Youre ugly. I never loved you!
Since childhood, Mary and Alice were inseparable friends. They quarrelled, made up, and confided in one another about secrets, worries, and problems with their parents. Their friendship was genuine, surviving every storm.
In their early years, there was little rivalry between them. But as they entered their teens, signs of competition appeared. Mary was strikingly beautiful: slim, sophisticated, with maternal permission to wear make-up and fashionable dresses.
Alice, meanwhile, wore her hair cropped close, as her mum decided limp, mousey hair suited no other style. Constant skin troubles plagued her. Her strict father firmly forbade make-up, and thought the idea of visiting a beautician was pure nonsense.
Mary, well-versed in self-care, tried to help her friend. Sometimes, a few pointers could turn a wallflower into a swan. Mary styled Alices short hair so it looked chic, and shared a proper skin routine, making her complexion clearer.
It turned out, even the simplest dress could look fabulous if worn right. For special occasions, Mary lent Alice her best outfits, which suited Alice beautifully.
They finished school together and both went on to university. Alices parents loosened their grip. She started wearing make-up and choosing her own clothes. Her dull hair transformed with a splash of colour. Now, both girls attracted male attention.
Yet Alice couldnt quite shed the label of the plain friend. Mary remained the showstopper, always surrounded by admirers. Young men vied for her attention, hoping to take her to the cinema or out for coffee.
Alice hid her jealousy, but envied Mary deeply. How she longed to dismiss suitors with a toss of her hair and choose among three boys whod buy her ice cream and cappuccino! Alas, all these pleasures fell to beautiful Mary. Alice was always second best.
Despite her envy, Alice cherished the friendship. Mary sensed nothing of her friends feelings, and Alice fought to suppress them herself.
Then they met two young men: tall and thoughtful Jack was immediately attracted to Mary, while the cheerful, witty Peter took a shine to Alice. Both were in their final year of law schoolcharming, intelligent lads.
Mary and Jack clicked instantly, their fondness growing by the day. They longed for each others company, blossoming together. Peter, in turn, began courting Alice. But Alice had secretly given her heart to Jack from the first meeting.
It pained her to see Jacks adoring gazes at Mary. When their group went to the cinema or for coffee, Alice carefully selected her clothes, did her hair, and applied make-up. Naïve Mary thought all this was for Peter, even helping Alice curl her hair.
I dont think you need these curls, Peters already smitten, Mary joked, cheerfully winding Alices now-longer hair around the curlers.
Alice smiled distractedly. If only Mary knew the truth! The short skirts, the flattering make-upit was all for Jack. Alice looked lovely. But even with her best efforts, she couldnt match effortlessly beautiful Mary, who could pull her hair into a ponytail, add a slick of gloss, and shine, all the same. Alice grudgingly admitted defeat.
Every word Jack offered Alice felt loaded with hope. When Jack asked about a new app on her phone, she imagined it was his way of starting a conversation. When he glanced her way, she convinced herself he was hiding secret feelings. Deep down, Alice knew she was only fooling herself. Jack saw only Mary.
Nothing romantic developed between Alice and Peter. He soon realised she wasnt interested and moved on to another girl.
Its a shame you and Peter didnt work out. Youd have made a lovely couple, Mary sighed as they sipped lattes in their favourite café.
Oh, I knew from the start those boys were no good, neither Peter nor Jack, Alice shrugged. Fine for some fun, but not for falling in love.
Thats not true at all! Jacks different. I can see how much he cares for me, Mary countered, uneasy at Alices words, entirely confident in her beloved.
Alice shrugged. Secretly, she wished some mystical force would split Jack and Mary apart. She dreamed Jack might love her instead. But if that was too much, the least she hoped was that hed leave Mary behind, fall for another girlanything to wipe Marys blissful smile from her mind.
Like all couples, Jack and Mary sometimes argued. In these moments, Alice silently wished theyd never reconcile, but their love only grew stronger after each squabble.
Jack always found inventive ways to please Mary: huge bouquets of exquisite roses, or a chauffeur-driven car waiting after lectures for a tour through town. He treated her like a princess.
Hes just trying to make you let down your guard. Men like him only want to use and betray us in the end! Alice grumbled theatrically, pretending concern for Mary.
In truth, Alices own torment was the reasonnot Jacks conduct. She was sure her feelings were deeper than Marys, whod always been showered in male attention. Mary had her pick of many men; Jack was just another name in a long line.
How can you say such things? Jack tries so hard. He just wants me to forgive him, Mary chided.
How can you be so blind? Its painful to see how he toys with you! Hell throw you aside like all the others, Alice pressed, her words heated.
Whatever gives you that idea? Mary was baffled, unable to imagine Alices real motives.
Remember Jacks plans to move to another city? Arent you worried hell just abandon you? Alice reminded her.
I remember. There arent many good jobs in our town for law graduates. Well see each other, though! And once Ive finished my degree, Ill join him, Mary shared her plans brightly.
Alice shrugged, trying to plant doubts. Sometimes it workedMary would interrogate Jack, act petulant, and theyd argue. Yet each time, Jack only grew more attentive.
Soon, Jack really did move away for workoffered a respectable job in London. He longed to marry Mary and build a future, but opportunities in their small Midlands town were scarce.
How will I cope without you? London is so far. The trains take forever, and flights arent cheap, Mary wept as she hugged him goodbye.
Jack reassured her. He promised to visit whenever possible and save from his first paycheque for their future home.
Mary stayed behind, counting down the days. Life for Alice grew easier, too; with Jack out of sight, it was simpler to forget him. She even started dating an older man.
Then Mary dropped a bombshellshe was pregnant. Still early days Alice urged her not to tell Jack and to end the pregnancy.
Think about it, darling. Hes ambitious and will resent you for threatening his career plans, Alice reasoned slyly.
But Mary confided in Jack over the phone. He was caught off guard, but not upset, and together they agreed on a plan.
Marys parents wholeheartedly offered support. When the baby turned six months old, Mary and the child would move to London. By then, Jack and both families hoped to secure a flat.
Jacks first holiday wasnt for another six months, but then hed return and theyd marryno time wasted given Marys condition.
Alices heart twisted: Jack was willing to be a father and face any challenge with Mary. The pain was intense, the jealousy overwhelming. Alice wished, more than anything, that Jack would marry her instead, raise her child, not Marys.
Life went on, with Mary and Jack communicating lessher pregnancy, his workload, and frequent trips made nightly calls harder. Mary was saddened but tried to be understanding.
Alice, meanwhile, fuelled doubts: Doesnt look like a devoted fiancé to mehow can he not find time for his pregnant wife?
Despite everything, Marys beauty shone. Pregnancy only heightened her allure, drawing the attention of Alexa friendly acquaintance who accepted hed never win her romantically, settling to be her friend, and hoping to be godfather to her baby.
Alex had a car and often chauffeured Mary around. Alice whispered that Alex was the man Mary truly deserved, and she snapped photos of Mary and Alex together.
One evening, Alex gave Mary a friendly hug, which Alice seized on, snapping a photo. Mary told Alex that if boundaries werent respected, their friendship would end. She also asked Alice to delete the photo. Alice promisedbut quietly saved it.
Alice had built up a collection of such pictures, always coaxing Mary out to events and snapping more, gathering evidence of Marys lively social life as a soon-to-be mum.
One day, Alice told Mary that her aunt was gravely illin Surrey, where Jack now lived. Alice headed down to look after her aunt, but Mary asked her to check in on Jack, as Mary and Jacks contact had dwindled.
Alice promised to visit Jack and see how he was coping with fatherhoods approach.
It was during this timewhen Jack and Mary could only exchange messagesthat Alice set her scheme in motion. She visited Jack and lamented how Mary had lost her head since his departure, growing far too close to Alex. She showed Jack photos as proofthough saving the most damning, of Alexs embrace, for last.
Oh, you hadnt heard about Alex? She wouldnt mention him. Its more than friendship, Alice told Jack, feigning sorrow.
Alice was heartbreakingly persuasive. That evening, Alice called Mary, telling her Jack had found someone elsea colleague, apparently.
He says hes too busy at work to pick up your calls? Think again, darling. He just cant talk with his new girlfriend sitting right there, Alice sympathised.
When a distraught Mary resolved to call Jack, Alice repeated the advice to wait a couple of days.
Of course, when Mary finally rang Jack the next day, he failed to answerbusy as alwaysand her suspicions grew.
If only Alice had been less convincing, if only Mary and Jack had trusted each other a little more; if only life hadnt kept them apart. The malicious plan would have failed, and all might have ended differently.
But Alices plot ran perfectly. With tears, she told Jack that Mary had ended her pregnancy and started seeing Alex. This time, she flashed the embrace photo as proof.
Alice then phoned Alex, asking him to be by Marys side, warning that Jack was planning to call, and urging him to shield Mary from the scoundrel.
So, when Jack finally rang, Alex picked up and told him, in no uncertain terms, to leave Mary alone.
Alice remained Jacks support, attentive and charming. And in her absence, there was no plain friend label to obscure her. Jack was grateful, lonely, and soon enough allowed Alice into his life emotionallyand physically.
No, Jack didnt love her. But he appreciated her comfort and kindness; hed been faithful to Mary for ages and needed warmth. Alice was there, attentive and gentle.
Meanwhile, Mary spent time with Alex, who helped lift her spirits as her pregnancy progressed well. She took comfort in his friendship, especially after losing her closest friend. Jack, the traitor, had seemingly forgotten all about her and their child.
Alice confirmed Marys dark suspicionsJack didnt care about the child. Mary wasnt sure, but since Jack thought shed terminated the pregnancy, he neither called nor wrote.
Over a month passed with Alice still in Surrey, having drawn close to Jack, moving in with him as she found herself without a place to stay. They began a romance, even applied to marry.
Jack never stopped thinking about Mary, but consoled himself with Alice, who had been willing to take a year off university to work and be with himsomething Mary would never have done. Alices dream had come true at last.
She longed to flaunt her triumph to Mary, but hesitated, not wishing to upset plans before the wedding. Only when they were officially wed, she thought, would she announce the news.
Meanwhile, Jack confided in his old friend Peter, who thought it only decent to inform Mary.
Mary wept bitterly on receiving Peters message. She had clung to hope that Jack might come back, only for it to vanish, with her betrayal coming from the friend she trusted most.
Mary saw nothing suspicious, but Alex did. He couldnt shake the feeling that Alices sudden position as fiancée, while passing messages between Mary and Jack, was too convenient. He suggested as much to Mary, but she refused to listenwhat difference did it make now, when she had lost everything?
But Alex was not content to leave things be. He loved Mary, wanted only her happiness, and had no desire to take advantage of her heartbreak. He knew where her heart truly belonged.
It took him time, but Alex eventually managed to reach Jack, scolding him for abandoning Mary and their baby.
You left Mary behind, fine, but shes carrying your child! Alex exclaimed, hurt and angry.
Jack was dumbfounded. What child? He thought Mary had ended the pregnancyjust as Alice had said.
The men spoke openly. Jack was appalled, calling himself a fool for believing Alices story.
I should have flown straight up and spoken to Mary face to face, Jack said in despair.
At the very least! Alex scolded, still furious at Jack for all the pain hed caused.
That very day, Alex delivered the astonishing news to Mary: Jack never betrayed herhe, too, was tricked by Alices machinations.
So this whole time, he thought I ended the pregnancy and was with you? Mary whispered, wide-eyed.
Alex nodded grimly. Jack would never have left her or their babyif not for Alices lies.
Then why hasnt he called me, even now? Mary asked, her hope dwindling.
Jack, it turned out, had no feelings left for Aliceat least, not those Mary feared. He wasnt interested in a phone call. He wanted to see Mary in person. He booked a flight immediately.
Jack first confronted Alice. He didnt raise his handhe never wouldbut fury burned within him. How close hed come to losing Mary and their child for good.
In an icy voice, he ordered Alice to leave his flat immediately.
She pleaded. Yes, I made mistakes, Jack. But it was love! I truly believe you care for me. Maybe you always did.
Jack laughed coldly. Listen carefully: I never loved you. I never even liked you. I was just gratefulthough now I dont know for what. Youre uglyinside and out. Youre nothing beside Mary, he spat.
Alice broke down in tears, deeply wounded, but Jack felt not a shred of sympathy. He didnt care where she spent the night.
Once Alice was gone, Jack prepared for his flight up north.
That evening, Mary was home alone, waiting for Jacks call, longing to hear his remorse and apologies. The phone was silent. She assumed Jack must have fallen for Alice after all.
When the doorbell rang, Mary nearly couldnt answerher heart was so heavy. But she did, and Jack stood at the threshold.
He embraced her, her hair dishevelled, eyes red with tears, a baby bump just starting to show. She seemed even more beautiful to him than before. Jack kissed her hands, her face, her tummy, begging forgiveness.
So many times, Mary had imagined herself sending Jack away with a proud head held high. But she forgot her resolve. She hugged him, sobbed, whispered nonsense, and kissed him back.
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The next day, they registered for marriage. The wedding was modestthere was no time, and they wanted to save what money they could. Both families chipped in generously to help the young couple start out.
This time it was Mary who moved to London to join her husband. Yes, it was a rented flat, but they hoped to buy soon.
Neither of them saw Alice again. One day, Mary received a text from an unknown number: Forgive me. She shrugged and deleted it, figuring it was just a wrong number.
From the ashes of betrayal, Mary and Jack rebuilt their lives, learning the importance of trust, honestyand most of all, to treasure those who love you truly, rather than covet what is not yours. For envy and deception destroy friendship and happiness, but forgiveness and faith can restore hearts and make life whole again.
