over the room. Emilys skin prickles.
This is madness, Emily snaps. Youre drunk or youve lost it.
Its true, Zoe wipes her eyes, 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 home alone
Enough! Emily shouts, knocking over her wine glass. Red spills across the light carpet like blood. Dont you dare keep this filthy lie!
Look, Zoe pulls out her phone, scrolling to a screenshot, heres the test result and the date of the messages with James.
Emily recoils as if the phone were a poisonous snake. I dont believe you, she whispers, doubt creeping in. Hed never
He said you two were sleeping in separate rooms, that the wedding was a mistake, that you were about to split Zoe continues, voice trembling. He never said any of that to me.
Emily slaps Zoe hard across the face. Zoe screams, clutching her cheek.
Stop! Claire jumps between them. Calm down, both of you!
Calm down? Emily retorts, tears streaming. My best friend just told me shes pregnant with my fiancé! How am I supposed to calm down?
Lets sort this out, Claire says evenly, though her hands shake. Zoe, are you sure youre pregnant? And that its Jamess?
Yes, Zoe whispers. A delayed period, positive test. I havent been with anyone since the divorce.
Did you try talking to James first instead of spilling this at a hen night? Victoria asks, finally breaking her silence.
I tried, Zoe says, head down. He told me it was my problem, that I was lying, that he only loves Emily but he said other things to me.
Emily, suddenly composed, snatches Zoes phone and scrolls through the messages. These are just normal texts Hey, hows it going?, When will you be home? Nothing about a pregnancy.
Maybe he called instead of texting, Zoe says quietly.
Convenient, Katie mutters.
Emily keeps scrolling, then freezes on a photo. It shows Zoe halfdressed on a bed that Emily recognises immediately its the bedroom they share with James.
When was this taken? Emily asks, voice flat.
The 15th of April, Zoe answers. The day you left for York.
Emily closes her eyes, heart pounding. I didnt go to York on the 15th. I cancelled the trip because Aunt Margaret had a heart attack. James and I stayed home, watched movies all evening.
Zoe looks bewildered. But James told me you were away
Did you believe him? Claire asks. Or are you making this up?
No! Im not lying! Zoe shouts, pulling the photo closer. He came to my flat, proof! She shows the picture again.
Emily studies it, then laughs, a nervous, hysterical sound. Oh my God, she says, wiping tears. Zoe, thats not our bedroom. Thats your own flat. Look at the wall the swan painting from your parents house.
Zoe blinks, confused. But
Check the date on the photo, Emily continues, pointing. Its 15/02, not 15/04.
The room falls into a heavy pause. Zoe collapses onto the sofa, shoulders sagging.
Are you lying to us? Claire asks quietly. Whats really going on?
I I dont know who the father is, Zoe finally whispers. Ive dated a few guys after my divorce. When I found out I was pregnant I panicked. James seemed caring, so I thought maybe he could be Im sorry.
You used him to fill a void, Victoria says gently. You hoped hed be the father, then you fabricated the story.
You were my best friend, Emily sobs. I trusted you.
I was desperate, Zoe admits, burying her face in her hands. Alone, with a baby, I didnt know what to do.
Claire sighs heavily. You could have asked for help. We would have been there.
Emily gathers her things. Where are you going? Claire asks, eyes wide. Its late, you should stay until morning.
I cant be here, Emily says, voice steady despite tears streaming down her cheeks. Ill call a taxi and go home.
Ill go with you, Claire decides firmly. You wont drive alone.
Zoe stays silent on the sofa. Emily, Im sorry. I was jealous of your happiness. Forgive me.
Emily pauses at the door, turns back. Youve shattered not just our friendship but my trust in people. I dont know if I can ever forgive you.
The taxi speeds down the dark motorway, the city lights flickering past. Emily sits in silence, staring out the window. Claire sits beside her, offering quiet support.
Do you know what scares me most? Emily finally says. For a second I believed the worst about James. I doubted you, the wedding, everything.
Its natural, Claire replies softly. Anyone would be shaken by such news.
But I shouldnt have, Emily mutters, clenching a fist on her knee. Ive known James four years. He never gave me a reason to doubt him. One accusation, one word, and I was ready to believe hed betrayed me.
You were just overwhelmed, Claire says, placing a hand on Emilys shoulder. Now the truths out. You can move forward.
Emily smiles bitterly. My best friend turned out to be a traitor, ready to ruin my happiness for her own fears.
Zoe made a terrible mistake, Claire says, but shes also in a desperate place.
Do you excuse her? Emily asks, eyes flashing.
No, Claire replies firmly. Im just trying to understand. Theres a difference.
They sit in silence as the radio hums a soft tune. Emily pulls out her phone. Im calling James.
Its almost two a.m., Claire notes, glancing at her watch.
It doesnt matter. He needs to hear this.
James answers almost instantly, as if hed been waiting. Emily? Whats wrong? Are you okay?
Tears spill over Emilys words as she recounts the night, Zoes false claim, and her fleeting doubt.
Ill be there, James says simply.
When they reach Emilys flat, its well past midnight. Claire asks the driver to wait; she plans to stay at Emilys place for a while.
Can I stay? Emily asks, eyes softening. We have a spare guest room.
No, you need time alone, Claire replies. Ill call you in the morning.
Emily embraces her friend. Thank you for being here.
Always, Claire smiles. Dont let this ruin your wedding. It will still be perfect, I promise.
Emily nods and heads to the hallway. James is already waiting at the doorstep, in rumpled trousers and a hastily thrownon shirt, hair slightly tousled, eyes worried. He pulls her into a tight hug.
Im sorry, she whispers into his shoulder. I should never have doubted you.
Its all right, he kisses her forehead. The important thing is were together.
Claire watches from the taxi window, a faint smile on her lips. Despite everything, she believes the wedding will indeed be perfect, built on love that can survive any test.
As for Zoe Claire takes a deep breath. Tomorrow shell call her, offer genuine help. Even those who commit terrible errors deserve a chance at redemption.
The taxi pulls away, carrying Claire farther from the cottage where two loving souls find comfort in each other. She thinks that true friendship isnt about endless support at any cost, but about honesty, even when it hurts, and forgiveness when its possible. The wound is fresh, the pain sharp, but time will heal, leaving only scars as reminders of the storm survived together.
