I didnt invite you, her friend whispered when she saw her at the birthday party. The words were quiet, but Charlotte heard every syllable. She stood in the doorway, a bouquet of white roses in her hands, wearing a new blue dress shed bought especially for the occasion. Behind Olivia, laughter and clinking glasses filled the airthe party was in full swing.
I know, Charlotte replied, holding out the flowers. But does it matter? Weve been best friends for twenty years.
Olivia didnt take them. Instead, she edged the door closed behind her, as if shielding the celebration inside from the uninvited guest.
*Were* best friends, she corrected. Fine. Come in, since youre here.
The moment Charlotte stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations faltered, heads turned. Familiar facespeople shed spent weekends with, celebrated New Years, shared joys and sorrowsnow stared at her with awkward curiosity.
Charlotte! Sophie was the first to break the silence. This is a surprise. We didnt think youd come.
Why wouldnt I? Charlotte forced a smile. Liv, happy birthday. Wishing you health, happiness, and all your dreams coming true.
Thanks, Olivia replied flatly.
Emily, perched on the sofa with a wineglass, stood and approached.
Wheres James? she asked, a hint of mockery in her voice. Couldnt make it?
Charlottes cheeks burned. Of course they all knew. In their circle, secrets never stayed secret for long.
Hes at home, she murmured.
Whose home? Emily pressed. Yours or his wifes?
Em, enough, Olivia cut in.
Why? Emily retorted. We all know the truthwhy pretend? Charlotte, you *do* realise why Liv didnt invite you, dont you?
Charlotte set the roses on the nearest table. The white blooms looked out of place among the party snacks and champagne flutes.
I know, she said. But I came anyway. Because I still consider Liv my friend, no matter what.
Friends dont do what you did, Sophie interjected. Friends dont sleep with married men.
Especially not their best friends husband, Emily added.
The silence was thick, suffocating. Charlotte searched Olivias face for even a flicker of understanding but found only hurt and disappointment.
Maybe I should go, Charlotte said.
No, Olivia said abruptly. Stay. Youre here nowmight as well sit. Just dont expect small talk.
Charlotte sank into an armchair in the corner. Gradually, the chatter resumed, but she felt like an outsider. No one included her; glances and whispers followed her instead.
Remember, Olivia said suddenly to Sophie, how Charlotte and I met? First year at uni. She was sitting alone in the canteen, eating some rubbish from the vending machine, and I had my mums homemade scones. I sat with her, shared them. We talked for hours.
I remember, Sophie nodded. You said youd found a true friend.
Yeah, Olivia said with a bitter smile. Naïve, wasnt I?
Charlotte clenched her fists. Every word cut deep. She wanted to explain, to defend herselfbut who would listen?
I remember, Emily chimed in, how Charlotte helped Liv with her dissertation. Stayed up all night proofreading. Liv aced it.
And she was maid of honour at Livs wedding, Sophie added. So stunning in that lavender dress. People said she outshone the bride.
Probably eyeing James even then, Emily muttered.
*Stop it!* Charlotte burst out. I made a mistake, I hurt peoplefine. But dont act like Ive been scheming for years!
She stood, pacing.
Yes, Im with James. Yes, hes married to Liv. But I didnt seduce him, I didnt *hunt* him. It just… happened.
Nothing *just happens*, Olivia said quietly. Especially affairs. Its always a choice.
I know. And I made mine, Charlotte admitted. Because I love him. More than Ive ever loved anyone.
Did you think about *me*? Olivia asked. Your best friend? About how Id feel, knowing my husband was with *you*?
Charlotte slumped back into the chair. Tears pricked her eyes, but she held them back.
Every day. It *kills* me. But I cant help how I feel.
You could, Emily snapped. You just dont *want* to.
You dont understand, Charlotte shook her head. James is unhappy in his marriage. He told me long before anything started.
Every married man tells his mistress that, Emily scoffed. Standard excuse.
But with us, its *true*! Charlotte insisted. Liv, you *know* your marriage isnt working. Youre like flatmates, not husband and wife.
Olivia paled.
How would *you* know how we live?
James told me.
He *discussed* our private life with you? Olivias voice trembled. Shared *intimate* details with his mistress?
Charlotte realised her mistake too late.
He didnt want to hurt you with a messy divorce, she said weakly. So we kept it quiet.
How noble, Sophie sneered. Romeo and Juliet over here.
Dont mock me, Charlotte pleaded. I never meant for this. We just… ran into each other at the library. He was working on his thesis, I was writing an article. We talked, went for coffee, met again…
Wait, Olivia interrupted. What thesis? James *finished* his PhD five years ago. In law, not economics.
Charlotte froze. The room spun.
II mustve mixed it up…
Mixed *what* up? Olivia pressed. Charlotte, what exactly did he tell you?
He said he was working on his thesis, Charlotte whispered. In economics.
Emily and Sophie exchanged glances. Olivia set her glass down slowly.
James got his doctorate *years* ago. Hes been lying to you.
Charlottes stomach dropped. If hed lied about *that*what else?
Maybe I misunderstood…
You didnt, Olivia said coldly. My husbands a bigger liar than I thought. Cheating *and* deceiving his mistress.
Dont call me that.
What should I call you? *Friend*? Olivia laughed bitterly. After everything?
Liv, I know I messed up. But does twenty years of friendship mean *nothing*? Cant you forgive me?
Some things cant be forgiven, Olivia said softly. Betrayal kills trust. Forever.
Charlotte stood. There was no point staying.
Goodbye, then, she said. I hope youre happy, Liv. Truly.
You too, Olivia replied. Just not with my husband.
As Charlotte slipped on her coat in the hallway, Sophie followed.
Wait, she said quietly. Charlotte… are you *sure* James loves you?
Of course. Why?
Sophie hesitated.
Hes cheated before. Other women. Always the same storyunhappy marriage, misunderstood husband.
Charlottes breath caught.
Youre lying.
Im not. Liv never talked about it. Pride, maybe. Or hope hed change.
Then why stay married?
Would *you* walk away? Sophie asked. Eighteen years together? The house, the routines, the fear of being alone at forty?
Charlottes mind raced. All those nights with James, his promises, his *I love yous*had any of it been real?
Maybe Im wrong, Sophie added. Maybe this times different. But ask yourselfis a man who betrays his wife *really* worth losing your best friend?
The night air was cool as Charlotte walked home, her thoughts a whirlwind.
James was waiting on the sofa, beer in hand, eyes glued to the telly. He grinned when she walked in.
Good party?
James, she said, sitting across from him. We need to talk.
About what? He didnt look away from the screen.
Us. Your marriage.
Now he turned.
Whats wrong? You look upset.
Tell me the trutham I the first woman youve cheated with?
His pause told her everything.
Why ask?
Just *answer*.
He sighed, setting the beer down.
No. But *youre* different, Charlotte. This is real.
And the others?
Just flings. *You* matter.
She pulled away when he reached for her hand.
Enough lies. Are you going to leave her
