Chapter 279 A Friend's Burden

Chapter 279 A Friend's Burden

YELENA

Pregnant? My best friend might be pregnant.

The word hung in the air, sweet and heavy. Vivianne leaned back on the couch, her expression softening into a rare, knowing smile. "That's what I meant. Your head is finally catching up, but we won't know for sure until you actually take the test."

"Oh, moon! I really hope it's true," Nyra said, her hands pressed against her stomach as if she were already cradling a secret.

I smiled, feeling a surge of genuine joy for her. "It would be such good news. We could use some more happiness around here."

Nyra finished off the last of the pancakes, her movements hurried, and stood up. "There's nowhere I can get a test kit around here, I’ll just have to do it when I get home."

Vivianne and I both nodded, our excitement lingering.

Then, a sharp, ringing sound cut through the room. It was Vivianne’s phone. She pulled it from her bag, glanced at the screen, and her face darkened. She didn't hesitate; she reached out and swiped it away, cutting the call without a second thought.

Nyra and I both leaned forward, our eyes locked on her. She felt our gaze and looked up, defensive. "What?"

Nyra stood up and moved to sit beside her, her voice gentle. "Why aren't you picking up his call? We all knew who it was."

Vivianne shrugged, staring at the wall. "He's no one. I don't have to pick up the phone just because he's calling, especially when I’m here with my friends."

"He's your husband, Vivianne," I added softly.

Nyra nodded toward me, giving me a supportive look. "Exactly. Thank you. I was trying to find the right words."

"You're welcome," I said.

Vivianne sighed, looking between us. "You both are acting like this is some massive tragedy. It’s just a contract marriage. It’s a business arrangement, nothing more. There's no reason to act like we’re a real couple."

Nyra shook her head, her expression earnest. "It might be a contract, but you're still living under the same roof. You’re together. You should at least act the part while you’re in it. It wouldn't kill you."

"Exactly," I said, backing Nyra up. "We're your friends. We want to see you happy, or at least at peace with your own life. You don't have to pretend you hate him just because you’re sitting with us."

Vivianne let out a long, frustrated breath. "You two are making a mountain out of a molehill."

I decided to shift the focus, though I was dead serious about what I was going to say. I raised my hand, clearing my throat. "I have an announcement to make."

They both turned their full attention to me.

"I'm listening," Vivianne said, crossing her arms.

"All of my bridesmaids are required to bring their man to the wedding," I said, keeping my face completely blank. "If you don't want to bring your husband, that’s fine, but you’ll have to find someone else to bring. You can borrow a man if you have to."

Nyra relaxed immediately, knowing she was exempt, but Vivianne’s eyes went wide. She looked like I’d just insulted her heritage.

"What? Is that some kind of rule? Since when?" she demanded.

I shrugged, trying to hide my smirk. "It's my wedding, isn't it?"

She frowned, looking truly agitated. "You have to be kidding me, Lena. I don't want to be seen with him! Why would you force me into that?"

"Well," I said, leaning back and watching her squirm, "you’d do anything for your beloved friend, wouldn't you? It's just one day."

She huffed, standing up abruptly and grabbing her bag. "You two are impossible. Stay here, I'm going to see the baby." She turned on her heel and marched toward the stairs, heading up to Tyla’s room to escape our prying questions.

As soon as she was out of earshot, the playfulness drained out of the room. Nyra leaned in, her voice dropping to a low, worried whisper. "Do you think that'll actually work?"

I sighed, looking toward the stairs. "I don't know because she’s so stubborn."

Nyra shook her head slowly. "It’s not just stubbornness, Lena. I feel like she’s hiding something big from us... from everyone. It’s like she’s using her anger at her husband to cover up whatever is actually eating at her."

My heart gave a tight, uncomfortable squeeze.

The way Vivianne reacted to the mention of her marriage... it didn't feel like a contract. It felt like a war. "Are you sure?" I asked, needing to be certain.

Nyra nodded, her eyes searching mine. "Deep down, I know she’s keeping a secret. She’s using us as a distraction, keeping us busy with wedding talk so we don't look too closely at her."

I looked at the empty space where she had been standing. "Can we help her?"

"Only if she lets us," Nyra said quietly. "Only if she decides it’s safe to open up."

I sat in the silence, listening to the muffled sounds of the house.

Our friend, a brilliant doctor and director, was hiding something.

And as I stared at the stairs, I couldn't help but wonder if that secret was the reason she looked so tired behind her eyes.

In this city, among wolves and secrets, things rarely stayed buried forever. I just hoped that when hers came out, it wouldn't break her.