She lied about being pregnant to keep her man. But at the baby shower, the doctor who was supposed to cover for her exposed the truth.
I never imagined a single lie could destroy everything I believed in—especially a friendship like mine with Joanna. We’d been inseparable since uni: studying, late-night chats, road trips, always there for each other. But one desperate decision changed it all.
Joanna had become distant—late to meet-ups, glued to her phone, always nervous. I blamed work, but something felt off with her boyfriend, Adam. They were the perfect couple—or so it seemed. Then one evening, while we watched films at her place, she whispered:
“I’m pregnant.”
My stomach dropped.
“What? Seriously?”
“Yes.” Her voice shook as she bit her lip. “I don’t know what to do. Adam wants kids. But if I tell him it’s not true… he’ll leave.”
That’s when the chill set in. Joanna—my strong, independent friend—pretending to be pregnant? I tried to reason with her, but she wouldn’t budge: “It’s the only way to keep him.”
At first, I played along. Then I noticed things. No bump. Vague mentions of “doctor’s appointments.” She’d brush off questions, claiming a “difficult pregnancy,” but it didn’t add up.
When I offered to join her for a check-up, she went pale. “No need… I don’t want you worrying.”
I knew then something was wrong. But I didn’t expect the truth to unravel so brutally.
Adam, clueless, planned a baby shower—invited family, friends, coworkers. Decorations, gifts, cake—all perfect. Until Dr. Thompson arrived.
“Thanks for coming, Doctor,” Adam said brightly, shaking his hand. “Joanna’s told me so much about you.”
My chest tightened. The doctor froze, staring at Joanna. His expression turned grim.
“Joanna,” he said quietly, firmly. “It’s time to tell the truth.”
Silence. Joanna paled, lips trembling.
“I’m… not pregnant,” she choked out. “I’m sorry, Adam. I was scared… scared you’d leave.”
Adam went still, fists clenched. When he spoke, his voice was low, raw: “You lied. You pretended to carry my child. You betrayed me.”
Joanna sobbed, but it was too late. The room was dead silent. The party was a farce.
“Party’s over,” Adam said, ice in his tone. “Everyone leave.”
I stood there, watching not just their relationship crumble, but my trust in her. She’d lied to everyone. Manipulated them. Even begged the doctor to cover for her—and he’d agreed out of pity. But seeing the charade play out, he couldn’t let it go on.
Adam was shattered. But he did the right thing—he walked away. No revenge, just cold finality.
And me? I learned friendship can be a lie too. Sometimes the person closest to you is a stranger. The truth always comes out. No matter how hard you pretend, it catches up.
