The Other Woman

The hen do group arrives in Portugal, and the tour bus ride to their villa fondly reminds Emily of a trip she took with Charlotte to Cyprus years ago. Emily recognizes how much she has missed her best friend. She realizes she never adequately addressed her anger and sadness surrounding Tom and Charlotte’s affair. Sitting down to lunch, the group decides to play truth or dare. Charlotte picks truth and admits that her biggest regret is sleeping with Tom. She confesses that hurting Emily is the worst mistake she ever made.

Tess, Emily’s former co-worker, asks Emily if she was ever unfaithful in a relationship. Emily quickly answers no, but Pammie asks if Emily ever intended to be unfaithful. Pammie describes a scenario shockingly close to Emily’s after-work drinks with James. Emily firmly denies being unfaithful, but she watches Pammie whisper the name “James.”

Intoxicated from a full day of drinking alcohol, Valerie comments on how happy she feels to see Emily and Charlotte reconciling. She mentions that Pammie invited Charlotte. Emily privately confronts Pammie, and Pammie declares in no uncertain terms that she is trying to prevent Emily and Adam’s wedding from moving forward. Emily calls Pammie a “bitch” and firmly states that she will marry Adam, and she suggests Pammie get used to the idea.

During the hen do, Pammie recommends that Emily and Seb discontinue their friendship after she and Adam wed. Pammie tells Emily that Adam dislikes her having a close male friend. She disguises her insults as advice, rationalizing that Emily can avoid a fight with Adam by listening to Pammie. When both parties return to London, Pammie tells Adam she enjoyed the hen do, but she does not reveal the animosity between her and Emily. Not wanting to upset Adam, Emily remains silent about all the drama Pammie created. Adam begs Emily to invite Pammie to her final wedding dress fitting. When Emily hesitates, he becomes upset knowing that Seb will attend this event. Emily worries that Pammie wasn’t being dishonest with Emily about Adam’s jealousy of Seb.

Pippa validates Emily’s experience, justifying Emily’s angst and loathing of Pammie. She encourages Emily to discuss Pammie’s behavior with Adam. However, Adam sides with his mother at Emily’s every complaint, calling her “paranoid” and “melodramatic.”

Emily gives in to Adam’s requests. She invites Pammie and hurts Seb’s feelings by asking him to stay behind. Pammie arrives at the dress fitting 20 minutes late, leaving Emily very little time to try on her dress. Even feeling rushed, Emily loves the way her dress looks. She envisions her wedding day and feels happy thinking of her family standing behind her. However, when she thinks of James and Pammie standing with Adam, she feels guilty and angry. Emily’s friends and family excitedly compliment her while Pammie remarks negatively about her hair.

James visits Emily unexpectedly at her and Adam’s apartment. Emily can tell he’s been drinking alcohol, and he attempts to walk in on Emily as she changes out of her bathrobe. James begs Emily to give him a chance as her boyfriend. He believes he can make Emily happy and suggests Adam will hurt her. Just as Emily jumps to Adam’s defense, Adam stumbles into the door, intoxicated. James makes up an excuse for his surprise visit, and he helps Adam to bed.

Pammie makes a tremendous effort to insert herself into the final wedding plans. Emily refuses to allow Pammie to help with anything, which angers Adam. He insists that Pammie wants to be close friends with Emily.

Pammie announces she has stage three breast cancer at the family dinner celebrating the upcoming nuptials. The mood of the evening turns somber, and Adam reports that he and Emily will delay their honeymoon to assist Pammie with her treatment. Emily feels confident that Pammie is lying about her health.

James and Adam take Pammie home to spend the night with her. Valerie escorts Emily back to her and Adam’s apartment. Valerie cries, distraught at Pammie’s news. Emily tells Valerie that Pammie is lying about having cancer, and she details the months of Pammie’s mistreatment. Shocked, Valerie questions Emily’s decision to proceed with the wedding. Emily reassures Valerie that she loves Adam more than anything else and feels ready to deal with Pammie.

Adam returns to his and Emily’s apartment, distressed and wanting to cancel their wedding. He explains how he doesn’t feel he can enjoy the day. Emily tries to change his mind multiple times, but Adam leaves the apartment to return to Pammie’s house, resolved to cancel the ceremony. He shows no sympathy toward Emily in making this decision.

Emily cannot reach Pammie or Adam by phone on the morning of her wedding. Holding on to the hope that Adam will change his mind, she calls James as a last resort, and he promises to locate Adam and have him call her. James also tells Emily that a postponed wedding might be the best outcome for everyone, implying Emily will have more time to ensure she wants to marry Adam. Emily insults James, insisting that his romantic interest in Emily has always been to spite his brother. James denies this assertion. Emily calls Pippa, who rushes to Emily’s apartment. Adam finally calls to officially postpone the wedding indefinitely, but he tries to make James deliver this news. Emily vomits and sobs uncontrollably while Pippa takes over with vendor cancelations.