The Hidden Truth

r entire face glow. She clasped her hands together in excitement, bouncing lightly on the couch as though she could no longer sit still. The wo

e her, elegant and intimidating. A crystal chandelier hung proudly in the center, catching the light and

o extravagant..

k home. That realization always struck her whenever she visited, and it never failed to leave her sli

tless times before. She couldn't help but appreciate the sheer loveliness of the wedding photograph.

ter again, the music, the chatter of guests. Vanessa had been radiant-overflowing with excitement. She had married

loria

nt. Unlike her, Vanessa was endowed with riches, influence, and opportunities Gloria could only dream of. She was well educated and had rise

sense, if only she had been able to give birth to a

osite, filled with struggle rather than privilege, sh

east, she ho

pron approaching. Gloria's eyes immediately fell on the tray the maid ca

e'll join you shortly," the maid said with a polite smi

ia replied warmly, returning the smi

d quench her thirst at that moment. As soon as the maid turned to leave, Gloria gulped the juice down quickly, emptying the glass in a few eager s

th with the back of her palm, then discr

"Gl

en slightly. She looked up just in time to see h

so good t

halfway, pulling each other into a warm embrace, ex

onded, smiling brightly be

as she settled beside he

grin widening deliberately. Her teeth shone as she smil

Vanessa asked, amused. "

u notice anyth

rent?" Vane

ike something u

to toe, her brows knitting together before she finally shook her

ht, just tr

ou know I hate guessing.

le, unable to hold it in any longer

squeals-but it never came. Instead, Vanessa froze.

pregnant too?" Van

r smile faltering. "What's wro

a only shoo

slowly. "Don't tell me.

d instantly. The joy drained from her face, replaced by burning anger and a sharp sting of betrayal. They had always

ll this way to share her joyful news, only to discover that her

ought we were best friends... that we could trust and rely on each oth

d with apology. She gently took hold of Gl

anning to tell you. Yours just came first. You know you're my best

e reasons their friendship had survived since childhood, weathering storms that would have broken others apart.

re both happy about the news. And I pray to the Almighty that th

was, in fact, one of the most painful struggles she had faced in her marriage over the past few years. Twice before, she had conceived, car

. Thank yo

ce lingered, an elderly woman appeared before them, her presence abrupt and imposing. She stood with a look of disdain etched across

at the same time, and their moment

a called, unease flick

Anita," Gloria said quickl

had arrived. The old woman had never liked her-not from the very beg

a had been left shattered and alone. At school, people distanced themselves from her, whi

yone-exce

eded a friend more than anything else. So she stayed. Even when Madam Anita disapproved of their f

school tuition. Even then, she would sneak into Vanessa's bedroom just to sit with her, to play, to listen, to

l she really was. A silent thank-you for standing by her during her darkest days, even when their meetings had to remain

ered her presence, she never missed

arable. But Vanessa would plead with her, asking for patience, promising that everything wo

Gloria kne

the old woman st

ndifferently and walked out of the

. I'll be right back,"

tood staring into empty space. Vanessa appeared behind her, already knowing how this conversation w

traightened her shoulders, a

chest tighten. It was the same cold and impatient look that always made he

She took a step closer, careful with her tone. "B

's lips pressed

end... my best friend. She's the only one who stayed when I needed s

yed? Haven't you repaid her enough? You gave her more t

owing a bit louder. "You can't measure kindness, especially not the kind that comes when you're broken and alone.

don't listen to me like you used to. You are even raising you

er voice. "I'm sorry if I sounded rude. But Gloria isn't what you think. She's different." S

rong with you, Vanessa?" She took a step closer. "How do you expect to

her throat tighten, her eyes dropping

e movement. "Don't tell me," she sa

ulders sagged. "I'

n't bring hers

t against her forehead. "Oh my goodness! What were you thinking? Why w

uld've found out sooner or later. And I don't see why I should hide it from her." Her voice

k. Didn't it ever occur to you that she might be using black magic?" She leaned closer. "She c

immediately. "That's not true. You're just overthinking t

o seconds before gathe

er now. "But I can't do what you're asking of me

step back and walked out