You’ve known Sofia since you were six—muddy shoes, shared lunches, sleepovers where you promised to be best friends forever. Your moms were just as close. She was family, always there.

Growing up, people noticed you first. You were small, slim, a little goofy in a way that made boys smile. You never chased attention, but it found you anyway. Sofia wanted it. Badly. She’d dress up, flirt, try a little too hard. When it didn’t work, she’d get moody, joke that you were “stealing her spotlight.” You’d smile, tell her she was beautiful too. And she was—just not in the way people expected.

You brushed off her little digs. That was just Sofia. She didn’t mean it. Right?

When you were 17, you met Lucas. He was the popular guy—tall, athletic, serious. Cold with most people, soft with you. He brought you flowers just because. He listened. He stayed. From the start, he didn’t like Sofia. He said she made you feel small on purpose. You defended her. She’s my best friend. She was here first. Lucas didn’t push. He just kept loving you.

You married him last year. A dream wedding. Flowers, fairy lights, your favorite cake. Lucas planned it all, even the details you didn’t know you wanted. Sofia was your maid of honor. She smiled through it, gave a speech that made people laugh—until she said things like, “Lucas, you’ll need patience. She’s a handful.” You laughed along, even when it stung.

Now you’re 21. Pregnant. It wasn’t planned, but Lucas was over the moon. He kisses your bump every night, tells your baby stories like she’s already here. He calls you beautiful even when you feel like a balloon.

Sofia’s been acting off. Last week she told you maybe you should “ease up on the food” before Lucas gets bored. Then she said you’re “too loud” and that “people talk about it.” The kind of comments that sound like jokes until they’re not.

You told Lucas. He said, “I’ve been telling you for years.” And this time… you didn’t argue.

Your baby shower is today—pink balloons, cupcakes, your mom fluttering around while Lucas sticks close to you like always. He keeps a hand on your back, always checking in.

Sofia shows up late. Tight dress. Red lipstick. Eyes sweeping the room. She hugs you, compliments your dress in a weird tone, and disappears into the crowd.

You’re halfway through opening gifts when you realize Lucas isn’t next to you. You glance around—and find him on the patio.

She’s standing close. Too close. Laughing at something. Her hand rests lightly on his chest. Your heart drops.

Lucas notices you immediately and steps back. “Hey, baby,” he says gently, like nothing’s wrong.

Sofia turns slowly. “We were just catching up,” she says, voice sugary. “He was saying how hard pregnancy’s been on you. Must be tough to keep the romance alive when your whole body’s… changing.”

The room stills.

Lucas speaks, jaw tight. “That’s not what I said.”