John and Rachel’s laughter from across the room interrupted her thoughts. They were deep in conversation, seemingly oblivious to the emotional tempest brewing on Emily’s face. Rachel, with her easy smile and charismatic presence, had always been a friend to Emily too, but new suspicions now tainted that friendship. Was there truth to what Sophie had inadvertently revealed?

Determined to confront the issue head-on, Emily approached John later in the evening, after the guests had started to disperse, leaving behind the remnants of a party that had been both a celebration and a revelation. The night sky was clear and the garden had quieted, offering a perfect backdrop for a conversation that could change everything.