**Diary Entry 15th April**
Valentina slid the photograph across the table, her voice barely above a whisper. Hes not your husband.
Marina flinched, nearly spilling her coffee. They sat in that tiny café near Covent Garden, the same one where theyd all met years agoher, Val, and Edward. Back then, everything was simple: childhood friends, the same social circle, no secrets.
What are you on about, Val? What baby? Marina kept her tone steady, but her hands betrayed her.
Mine. Edwards. Valentina tapped the photo. Three weeks old. Want to know why I stayed quiet all this time?
Marina didnt want to look, but her fingers moved on their own. A newborns face, all wrinkled and tiny, with a tuft of dark hair. Nothing extraordinary. Yet something in those features made her chest tighten.
I dont understand what youre implying
That your precious Edward strung me along for six months. Swore hed leave you, said I was the only one he loved. Then vanished when he found out I was pregnant. Vals voice was low, venom lacing every word. Stopped answering calls, changed his number. And you had no idea, did you?
Marina set the photo down like it burned. Her throat dried up, words crumbling before they formed.
Youre lying. Edward wouldnt Weve been trying for a baby. Ive had tests, appointments
Trying? Val scoffed. Did he tell you *we* werent planning anything? Said it was a mistake, that he never loved anyone but you. But when it came to responsibility, your perfect husband chose to pretend it never happened.
Marina stood so fast her chair toppled. Patrons glanced over, but she didnt care. She needed air, escapeanywhere but here.
Val called after her, Were not done.
I am. Sort your mess with the father yourself. Edwards my husband. I trust him.
Do you? Val stood, relentless. Then ask him where he was last Mothers Day. Thats when it started. Or why my numbers saved under Dave from the garage?
Marina froze at the door. Mothers Day. Edward had claimed a work emergency, came home late with flowers, apologised till dawn. Shed believed himnever questioned it.
You *stalked* us?
I loved him, Marina. Just like you do. Maybe morebecause he was forbidden. Someone elses husband, my best friends Youve no idea how thrilling that is. How reckless he becomes when hes risking everything.
Marina walked out. Val didnt followwise, because another second and she mightve hit her. Or worse: believed her. If this was true, then years of friendship, secrets, trustall of it was theatre.
At home, Edward was typing at the kitchen table. He smiled when she entered, kissing her cheek. Whereve you been?
With Val. She watched his face.
He didnt flinch. Havent seen her in ages. Still at that beauty salon?
She had a baby. A boy. Marina placed the photo beside his laptop.
Edward stilled. His fingers hovered over the keys, eyes locked on the image. The silence stretchedtoo long for innocence.
And? he finally said, voice thinner than usual.
She says youre the father.
He shut the laptop, leaned back, scrubbed his face. Marina, I can explain
So its true? Her legs gave way; she sank onto a chair. You slept with my best friend?
It wasnt like that. Not how shes making it sound.
Then *how*, Edward? Enlighten me.
He paced to the window, back turned. Wed had that row, remember? You left for your mums. I was angry, hurt. Val came oversaid she wanted to mediate. Brought wine, kept talking
And you *comforted* her in *our* bed?
No! He whirled around. Never our bed. It was at hers. One time, drunk, both of us. We agreed to forget it.
*One* time? Marina eyed the photo. Then again and again for half a year?
Edward hung his head. The silence said more than words ever could.
I tried ending it. Swear I did. But she knew how to reel me back. Threatened to tell you, swore she loved me. Then she got pregnant.
And you ran.
I panicked. Dont you see? I love *you*, our life, our plans. I just wanted it to disappear.
Marina studied the babys face. Slowly, she saw itthe nose, the eyes, even the expression.
He looks like you, she whispered.
Marina, forgive me. Im a fool, a bastard, call me whateverbut I love only you. It was a moment of weakness.
Six months of *moments*?
Ill make it right. Pay child support, be involvedwhatever it takes. Just dont leave. We wanted kids, a future
She stood, stepping close, searching his eyesguilt, fear, pleading.
The worst part? she said. Not the affair. Not even the baby. Its that I believed you. Every excuse, every lie. You looked me in the eye and lied *daily*.
I never meant to hurt you
You meant to avoid consequences. Theres a difference.
She grabbed her bag.
Where are you going?
To Mums. I need to think.
For how long?
Dunno. Maybe forever.
He caught her arm. Dont throw us away over one mistake!
*One* mistake? She wrenched free. You have a *son*, Edward. A living child wholl grow up without a dad because *Daddy* calls him a *mistake*.
Ill change, I swear! Ill
And if you dont? If theres another Val? How many *mistakes* will you make?
She left without waiting for an answer.
At her mums, she cried till dawn.
Men are weak, love, her mum sighed. But if hes truly sorry maybe give him a chance?
Mum, he has a *child* with my *best friend*! How do I live with that?
How will you live *without* him? You still love him.
She did. Against all logic, her heart ached for him, for their shattered dreams.
Vals no saint either, her mum muttered. Stabbed you in the back and flaunts it.
Shes right about one thinghe owes that child.
He does. But *you* must decide if youll share him with his past.
By morning, Marina returned home. Edward hadnt slept, the photo still before him.
Whats his name? she asked.
Daniel. He looked up, hollow-eyed. I stared at him all night. He *does* look like me.
No doubts, then.
None. I rang Val. Meeting her today to see him, sort things out.
Marina sat beside him, took his hand.
Edward, I dont know if well ever be the same. Trust isnt rebuilt overnight.
I know. Ill wait.
And I dont know if I can accept your son. Every time I see him, Ill remember.
Hes innocent in all this, Marina.
I know. But knowing doesnt help.
He kissed her palm. What now?
We try. Differently than we planned, but we try. Youve obligations nowIll respect that. But I demand honesty. One more lie, one secret, and Im gone.
They sat in silence, hands clasped, dawn light creeping in. A new day, uncertain and raw.
One thing was certain: shed never be the trusting woman she was yesterday. And perhaps that wasnt entirely a bad thing.
