Secret Story

Sharing a joke with my mate James, I couldn’t help feeling a tinge of sadness.

With his curly brown locks and piercing blue eyes, he was just my type.

But James was my best friend from childhood, so my attraction to him was top secret.

I would rather have him as just a friend, than completely out of my life.

We had once shared a drunken kiss and the next day he’d apologised over the ‘mistake’, saying I was like a sister to him.

It was hardly the big romantic gesture I’d imagined.

‘I forgot to say, I’ve started seeing someone!’ James said.

‘Her name’s Laura and you’re going to love her.’

My heart sunk at the news, but I put on a brave face.

‘I can’t wait to meet her!’ I faked.

James had been with a few girls in the past, but nothing too serious.

I knew he was going to fall in love one day, but I was still trying to prepare myself for the inevitable.

Although I was so determined not to like Laura, it was quite the opposite.

Meeting her at a barbecue a few weeks later, we clicked instantly.

And with her slim figure and gorgeous shiny brown hair, I could see why James was so besotted with her. Over the next few months we became firm friends.

‘You’re my new bestie, I’m so glad James introduced us,’ Laura said one day in the pub.

‘Me too,’ I beamed back.

Emily ,35, is harbouringa heartbreaking secret...

We would often hang out as a trio together.

But despite the fun and my fondness for Laura, I couldn’t shake my feelings for James.

I tried dating a few guys, but no-one compared with my best friend.

Then, a few months later, I received the news that made me equally happy and sad.

‘We’re going to get married!’ James and Laura excitedly announced over dinner, showing off her ring.

‘That’s great news, guys,’ I replied, genuinely meaning it. But I felt heartbroken.

This was confirmation that any chance of romance with James was well and truly off.

When Laura asked me to be bridesmaid, I felt torn.

But throwing myself into the role, I planned an incredible Hen’s weekend for her, full of her favourite things.

A few nights before the big day, James suggested we meet for a drink.

‘Just the two of us, as you didn’t come to my Bucks,’ he explained.

We spent the night sinking beers like old times.

‘I’m so glad you and Laura get along so well,’ he gushed, as he pulled me in for a hug when we said goodbye.

Distraught, I sobbed on my way home.

The next morning, I made a promise to myself to let go of the unrequited feelings I had for James.

Pushing it to the back of my mind, the wedding was perfect. I felt a little sad as I watched the man I love marry somebody else, but reminded myself: It’s time to let go.

It’s taken a while to stop loving James, but I finally feel like I’ve got somewhere. I recently met a great bloke called Elliot.

But I’ll always make sure no-one knows about my little secret. It would cause too much drama if the truth ever came out.

I just couldn’t shake the feelings I had