The taxi pulled up near the entrance of the club, its neon lights glowing and shimmering in the dark. Emily stepped out, thanking the driver before shutting the door. She wore skinny jeans and a strappy crop top that flattered her figure. High heels werent her styleshe preferred trainers, and tonight was no exception, even though her best friend, Lucy, had begged her to wear sandals and a dress.
Inside, the music pulsed loudly, though barely a sound had escaped the thick walls outside.
“Hey, you made it!” Lucy squealed, rushing over and wrapping Emily in a hug. “Ready for birthday wishes and presents?” she chirped, grinning and swaying to the beat.
Lucy thrived in the spotlight, loving crowded, lively placesunlike Emily, who felt out of place in the dim, flashing lights and faceless crowd. Shed have much preferred a quiet evening at a cosy café or a movie night at home, but friendship sometimes meant showing up where youd rather not be.
“Come on, Ill introduce you to some great lads!” Lucy grabbed Emilys hand and tugged her toward the bar, where two tall blokes were laughing over drinks. The taller one, a brunet, turned and flashed a warm smile.
“Hey there. Im James. This is my brother, Oliver.”
Emilys pulse quickened. His dark eyes seemed to see right through her, and for a moment, the noisy club faded away.
“Pleasure to meet you. Youre like a ray of sunshine in this dark place,” James said with a grin.
Emily laughed. “Flattery will get you everywhere!”
“Oh, I dont doubt it. Just waitJames will have you head over heels in no time,” Oliver joked, finishing his cocktail.
The evening flew bymusic, laughter, dancing, clinking glasses. James turned out to be the perfect gentleman, walking Emily all the way to her flat. They chatted effortlessly, as if theyd known each other for years.
“Its late. Thanks for a lovely night,” Emily said, an awkward silence lingering between them.
“Really enjoyed meeting you. Youre amazingtruly. Can I call you tomorrow?” James asked, a hint of shyness in his voice.
“Ill be waiting!” Emily kissed his cheek and slipped inside, careful not to wake her parents. She lay in bed, replaying his smile in her mind, sleep eluding her.
The next morning, she caught herself grinning without reason, her chest light, her stomach fluttering.
“Im in love,” she whispered, laughing at herself.
The weekend passed in a blur of chores before meeting Lucy at their favourite café.
“I saw how he looked at you! Wedding bells soon, eh?” Lucy winked.
“Think Ive fallen properly for the first time,” Emily admitted, lowering her gaze.
“Think? Youre smitten, you daft mare!” Lucy cackled.
Lucy breezed through flings, while Emily had always been more reserved.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdayno call came. Emily checked her phone relentlessly, her mind spinning with excuses. Had he forgotten? Changed his mind? Met someone else?
After her last lecture, she dashed outsideand froze. James stood there, holding a huge bouquet. Relief, anger, and joy tangled inside her.
“Sorry! Everything went mentalmy mates car broke down in the middle of nowhere. No signal, dead phones”
Emily laughed. “And here I was, imagining every worst-case scenario!”
“Let me make it up to youdinner tonight?”
He drove her home, promising to pick her up later.
The restaurant was perfectsoft music, exquisite food. Emilys head spun with happiness.
Two months passed in bliss. James adored her laugh, her quiet moments. They went to cinemas, walked empty streets at night. She stayed over more often, waking in his arms.
Then:
“Hey, Em! Need your helpIm proposing to Lucy!” Olivers voice crackled through the phone. “Help me pick a ring?”
“Of course! Well done!”
They chose a delicate piece with tiny gems and a heart-shaped diamond, then a bouquet of red roses and a teddy bear clutching a “Love” heart.
“Just look her in the eyes and ask,” Emily encouraged, hugging him.
But James never showed up that evening. Late that night, a text came:
“Goodbye. Dont call. Dont look for me.”
Emily called, textednothing. Lucy knew nothing. Oliver was away. The unknown choked her.
Days passed in a haze. Nausea gripped hershe was four weeks pregnant.
Thenhospital lights. Lucy at her bedside.
A knock. James entered, pink roses in hand, Oliver behind him, bruised.
“Im an idiot. I saw you kiss him and lost it,” James blurted.
“Weve sorted it,” Oliver muttered.
“No more stress, love. Ill be herefor you, for our baby,” James whispered.
Love isnt always smooth sailing. Trust is everything. Jealousy blinds. Hold tight to the ones you love.
