Chapter 55: Hannah

The next day, my phone buzzed as I brushed my hair. A knot of dread formed in my stomach as I saw the caller ID: Emma. Our last conversation hadn't ended well; I'd revealed her husband's infidelity. I doubt she thought highly of me. With a sigh, I answered. "Hello?"

"Hannah, it's Emma," her voice said. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"No, no," I assured her, rubbing my temple and settling on the bed. "What's up?"

"I was hoping we could have dinner tonight," she said hesitantly. "There are some things I'd like to discuss, if you're free."

I pressed my lips together. After my callous revelation at the charity gala, I wouldn't have blamed her for never speaking to me again. Yet, her voice intrigued me. "Yeah, sure," I said. "Dinner sounds good."

I settled into a cozy booth at the town pub—an unlikely place for Emma, but perhaps she wanted to be discreet. I fidgeted, sipping water and scanning the dimly lit room. Finally, I saw her enter, dressed simply with her hair in a ponytail. I'd only ever seen her glamorously made up. She looked beautiful.

"Hannah," she greeted me with a warm smile, sliding into the booth. "It's so good to see you."

"You too," I replied, smiling despite my nerves. "Listen, Emma, before you say anything, I apologize for my behavior last time. It was cruel, and I'm sorry. I was vindictive."

To my surprise, Emma waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry, Hannah. Honestly, you did me a favor."

I blinked. "What do you mean?"

Emma leaned forward, lowering her voice. "I'm leaving him," she confided. "I've started making arrangements to move out and file for divorce."

My brows shot up. "Wow... Emma, I'm so sorry. I had no idea. I mean, I guess I could have guessed, but..."

She shook her head. "Don't be sorry. It's been a long time coming. He and I have been growing apart for years, and his infidelity was the final straw. I deserve better than a loveless marriage. I can do so much better."

I nodded, feeling a newfound respect for this woman I'd once considered a vapid trophy wife. "I'm glad you're standing up for yourself," I said sincerely. "That takes courage."

Emma smiled gratefully, then hesitated. "Actually, Hannah, there's another reason I wanted to talk..."

She took a deep breath. "For a long time, I was incredibly envious of you," she admitted, her cheeks flushing. "Not just your beauty, but your confidence and poise. I constantly compared myself—my looks, body, accomplishments—to yours, always feeling inadequate."