Between Truth and Dreams
I snuggled deep into my favourite woollen blanket, delighting in the silence and peace of my London flat. Beyond the window, gentle snowflakes danced slowly down, resting atop the window ledge, swirling in a silent winter waltz. Id just returned from my wedding dress fittingan occasion Id anticipated for so long, a butterflies-in-the-stomach sort of day. My hands were still clutching the shopping bag full of accessoriesa pair of delicate pearl earrings, a slim tiara, and all the bits that would perfect my look. My thoughts were swirling with images of the upcoming celebration: how Id look in the dress, the shimmer of the jewellery, the feeling as everyone turned to watch me walk down the aisle.
The peace shattered at once with the sudden clatter of the doorbell. I jolted, clutching my blanket tighter, heart skipping. It was ten to seven. Who could be visiting at this hour? Perhaps the postman with a late parcel, or maybe Mrs. Harris from next door needing a hand with something?
I crept to the door and glanced through the peephole. It was impossible to make out who stood therejust a tall man, his face hidden in the shadows. I hesitated.
Who is it? I tried to keep my voice steady.
Its me. Will, came the familiar muffled voice. I need to speak with you. Please, its urgent.
I paused, uncertainty knotting in my chest. Its not that I wished to see Will but what if something had happened to Emily? Reluctantly, I unlocked and cracked open the door. Will stood there, his navy coat dusted with melting snow, water dripping down and leaving dark stains on the fabric. He looked ill, his face pale, his eyes alight with a wildness Id never seen before. For a fleeting moment, I wondered if Id made a mistake letting him in.
Come inside, I managed, forcing a mask of calm. Slamming the door in his face would only make me seem foolish. Youre soaked.
Will trudged into the sitting room, not even bothering to take off his shoes. Snow and muck smeared instantly across the pale wooden floor, but he didnt seem to notice or care. His gaze was distant, as though watching something I couldnt see. I watched him in silence, anxiety growing in my chest. I didnt know what had brought him round so late, but whatever the reason, it wasnt going to be an easy conversation.
Verity, he said, turning to me, squeezing his gloves tight in his fists. I cant do this anymore. I love you.
I froze. Was I hearing correctly?
Will, you? I started, but my voice failed and the words hung unfinished.
He didnt let me finish. He stepped closer as though afraid that hesitating would lose him his one chance to speak.
I know youre getting married. I know it sounds mad. But I cant keep it in any longer! All these months, I tried to forget you, tried to move on, but I just couldnt, he said, his words careful, like every syllable cost him dearly. I should have told you sooner. Thats why I started seeing Emily, to be honest to be closer to you. To see you more often. But I never loved her. Not ever.
The cold seeped into the pit of my stomach. Whathed used my friend for his own ends? Poor Emily, who had genuinely fallen for him.
Without thinking, I tossed the blanket onto the chair, hoping the gesture would bring back some sense of reality. The room felt crowded now, the air heavy and hard to breathe.
Will I struggled to find the right words. Do you realise what youre saying? Im engaged. I love Henry. Were getting married, its all very real, Will. Were planning our future. And Emily
He nodded, refusing to look away. There was pain in his eyes, but also a weight that had clearly just been cast aside.
I know, but I cannot stay quiet anymore! In just a few weeks, youll be completely out of reach for me! he paused, as though fighting for breath. I know this is neither the time nor the place. If I hadnt said something now, Id regret it forever. And Emily Emily means nothing to me! Shes no one, do you understand?
My insides twisted. My voice sounded distant, as though the words belonged to someone else. How dare you, I whispered. How could you possibly say that?
Its the truth, Will was determined. Emily was just… my way to be closer to you. I thought maybe, at some point, youd notice me. See that Im kind, generous, the perfect man for you. That we belong together. And now I know for certainwithout you, my life means nothing.
Slowly, he dropped to one knee, fumbling in his coat pocket for a small ring box. In the lamplight, I saw the bandelegant, with a delicate pattern and a single modest stone.
Leave him. Leave your fiancé. Be with me. I promise Ill make you happy.
I stared at him, wordless. My mind spun with fragments of memory: Will laughing alongside Emily at parties, gently holding her hand, looking at her with such tenderness it made me happy for my friend whod finally found her match. Was all of it a lie? The picture of the past cracked and broke apart, and I couldnt put it together again.
Get up, I said quietly, almost in a whisper. Please, Will. Just stand up.
He rose, his eyes still desperately scanning my face for hope. It was already fading away.
Dont you believe me? His voice trembled, betraying the vulnerability he was trying so hard to conceal.
I believe you, I said, trying to stay calm. I believe youre speaking your truth. But it changes nothing.
I took a small step back, keen to create enough space to gather my thoughts. I needed to be clear.
Were friends, Will, nothing more. I love Henry. I want to marry him, I am sure hes my future. I dont need anyone else.
His hand closed tightly around the ring, and he looked away. If Id said all this soonerbefore Henrywould it have mattered?
I paused, then answered softly, No. Im sorry, but it would have been just the same. I never pictured you as my husband. Youre lovelybut not for me.
Will took a step toward me, insistent, as if afraid hed lose his last chance forever.
Why not? His voice shook, but still he pressed on. I know you feel somethingyou look at me, and I see it. I know theres more to it.
I edged closer to the hallway, suddenly a little afraid; the look in his eyes was unsettling. I started mentally running through optionsif I pushed him now, maybe hed tumble onto the sofa and I could dash out to the landing
Theres nothing between us, Will, I tried to keep my tone steady. You dont love me. Youre obsessed. You built a fantasy, made me some ideal, and youve just used everyone else as a means to an end. This has to finish.
He clenched his fistsnot with anger, but from sheer impotence. Trying to come up with the words to undo everything, to convince me.
Youre wrong, he said firmly, meeting my eyes. Ive never felt for anyone what I feel for you. This isnt a fantasy or an obsession. I love you.
I bit my lip, determined to keep my own emotions in check. Who knew how he might react if I raised my voice? But I couldnt just stand by silently, particularly since my friend was involved.
What about Emily? I demanded. Do you know how much this will hurt her? You played with her feelings, used her, and now you expect me to just drop everything for you?
I know Im in the wrong, he said, looking at his feet. I know it was dreadful. But even if I could go back, Id do exactly the same.
You cant build happiness on someone elses pain, I shook my head and glanced toward my phone, wondering if I could reach it. And you cant love someone youve just imagined. You hardly know me! You love an idea, a dreamnot the real me, and reality is always far more complicated.
I fell silent, giving him time to let it sink in. Then I continued.
You have to speak to Emily. She deserves to know the truth. And you have to apologise.
Will froze, hands trembling as he balled them into fists to steady himself.
Why? I dont love her. She just gets on my nervesunlike you Youre different.
His eyes were glassy with hurt, and for a fleeting moment, I pitied him. But pitying Will would be a mistake, I realised. He might take it the wrong way, think I was agreeing to something I never intended.
You have no chance with me, Will. Nor with Emily, for that matter. And you cant honestly expect me to stay quiet?
For a few seconds, he locked eyes with me, and an involuntary shiver ran down my spine. At last, he spoke.
Ill go, but I wont give up. Ill wait till you realise were meant to be.
Please dont. I shook my head, sure there was a threat in his last words. Dont wait. Live your life. Find the woman you can really love, not a fantasy. But now, please, go.
Will moved slowly toward the door, each step a visible effort as though walking through treacle. At the threshold, he looked back.
Thank you for your honesty, he said, simply and sincerely. But still, I wont say goodbye.
He closed the door gently behind him. I stood, gazing at the door, feeling the tension ebb from my body at last. I moved to the window. Outside, the street glowed under the warmth of street lamps and new-fallen snow. I watched as Will trudged away, hands deep in his pockets, shoulders slumped, every step seeming to cost him dearly.
My heart trembled at the thought of what had just happened. I couldnt leave things as they were; who knew what Will would say to Emily? I was afraid hed distort the truth just to justify himself.
I reached for my phone and dialled Emilys number. My heart was now racing, but when I spoke, my tone was deliberately steady, as though this were all routine.
Emily, hi. We need to talk. Its important.
There was a gentle rustle at the other end, as though she was shuffling papers, her voice tinged with concern.
Whats wrong? You sound tense. Is everything okay?
I breathed in, centring myself. I didnt want to scare her, but I couldnt delay.
Will came round just now, I began, choosing my words carefully to wound her as little as possible. He admitted he only got together with you because of me. He never loved you, Emily. You were just his way to get close to me.
Silence fell. I pictured her sitting somewhere, gripping her mobile, trying to absorb the blow. I waited, and waited, ready to say more, before she spoke at last. Her voice shook.
So what does that mean? He He really How could he
Listen, I didnt want to hurt you, but I cant let you go on not knowing. Youre my best friend, I said, my nerves giving me away. He said he only loves me. Wants me to leave Henry and be with him. Em, honestly, he scared me; being alone with him just now was awful.
Another pause. I could hear her breathingsteadying herself.
I see, she said, her voice tight but dignified. What happens now?
I dont know, I replied honestly. I think Wills bound to come to you soon, although what hell say, I cant guess. Are you at home alone? Because frankly, his behaviour is worrying me.
Emily was silent for a time. Then, softly, Dont worry. Ill be all right. Thank you for telling me.
Im sorry you had to find out this way, I said gently. I really am sorry.
Its all right. Better hard truth than a comforting lie, she answered, gaining confidence.
We said our goodbyes, and I placed the phone aside. The flat was quiet again. I went back to the window, resting my head against the chilly glass as I watched the snow twisting in the light. Somewhere out there, two people were struggling to come to terms with their feelings. I could only hope everything would settle and everyone would eventually find their way.
My mind was a jumble of thoughts, never settling for long. I wondered what Emily was going throughhow much it hurt to face this truth, to realise her idea of the past was built on sand. But Ive always believed bitter truth is better than sugary deception. Lies only grow more toxic the longer they are hidden.
************
Meanwhile, Emily remained at her kitchen table, Veritys words echoing through her mind, washing over her in waves. She thought of the first time Will invited her outhow careful and sweet hed seemed, opening doors for her, offering his arm as they walked, making her laugh with his sly jokes. She recalled his bashful smilethe one shed thought so sincere, the way he held her hand, murmured I love you while gazing straight into her eyes.
He never loved me, she repeated over and over in her head. It was like a glass shattering somewhere insidenot sharp agony, but a dull ache, as if the world shed carefully built had started cracking beyond repair.
She brushed her fingers along the curve of her mug. The tea inside had long since gone cold. She hadnt touched it since answering the phone. Only the ticking clock on the wall kept her company, counting away the seconds, a stark reminder that life carries on regardless.
Emily exhaled, searching for clarity. She had big decisions to make: should she ring Will? Wait for him to turn up? Ask Verity to come over? Nothing felt quite right. Right now, she needed time simply to process and begin to accept this new, painful reality.
The doorbell startled her out of her reverie. She was pouring another cup of tea, still lost in thought, when it rang. Emily went to the door, peering through the spyhole. There was Will. She hesitated, weighing whether to open it. What would he saythat Verity lied? Or would he grovel?
She opened the door to find Will looking thoroughly bedraggledthe snow on his coat already melting, flecks of it in his hair, and his pallid face streaked with red at the eyes, as if hed been up all night or spent hours wandering the icy city. He looked resolved and lost all at once.
Emily, he began before she could speak. Theres a lot I have to confess. I I never
Verity already told me, Emily cut across, voice frosty. Hearing it from him was worse than from a friend. Nothing you can say now will shock me.
Will stood for a long moment, his shoulders sagging, hand half-lifted towards her before he dropped it limply. He stared at the floor.
So she called you Id hoped I could explain, before you found out.
Emily crossed her arms, feeling bitterness start to surge within her. She didnt want to cry, but resentment tumbled out all the same.
Why are you here? she managed, keeping control. To humiliate me further? To make sure I know for certain that I meant absolutely nothing?
No, he stepped forward, and she instinctively moved back, widening the gap between them. Will halted, meeting her eyes. I came to apologise. For the lies, for everything I didnt say. For using you.
He hesitated, searching for words that wouldnt wound her even more.
I know that doesnt make up for anything. I know Ive hurt you deeply, and I dont expect you to forgive or understand. But I couldnt just leave without being honest. I really am sorry.
She watched him, trying to register her feelingsanger, betrayal but largely contempt. Contempt for someone so flippant with anothers heart.
You couldve said something at the start, she said, voice barely above a whisper. You might just have been honest. But instead, you ran to Verity, begging her to leave her fiancé. You say youre sorry? Its meaningless now.
Will gave a lopsided, bitter smile, hands stuffed in his pockets. I just realised this was my last chance. That Verity is about to slip through my fingers. I didnt stop to think about consequences.
He pulled a small ring box from his coatshe recognised it instantly as the one hed shown Verity. His hands were shaking as he opened the lid and offered it.
You should take it, he murmured. Consider it a token of my remorse.
Emily glanced down at the ring: a thin gold band set with a modest diamond. It was elegant enough, but the sight of it turned her stomach. Hed bought it for someone else.
She looked up at him, face stony. There were no tears now, no angerjust a cold resolve.
Keep it, she said, almost monotone. I dont want anything of yours.
He curled his fingers tightly around the box, then released it. His complexion blanched, despair flashing in his eyes.
Emily, please, he choked out, struggling for composure. I know I was wrong. I know theres no excusing what I did, but Id like to fix things, if I can.
She tilted her head, examining him as if hunting for the man shed once lovedyet all she saw was a stranger. Someone whod hidden themselves behind a wall of deception.
Fix things? How? She laugheda hollow, joyless sound. By proposing? Or throwing yourself under a bus so that Im forced to care?
Will winced but didnt look away. He knew she was justified in everything she said.
I want to start fresh, he said, moving an inch closer, but stopped when she shrank back. Openly, honestly this time.
She shook her head, her voice calm and unyielding. You can only start anew with someone you trust. And I dont trust you at all. Youve destroyed whatever we had. Even if you mean it now, its too late.
She paused for breath, then carried on resolutely. I need time. And space. I dont want to see or hear from you. Theres nothing left to repair.
He nodded slowly, the ring box now useless in his pocket.
I understand, he said quietly. Im sorry for all the pain Ive caused.
He turned to leave, then hesitated at the door.
If ever you want to talk
I wont, she interrupted, quiet but unequivocal. Really, Will, dont.
Shed barely finished when the doorbell sounded again. Who else would visit tonight?
She peered out and saw HenryVeritys fiancé. Tall, lean, his dark hair neatly in place, his handsome face unreadable but taut with intent, like a man whod come not for polite conversation but to resolve matters for good.
Emily opened the door. Henry didnt smile or greet her, he simply asked, voice flat, May I come in?
She stepped aside, letting him pass. Instantly, she saw Will blanch and edge toward the wall, as though trying to make himself invisible.
I know whats happened, Henry said, fixing Will with a look that would wither most. I know how you’ve treated them. Both of them.
Will opened his mouth, desperate to interceed, but Henry stopped him instantly.
Enough. Verity told me everything. And Ive decided some lessons are best learnt not with words.
He advanced on Will, who backed further against the wall, realising at last the repercussions of his actions.
Henry, dont Emily tried to intervene, her heart conflicting even though she acknowledged Will deserved all he got. Foolishly, a part of her still cared for him.
Henry waved her off, barely sparing her a glance.
This isnt your concern, Emily. Hasnt there been enough hurt? Hell get what he deserves.
Emily hesitated, uncertain whether to intervene or step aside. Will pressed into the wood panelling, panic blooming across his face, finally understanding that Henry wouldnt just walk away. Henrys eyes were full of cold and measured intent.
Will tried to blurt out an apology, Look, I know I messed up. Ive apologised to both Verity and Emily. I
An apology? Henry sneered, no humour in the sound. You expect to say sorry and have everything fixed? You broke the trust of two people, and you want sympathy now?
Henry closed the distance between them in a single stride. Will clenched his fists, bracing himself, but he knew it was pointless.
Emily took a deep breath, trying to keep the situation from escalating. She didnt want this coming to violence, but couldnt just stand by either.
Henry, please, lets talk this out. This wont solve anything.
Henry paused, acknowledging her presence for the first time. For a split-second, uncertainty flashed in his gaze before resolve overrode it.
Its too late for words.
Without a wasted motion, Henry delivered a sharp punchWill crumpled to the floor, clutching at his mouth, blood seeping between his fingers.
This is only the beginning, Henry replied, chillingly calm. If you come near Verity or Emily again, youll regret it. Am I clear?
Will said nothing. He pulled himself up, trying to salvage some dignity, though clearly in pain. He dabbed his bleeding lip and glanced pleadingly at Emily, but there was nothing but distance in her gaze.
Will left without another word. The door clicked shut behind him, and quiet fell over the room.
Henrys expression softened a little as he turned to Emily.
Im sorry about that, he said, voice less harsh. Violence usually solves nothing, but some people dont listen otherwise.
Emily watched him, taking a moment to process everything. She hadnt expected the evening to go this way, but somewhere deep down, she understood Henrys motiveshe wasnt acting out of anger, but out of protectiveness.
You shouldnt have she trailed off, unable to finish. But thank you. Maybe it was needed.
Henry smiled faintly.
I know how this feels, he said gently. Betrayal is a cruel thing. But youre strong. Youll get through this.
Emily nodded, feeling the storm within her begin to calm. She was strong. She just needed time to remember it.
Thank you, she said softly. For what its worth.
Verity cares about you, he added, trying to reassure her. She wanted to come herself, but I said Id handle things.
Shes my best friend, Emily replied, her voice warm and fond. And Im glad she has someone like you.
Silence fell once more, only the hush of falling snow outside keeping them company. Emily breathed in, the pain in her chest ebbing just a little. She had a lot to process, but now she finally knewshe wasnt alone.
After Henry left, she sat quietly for a while, letting herself feel the ache and then the relief. Its over now, she thought, and for the first time, she believed it. The pain would linger, but this was the start of something newa chance to learn to trust, to dream, to love differently next time, without illusions or self-deceit.
******************
At that moment, Will trudged along a snow-covered street, oblivious to the cold. Snow gathered on his head and shoulders, melting on his flushed cheeks, though he felt neither chill nor damp. His lip throbbeda dull, constant painbut the ache inside his chest was far worse. There was emptiness there now, cold and enormous and seemingly permanent.
He realised hed lost everything. Emily, gone forever. Between him and Verity, there was nothing but regret and unanswered questions. He had destroyed his own castle of dreams, and all that was left was loneliness and the weight of his mistake.
The next day at work, Will showed up bearing a bruised face and split lip. His co-workers cast him sideways glances, whispering in corners, but no one dared ask. He didnt want to explainit hardly mattered anymore. He just had to get through the hours till the end of the day.
A week later, he put in for a transfer to Manchester. His manager raised an eyebrow, but seeing Wills determination, signed off without asking why. Will understood he couldnt stay. Every street, every pubthe ghosts of his own failings haunted them all.
Before leaving London, he stopped at the jewellers and returned the engagement ring. The saleswoman looked puzzled, but processed the refund in silence. Will said nothing, only took the money and left, feeling the tiniest weight lift from his shoulders.
He transferred the refund to Emilys account with a short note: Im sorry. This is yours by right. No explanations, no justificationsjust an apology.
On the day of his departure, Will waited outside his block for the taxi. Snow fell thick and slow, smothering the city in silence as if erasing his past mistakes. He tilted his head skyward, breathing in the frozen air and letting the chill fill his lungs. For a brief second, the world paused, giving him a chance to make peace with what he’d done.
I ruined everything, he whisperednot for pity, but in acceptance. The past could not be changed; the only thing left was to live with the consequence.
The cab arrived. Will took one last look at the building where hed once been happywhere hed laughed, planned, loved. Now it was just bricks and mortar. He climbed inside and quietly asked to be taken to Euston.
As the car cruised through the snowy streets, Will gazed aheadtowards an uncertain new beginning.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in London, Emily was sat cosily in a café with Verity and Henry, steam curling from three mugs of hot chocolate on the little timber table.
Conversation was easy, relaxed, free of tension. They turned over plans for the futurewedding preparations, weekend trips, new routines. Verity talked about her upcoming nuptials, sometimes blushing when she caught Henrys loving gaze. Emily listened, and gradually felt hope rekindling: life carried on, after all, bringing with it brightness she almost thought shed lost.
Henry, ever reserved, was attentive and kind, only occasionally inserting himself into the conversation, but always with just the right words.
You know, Emily said at last, her gaze drifting to the window as flakes drifted past in a slow dance, Im not angry with him anymore. I just regret that it came to this.
Her voice held no bitterness, only calm acceptancea simple statement of fact.
Verity smiled softly, placing a reassuring hand on Emilys shoulder.
Theres nothing for you to regret, Em, she murmured, her confidence steady. You deserve the real thingnot half-truths and games.
Emily smiled in return, recognising the truth in her friends words.
Yes, she agreed, searching her friends warm eyes. And one day Ill find it.
There was no bravado there, just a quiet certainty. The past was over; the way ahead was waiting for her.
Outside, the snow kept falling, layering the city like a clean slate, as though promising fresh beginnings for all. Inside the small café, three friends sat together, comforted by one anothers presence, and, in their own way, looking forward to whatever life would bring next.
