Two lines on the test were her passport into a new lifeand a ticket to ruin for her closest friend. She held her wedding beneath a shower of traitors applause, but the final act belonged to the one they all considered a foolish pawn.
It was one of those brisk autumn afternoons in London, the wind teasing brown leaves down winding pavements. She paused just outside the glass doors of the café, gathering herself, before pushing through with deliberate resolve. Warm air awaited inside, thick with the scent of freshly ground coffee, vanilla, and something sweet from the oven. Her eyes drifted across the dim cosiness to single out the table by the tall window, where the soft, grey light made everything glow. There, waiting, sat Alicea familiar silhouette bent over a pale blue cup. She lifted her hand, half-greeting, half-apology, and the newcomer made her way through the tables, hesitant at first, then quickening.
“Hello, darling. Forgive me for being lateLondons endless traffic was an absolute nightmare today,” her voice was soft, quivering with a barely suppressed excitement.
Alice looked up from her study of the street outside, joy and reproach flickering in her grey eyes before gentle forgiveness took over.
“Only as long as one cup of espresso. Not more.” She pushed her cup aside, implying she hadnt wasted time waiting, just watching the world from behind the glass. “Now, tell mewhats so urgent you couldnt wait until our cinema date tonight? We were set on seeing that promising new film, laughing till we cried.”
“Oh, the cinema Tonights plan might need to wait. Something much more important has happened. Really life-changing!” The visitors lips curled in a bashful but delighted smile, lighting up the dark corner.
“What is it, then?” Calmly, Alice askedthough something flickered in the depths of her eyes, a hint of unease.
“This morning, we were at the registry officeyou know, to make it official. We’ve booked the ceremony for next month.”
“You mean… you and Matthew?” Her voice wavered, retreating into private reflection.
“Its hardly surprising, is it? Weve been together for more than two years. This is well thought through.”
“And youre confident youll have everything sorted in time for the day?” Alice seemed to drift away, lost for a moment in her own thoughts.
“Were not having an elaborate affair. Just a quiet celebrationour closest family, the people we cant imagine that day without. Well sign, have a nice dinner, and then everyone goes home. Fresh start.”
“But why the rush? You could have waited, planned every detail…”
“Im expecting a baby.” The words came as softly as the leaves falling outside but filled the space between them with strange new energy. She leaned across the table, her face radiant and almost translucent. “Id be happy without the fanfare, just to make it legal, but Matthew insists on photographs, wants it to feel like a real party. If all goes well, well take a short trip. If I can manage, of course.” Her excitement bubbled over, but she slowly noticed Alice was not sharing it. She sat utterly still, clutching her cup with white-knuckled intensity. “Are you alright? Are you even here with me now? Youll be there on the day, wont you? Youre my absolute closest…”
“Yes. Yes, of course Ill be there,” said Alice, hollowly, as though surfacing from icy water.
“Whats the matter?” Concern replaced joy in her voice. “You look unwell Has something happened?”
“I dont know. Theres a sharp pain in my stomach, and I feel rather ill. I think I ought to go home. Lets finish this tomorrow, I’m sure Ill be in better form then.”
“Shall I walk you? Were heading the same way.”
“No, no, dont trouble yourself. Ill stop in at my mothersshes just nearby. Shell help me.”
“Tomorrow, then?”
“Tomorrow…”
She watched as Alice’s figure vanished through the door and a wrinkle of confusion creased her brow. What was that about? Her fingers unconsciously touched her still-flat stomach, suddenly realising: how could she have been so oblivious, so blinded by her own happiness? Her dearest friend had been through a bitter painful breakup only three months earliera story shrouded in silence but leaving its mark in permanent sorrow. And yet here she was, sharing joyous news Guilt swept over her, heavy and overwhelming, as she left for her car, burdened by the awkwardness.
Meanwhile, Alice, having dashed out, hurried down the block and flagged a black cab. She gave the address sharply, with finality.
She climbed the stairs of a stately Chelsea townhouse, heart hammering against her ribs. Her anxious rings at the door were finally answered, revealing Matthew himselffamiliar, but now causing a chill.
“What are you doing here?” His tone was more annoyance than surprise, clipped, resistant to engagement.
“We need to talk. Now let me in.” Without waiting for an invitation, she swept past his arm and stepped into the hallway, scented with cologne and something foreign.
“And what might we be talking about?”
“About everything. You, meand your upcoming wedding.”
“Whats there to discuss?” He leaned against the doorframe, his gaze cold, mocking.
“So its true? You applied, and shes expecting?”
“Absolutely true.”
“And what about me? Where does that leave me?” Her voice trembledpain and hope she hadnt admitted even to herself.
“And what of you? Did I ever make promises of forever? I dont recall.”
“You… can you even grasp what you are?”
“And what am I, then?”
“A wretch!” The word slipped out, cold hatred making him flinch.
“And are you any better? You shared a bed with your best friends chosen partner. So who deserves that label more?”
“Me? II’m carrying your child. Seven weeks now.”
His eyes narrowed, suspicion turning to sharp calculation.
“Lies. Impossible.”
“Its not a lie. Well go to the doctor tomorrow, if you like. The child is yoursIll prove it any way you choose.”
“Well… you brought this on yourself, darling. You said you were taking precautions.” He shrugged, palms out in feigned helplessness. “Ill ensure you have funds to sort this… issue. But marriage? Raising a child conceived in such deceit? Not a chance.”
Her slap rang out, echoing like a shot. And without waiting for his reaction, she dashed away, down the steps, shouting that shed ruin everything, the wedding would not happen. Only his soft, cynical laugh reached her, lost in the closing door.
She fled to a small bench in a leafy square. Only when she slumped onto the cold wood did the tears comebitter and purifying. What now? Her heart, torn and aching, still held love for her friend from girlhood, passing through all those years. But her feelings for Matthew, too, stubborn and painful, refused to loosen their grip, and now the new life growing inside. Such unbearable circumstancewhere one womans happiness ensured anothers despair.
When her tears dried, she was left with a cold, crystal clarity. The answer came, heavy but inevitable. She would tell all. The truth, no matter how ugly or destructive. Let the glass castle of their friendship shattershe would open her friends eyes to the man she was planning a future beside. After that, the choice would be Alices. To forgive, or notbut it would be her choice.
“Hello.” Alice opened the door, surprise written on her face. “I thought it was tomorroware you better?”
“I need to talk. Its urgent, and its important.”
“Come in. I was just about to brew some teaa new floral blend.”
“No, pleasedont fuss.”
Alice sank into an armchair, hands knotted tight. Silence stretchedheavy with unspoken words and looming confession. Two desires warred in her soul: flee and leave everything as it was, clinging to some phantom hope; or speakcleansing, burning all bridges. She knew: after this, there would be no going back. To live nearby, watching their happiness, now poison She hadnt the strength.
“Whats wrong, dear? Whats troubling you so?”
“Guilt. Terrible, gnawing guilt. I have to tell you the truth. Dont bind yourself to Matthew. Hes not faithful, he only wants your fathers firmhe doesnt love you as a person.”
“What are you talking about? Are you mad? Where do you get such ideas? Hes always been there, always supportive!”
“Because theres someone else. A womanshe’s expecting his child, too.”
Alice blanched, gripping the table so hard her knuckles went white. Her breath came in ragged sobs.
“Who? Do you know her?”
“I do. Its me. It was three months agoI was caught in the rain, carrying heavy bags, and he happened to drive by. He helped, stayed for coffee then the evening happened. I know I did wrong, but whats done is done. And then my boyfriendwell, he came back unexpectedly, and caught us together.”
“So thats why you split up?”
“Exactly. Id been thinking about itour relationship was dying anyway. No explanations needed.”
“How often did you see him after?”
“Weekly, sometimes less. I begged him to tell you, but he always ordered silencesaid hed choose the time. Then your father offered him that job, and he started putting it off. Then, a few days ago, I found out about the baby. I wanted him to choose, finally. But now you’re expecting, too. Now you know everything. Were both carrying his children. My child deserves to know his father, as much as yours does.”
Alice slid from her chair, curling into herself, sobbing as if the world had crumbled into bitter dust. The pain inflicted by her closest people physically stole her breath away.
Julia quietly rose, took one last look at her friends crumpled figure, and slipped out, closing the door behind.
Alice stayed on the floor until the sounds of keys and familiar footsteps pulled her back to reality.
“My dear, are you alright? Shall I call a doctor?” Matthew leaned over her, but she pushed him away sharply.
“No, Im not. And its no longer your concern. Leave. Now.”
“I wont leave until you explain this!” His voice hardenedbut behind his eyes flitted panic.
“Explain what? That I know everything? Julia was here. She told me. Everything! So dont pretend. Tomorrow were going to withdraw our marriage application.”
“Julia? What could she possibly have said? This is nonsense, speak at once!” He raised his voice, desperateknowing if she refused, his plans would collapse, the web unravel. Damned woman…
Through ragged tears, Alice told her story.
“Now you listen to me.” He gently, but firmly, picked her up, set her on the sofa, wrapped her in a blanket. Sitting beside her, he held her hands, eyes locked on hers. “There was no affair. Julia’s been trying to worm her way in for months, stirring troublebut I couldn’t care less about her. I kept quiet to protect you both. Her boyfriend left for anothernot because he caught us, but because he had someone else. Out of jealousy and spite, she’s now trying to destroy our happiness. Remember how she always copied youclothes, manner, even books? She cant stand your good fortune.”
“But why? Why make it so complicated?”
“Shes on her own, abandoned, while youve found happiness, a whole family. Jealousys a powerful force.”
“But she said the child was yours.”
“I dont believe it. Even if she is expecting, the babys not mine. I swear it.”
“She said you only wanted my fathers firm…”
“I couldnt care less about the job. Ill quit, go back to my old work, make my own way. Whatever it takes for you to trust me.”
She searched his eyes for lies. But saw, or thought she saw, only genuine indignation and pain. Her heart was torn: believe her childhood friend or the man whod lately become her world? Julia had grown so distant and strange these last months Perhaps he was right?
“Well? Should I go or stay?”
“Stay,” she whispered, holding his hand.
Later, while Matthew showered, Alice picked up her phone. With trembling fingers, she typed: “I never want to see you again. From this moment, were strangers. What you did was base, yet I almost pity you.” She sent it, and blocked Julias number. Out of anxious curiosity, she checked Matthews phonethe call history was clean, only work chats and her own messages. No trace of Julia. Shame scorched her, mixed with relief: he was telling the truth.
Meanwhile, Matthew rejoiced in the shower, mentally patting himself on the back. He had anticipated the checkscrubbed all records, blocked Julia everywhere, and left his phone conveniently in sight. Seeing it displaced, he smiled inwardly. His scheme had worked.
At the ceremony, the groom seemed to sparkle with triumph. Alices smile was strained, hidden behind a veil of sadness. The wedding, without her maid of honournothing like she had dreamed. She clung to hope, right up to the last: surely Julia would walk in, beg for forgiveness, say it had all been a terrible mistake. Even two weeks after the visit, Alice thawed, removed the block, and tried again to reach out. On the eve of the wedding, her hand went to the phonebut the cold, vacant answering machine answered: unavailable.
Julia, meanwhile, sat on a cold bench outside Marylebone Town Hall. She watched the festive cars and cheerful guests; an urge thrummed inside to run forward, shout, put a stop to this madness. Could Alice really have believed him? Had he twisted things again to his advantage? Unable to take a step, she turned and walked into the park, leaving her silence and pain behind.
Six long years passed.
Alice raised her son, Leo, and threw herself into charitable work, donating regularly to childrens causes as her fortunes grew. Starting a small alterations shop, her keen taste and savvy business sense soon built three workrooms and two premium dry cleaners. She was financially independent, even as Matthews career soaredhe became her fathers right hand. George called him the perfect successor; and since his daughter wasnt keen to take the helm, the reins would remain in Matthews trusted hands. For a time…
One evening, her father arrivedunusually sombre.
“Dad, whats wrong? You look as if the worlds ended.”
“Wheres Matthew?”
“What do you mean? You were supposed to fly together to Leeds for those negotiations!”
“The deal fell through. And I have reason to think its down to your husbands interference.”
“What? Impossible! Hes obsessed with the companys reputationhe built those relationships himself!”
“Then where is he?”
She rang his mobileonly endless beeps. No answer.
“Sweetheart, its useless The contract wasnt merely lost, it was scooped up by competitorswho somehow had our private database and strategy. Security footage? Only he entered my office at the crucial time. And more: company accounts have been drained. Were talking hundreds of thousands of pounds.”
“Youre accusing him? Think! Hes your grandsons father!”
At that moment, Leo bounded in, flinging himself at his grandfather.
“Grandad, youre here! Wheres Dad? He said hed buy me my new model ship!”
“Dad soon. Lets go assemble that ship together.”
An hour later, Georges phone rang. His face turned ashen; he tightened his grip until his knuckles whitened. “Understood. Proceed as needed.” He hung up, then slumped, clutching his chest, breath ragged.
Chaos followed: ambulances, a rush to St. Thomass Hospital. Diagnosissevere heart attack. Thanks to skilled doctors and his wifes care, he recovered within days. Once he was discharged, Alice hurried to his office to see the deputy.
“Anthony, whats happening? Your call nearly killed my father!”
“The firm is on the brink. The contract was stolen, competitors got our secrets through what can only be inside work. It was done too cleanly to prove. And I hate to say it, but your husband faces criminal charges. Once George is able, his statement will seal it.”
“But why Matthew? This is madness!”
“Only he and your father had access. Andcompany funds vanished. I hope we can trace him before its dispersed, but it was done very professionally. We were robbed by the one we trusted most.”
The drive home felt like wandering in mist. She moved as if distant, disbelieving: he couldnt have done it. Hed cradled Leo, made plans for the future
Reaching her elegant Surrey housea gift from her fathershe spotted a stark white envelope protruding from the post box. Inside, not yet shedding her coat, she perched in an armchair and opened it. The handwriting was unmistakably Matthews; and with every line, icy emptiness grew within her.
“If youre reading this, Im lying on a sun-soaked beach beside the Atlantic, in a country where I have a new name and new life. Most importantly, total freedom and financial security, thanks to the funds I smartly siphoned from your fathers accounts and a generous fee from your former adversaries. Dont rush to label me a thiefI simply reclaimed what I believe I earned after years pretending to be your loving husband. You cant imagine how weary I was of playing perfect son-in-law! I did the maths: multiplied the company’s wealth, and took my fair share. Now Im free. You, your father, this grey, rainy countryits all behind me. I regret only the wasted years, but what lies ahead is worth it. Enclosed is my notice of divorce. Im sure your father will push that through. Goodbye. Dont bother looking for me.
The man who was once your husband.”
Hatred flaredrapid, consumingburning any lingering feeling to ashes. Where had her eyes been all these years? Yet hed been so convincing, flawlessly in character Seven years of happiness revealed as stage scenery hiding emptiness. She forced herself to focus on workand Leo, who clung to her in those early weeks, reopening the wound with every question.
“Mum, whens Dad coming back? Is his job very long?” His eyes, the image of Matthews, sought her face with innocent trust. Lord, let him inherit only looks, nothing more.
“Its a very long assignment, darling. We just have to be patient.” That word became her new mantra.
Months passed, life rebuilt slowly. Her father, persistent as ever, rose from the ashes, restoring the business with remarkable tenacity. The company survived, despite everything. He was tougher than anyone guessed.
Alice deepened her charitable work. At the foundation, as usual, she spoke with the administrator.
“Anna, Im afraid the statistics are grim. More children need urgent help. Yesterdays case was a boyNicholas. Ive prioritised him. The required sum isnt astronomical, yet the operation is urgent. Cancer. Time is short. His mother has nothing.”
“How much exactly?”
He handed her the folder. “Heres the breakdown. We have partial funds, ready as an advance. No time to lose.”
Looking through, her gaze fixed on a photo. Her heart thumped, paused, then raced. The boy looked unsettlingly like Leothe same face and eyes, only fairer and thinner. They could be twins, save ones sickness.
Then she saw the surname: “Nicholas Barker.” And “Mother: Julia Barker.” Blood drained from her cheeks.
“His mother Julia? Is she here? May I speak to her?”
“She works at the clinic as an orderly so she can stay nearby. Lives very modestly, on her own.”
Alice went straight to the private hospital nearby. She sat in the gleaming white corridor, leafing through brochures, when she met Julias steady gaze. Hot tears started unbidden. There she was: thin, drawn, but recognisably her old friend.
“Its you Julia.”
“Yes, Alice, its me. Life has dealt its blows.”
“Please, sit. We need to talk.”
Julia perched on the edge of a chair, cautious, wary lest their meeting evaporate.
“Tell me everything. From the beginning, please.”
“What to tell? After our talk, I went to my mother. When I found out I was expecting, she pressed me to keep the baby. My father died in my seventh month. Mum couldnt handle it, began drinking, and even Nicholas birth didnt stop the slide. Money evaporated. I called Matthew he laughed me off, hung up. I didnt go to court, nor return to youId already lost you by telling the truth. I saw you from afaryou seemed so happy. When home grew unbearable, my aunt took me in. We changed towns, worked two jobs to survive. I hoped for a break, met a man then came Nicholas diagnosis. My suitor disappeared fast. Who needs someone elses pain? The doctors sent us here. With my aunt we scraped together loans, but barely enough. I joined the clinic as an orderlygot a tiny room, still not enough. The specialist comes in a week. I pray for the foundations help.” Her voice faltered. “I know this is my price. For my deceit, my weakness. But why must my child pay it too?”
“Ive forgiven youlong ago. Now I regret only failing to believe you that night, believing him instead. You were righthe cared only for the job, only for his position.”
“You are you still together?”
“No.” Alice explained briefly about his betrayal. “How blind I was… seeing through the prism of my own illusions.”
“I loved him too. Right up until that night at his flat. Forgive me. I know Ive no right, but I saw him as my only light.”
“Ill come tomorrow. Same hour.” Alice pressed her hand, a gesture holding not just pity but something new.
Next day, she returned. Not empty-handed. In days that followed, again.
Six months later, two women strolled a park blazing with autumn gold. Nearby, two boys playedrobust Leo, and Nicholas, now pink-cheeked and lively. Their laughter lit the air.
“Thank you, Alice. The donations paid for everythingsurgery, rehab. The doctors say the worst is over. Now we look ahead.”
“Dont thank me. Helping children is the most important thing. Where do you live?”
“Renting a little flat near the clinic; still working there.”
“Work for me, then. Im opening a new shopneed a trustworthy manager.”
Julia nodded, tears now of gratitude and hope shining in her eyes for the first time in years. They embraced, erasing years of pain.
“Mum, if Nicholas is my brother, what are you two?” Leo wondered, running up between them.
“Were friends. The truest sort. Almost sisters,” Alice smiled, stroking his hair.
Their friendship, once shattered, mended stronger than beforelike fine porcelain, veins of gold marking the cracks, adding value and beauty. Supporting one another, each found true happinessnot naive and overwhelming, but quiet and deep, earned through trials.
As for the man who had broken them, justice caught up three years later. He risked returning when his own sister fell ill. False documents couldnt save him. The trial was swift and harsh: prison, massive restitution. Monthly, he sent paltry sums from prison wages, gnawing his knuckles in regretonly for his rash return, never for their pain. Not one drop of remorse in him. Life had dealt him a bad hand, nothing more.
But the womenburned and frozen by betrayalmoved forward, hand in hand with their sons. They learned to tell true happiness from its glittering false reflection, and their hearts grew deeper and wiser. There was beauty in thata bittersweet, enduring beauty. For their story had never been about broken mirrors, but the mosaic made from the shardsa picture of hard-earned friendship and quiet happiness, now untouchable.
