The sun was barely up when Naya's phone buzzed on the bedside table. She stirred slowly, the aftermath of restless sleep still heavy in her eyes. She reached out for her phone, her chest tightening as she saw Zara's name on the screen.
"Where are you?" Zara asked, her voice sharp but concerned.
Naya swallowed, rubbing her temples. "I... I'm at home."
"Which home?" Zara shot back. "The office said you called in sick so I went to check on you. Your neighbor said you hadn't been home for days, and that she saw you leaving the building with a suitcase one hot afternoon. What the hell is going on, Naya?"
Naya felt her throat constrict. "I... I went home to visit Mom."
There was a pause. "I called your mom. You're not there."
Naya closed her eyes. The lie crumbled.
"Text me your address. I'm coming over." Zara commanded
With a deep sigh, Naya typed out the address and sent it. She wasn't sure what scared her more—Zara's reaction or the confrontation she had been postponing.
Forty minutes later, the doorbell rang. Naya took a deep breath before opening the door. Zara stood there, wide-eyed, staring at the sprawling house behind her friend.
"Jesus, Naya... this place is massive."
Zara walked in, her eyes drinking in the details—the polished floors, the soft lighting, the modern yet cozy decor. It was elegant without being over-the-top.
Then her gaze landed on the wedding portrait hanging on the living room wall.
Zara turned to Naya slowly, her jaw slack. "You are married?"
Naya opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Zara stared at her, her voice a mix of betrayal and disbelief. "Babe, how could you do this to me? I was supposed to be your chief bridesmaid!"
Naya laughed weakly, the sound hollow. "I didn't plan it. It just... happened."
"Sit," Zara demanded.
And so, Naya told her everything.
From the live broadcast fiasco, to the sham marriage turned real. She talked about Tami, about her quiet routines and big heart. She described Kain—how kind he was, how steady. She even smiled when she mentioned Tami's artistic talent.
"She draws so well," Naya said. "Just like her dad. She's always sketching. And smart too."
Zara watched her closely. Naya's eyes lit up when she spoke about her new life. There was warmth there, despite the confusion. She wasn't just surviving—she was beginning to bloom.
"I'm sorry I kept it from you," Naya said quietly. "But please, don't tell anyone yet. Not even my parents. I didn't think the marriage would last beyond a year... I didn't want to make a big deal out of it if it would just end."
Zara frowned. "What do you mean, it might not last?"
And then came the part Naya had kept buried.
She told her about Clarissa. About the confrontation at work, the coffee-spilling, the public humiliation. She spoke of her doubts, the insecurity gnawing at her heart. Was she just a temporary replacement? A second choice?
Zara reached out and grabbed her hand.
"You're not a second choice, Naya. You're the one he's with. And honestly? If he treats you half as good as you've described, then you're not a backup plan—you're the main chapter."
Naya's lips trembled.
Zara added, "Besides, who knows—maybe one day, the relationship therapist will need therapy."
That got a real laugh from Naya.
And just like that, the tension eased. The two friends slipped into their old rhythm, laughter mixing with shared memories. Zara spoke about her job at the law firm, her new boyfriend, and the headaches of long-distance love. Naya listened, grateful for the familiar bond.
They ordered in food and spent the afternoon curled up on the couch, talking like no time had passed. Zara promised to keep the secret and reminded Naya that she deserved happiness, even if it had come in the most unexpected way.
And for the first time in days, Naya felt a little lighter.
She wasn't alone.