The Secret Baby

Episode 1

Emily's POV

Four Months Earlier

I sat at my art studio, surrounded by the tools of my trade, diligently working on a painting of the Eiffel Tower for a client. The rhythmic sound of my pencil scratching the canvas filled the otherwise quiet room. As I stepped back to take a closer look at my work, I couldn't help but wonder if my client would be pleased with the final result.

"I hope this is good enough," I murmured to myself, taking a sip of my coffee.

Just as I was about to resume my work, my phone buzzed. Rachel, my best friend, was calling.

"Hey, Em, what are you doing?" Rachel asked in her usual bubbly tone.

"I'm just finishing up a painting for a client," I replied, putting down my coffee.

"I have some exciting news!" Rachel exclaimed.

"What is it?" I asked, intrigued.

"I'm getting married!" Rachel said, her voice practically vibrating with excitement.

"That's fantastic, Rachel!" I said, smiling. "When's the big day?"

"In two months!" Rachel replied. "And I want you to be my maid of honor."

I was thrilled and honored, but also a little nervous. I had never been a maid of honor before, and I knew it would be a lot of work.

"I would love to, Rachel," I said, "but are you sure you want me to do it?"

"Of course, Em," Rachel said. "You're my best friend. I can't imagine getting married without you by my side."

I couldn't say no to Rachel. I knew I had to step up and be the best maid of honor I could be.

Over the next two months, I threw myself into wedding planning. Rachel was getting married at a luxurious estate outside of the city, and she wanted everything to be perfect. I spent countless hours helping her choose the flowers, the music, and the decor.

But despite our efforts, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. A subtle undercurrent of tension and danger seemed to linger around the wedding preparations. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I knew it was there.

As the wedding day approached, my anxiety grew stronger. Despite my efforts to remain calm and focused, I couldn't shake the sense that something bad was going to happen. Nonetheless, I put on a brave face and tried to be the best maid of honor possible for my best friend.

Little did I know that my world was about to be turned upside down.

......

........

Saturday 1st, 2023–The D-Day for Rachel's Wedding.

As Rachel and I stood at the front of the elegantly decorated wedding hall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The chairs were arranged beautifully, the vibrant flowers dotted the room, and the rose petals created an enchanting pathway down the aisle. Rachel looked stunning in her wedding gown but also seemed anxious.

"I don't know if I'm ready, Em," Rachel said, her voice trembling.

I put my arm around her and gave her a reassuring hug. "You'll be fine, Rach. You and Mark are meant to be together."

"I know, but what if something goes wrong?" Rachel said, wringing her hands.

I chuckled. "What could possibly go wrong? You've planned this wedding for months, and everything is perfect."

As we took a moment to admire the decorations, I heard a commotion coming from outside the hall.

"What's going on?" I said, turning to Rachel.

"I have no idea," Rachel said, looking concerned.

We both rushed to the door and peered outside. To our surprise, we saw Mark standing there, looking disheveled and panicked.

"What's wrong, Mark?" Rachel said, rushing to his side.

"I...I can't find the ring," Mark said, his voice trembling.

Rachel looked horrified. "What do you mean, you can't find the ring?"

My heart sank. This was Rachel's wedding day, and losing the ring was the last thing she needed. But I couldn't just stand there. "Don't worry, guys. We'll find the ring."

I quickly gathered a group of friends and family, and we scoured the entire hall. We checked under chairs, tables, and even in the flower arrangements. But the ring was nowhere to be found.

Just as we were about to give up hope, I noticed something glittering near the window. I walked over and picked it up, relieved to see that it was the ring.

"I found it!" I yelled, holding up the ring triumphantly.

Rachel and Mark rushed over, and Rachel hugged me tightly. "Thank you so much, Em. I don't know what we would have done without you."

As we made our way back into the hall, I couldn't help but feel relieved that everything had turned out okay. And as Rachel walked down the aisle, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me. She had met Mark just two months ago, but as I looked at her beaming face, I knew that this was the real deal.

"Do you, Mrs. Rachel Bartmounth, take Mark Hiso to be your husband?" the pastor asked.

"I do," Rachel said, her voice shaking with emotion.

I smiled, feeling proud to be her maid of honor. As Mark took his turn, I couldn't help but hold my breath.

"Do you, Mr. Mark Hiso, take Rachel Bartmounth to be your wife?"

Mark hesitated for a moment, his eyes fixed on Rachel's. And then he spoke.

"I do," he said, his voice clear and strong.

The crowd erupted into applause as Rachel and Mark exchanged rings and shared their first kiss as a married couple. It was a beautiful moment, one that I would always remember.

The reception hall was beautifully decorated, with flowers, lights, and a stunning cake that took my breath away. Rachel and Mark were finally married, and the newlyweds looked at each other with so much love and affection that it was contagious.

"How does it feel to be a married woman?" I teased Rachel, admiring her radiant smile.

"It feels amazing. I can't believe it's finally happened," she gushed.

As the maid of honor, I had one more duty to perform: giving a toast to the newlyweds. I raised my glass, ready to clink it with Rachel's when a sudden wave of nausea hit me. Before I could even react, I vomited all over Rachel's beautiful white dress.

"Oh my god, I am so sorry," I gasped, feeling mortified.

Everyone around us was in shock, and Rachel's face was a mixture of horror and disbelief. She stormed off, leaving me standing there covered in vomit and feeling like the worst maid of honor ever.

As I tried to salvage the situation, the best man stepped up to the mic. "Well, that was quite the toast," he joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Despite my efforts to make it up to her, Rachel was inconsolable. I cleaned her dress as best I could, but the stain remained a constant reminder of my embarrassing mistake. I had ruined her special day, and I felt like the worst friend in the world.

Driving home that night, I felt ashamed and embarrassed. I had let my best friend down on her wedding day, and I didn't know if I could ever forgive myself.