Between Truth and Dream
Victoria wrapped herself in a thick tartan blanket, savouring the rare hush and warmth of her London flat. Outside, gentle flakes swirled down, dusting the window ledge and pirouetting in a silent winter ballet. Shed just come back from fitting her wedding dressan event she had awaited with anxious anticipation, her heart still fluttering in the afterglow. In her hands, she gripped a paper bag filled with accessories: delicate pearl earrings, a slender silver tiara, and several other trinkets to perfect her bridal look. Her mind teemed with images of the approaching celebrationherself in the new gown, the sparkle of the jewellery, the admiring glances of guests as she swept down the aisle.
The tranquillity shattered suddenly as the doorbell rangsharp, insistent. Victoria jumped, instinctively clutching the blanket tighter. She glanced at the clock: ten to seven. Who could be at her door at this hour? Her thoughts darted: perhaps a courier with a forgotten parcel, or maybe Mrs. Harris from next door needing a quick favour.
Peeking carefully through the peephole, she saw a mantall but with his face obscured in the frosted glass. She hesitated, unwilling to open.
“Who is it?” she called, making her voice as even as she could.
Its meWilliam, came the muffled but unmistakable voice from behind the door. Victoria, please. I need to talk. Its urgent.
She pauseduncertain. She wasnt sure she wanted to speak with him, but What if something had happened to Emily? Slowly she unlatched the door, leaving the chain on.
William stood in the hallway, snow clinging to his shoulders already turning to wet patches on his overcoat. His face looked ashen, his eyes lit with a feverish, troubled intensity shed never seen before. A flicker of doubt seized hershould she have opened the door? He didnt seem himself.
Come in, she managed, stepping aside and masking her apprehension. What was she to doslam the door? That seemed foolish. Youre soaked.
William strode inside, not bothering to remove his shoes. Melted snow streaked dirty arcs across the pale oak of her parquet, but he seemed oblivious, eyes fixed somewhere distant, as if looking through her. Victoria stood silent, chest tightening in growing unease. She couldnt guess what had driven him here so late, but she knewthis conversation would not be easy.
Victoria, he turned, wringing his gloves in both hands. I cant do this anymore. I love you.
For a moment, she just stared, certain shed misheard.
Will, you she began, but her voice faltered, the sentence fading to nothing.
He didnt let her finish. Took a hasty step closer, as if fearing that hesitating would cost him everything.
I know youre engaged. I know this is mad. But I cant keep silent! Ive tried to forget, move on, but nothing works. His tone was hushed but resolute, as if every word cost him dearly. I should have told you ages ago. I only started seeing Emily because of you! I wanted to be closer, to see you often. But I never loved her. Never.
Victoria felt ice settle beneath her ribs. What? He only saw her friend Emily for selfish reasons? For her own sake Poor Emily, shed been truly in love with him.
Wordlessly, she cast her blanket over the chair back as if it might ground her again in reality. The room seemed to shrink, the air thick, oppressive.
Will she tried again, searching for words. Do you even realise what youre saying? I have a fiancéI love him. Im getting married. Were building a lifemaking plans. And Emily
He nodded, eyes locked on hers, pain flickering there, but also a strange determination as if hed finally set down a burden long carried.
I know, but I couldnt keep this in any longer. In a few weeks, youll be beyond my reach. He paused, collecting himself. I know this isnt the time or place. But I couldnt live with myself if I let you go without ever saying it. Emily means nothing to me. She never didyou are the only thing that matters.
Victorias voice was hollow, seeming to come from a great distance. “How dare you say that? How could you even think”
Its the truth! William insisted, his voice painfully earnest. Emily was just a pretext to get closer to you. I thought maybeone dayyoud see me, realise Im caring, generous, the one youre meant to be with. And now now I know for certain: without you my life has no meaning.
He sunk to one knee, trembling fingers extracting a small velvet box from his coat. In the lamplight, the delicate ring glintedelegant, slender, set with a modest stone.
Leave him. Leave your fiancé. Choose me. I swear to make you happy.
Victoria stood there, wordless, mind spinning with fragments: Will laughing with Emily at a party; Will gently squeezing her hand; Will looking at her with such tenderness Victoria herself had once hoped Emily had finally found happiness. Was all that a lie? The entire tapestry of the past unraveled, leaving her to gather meaningless threads.
Stand up, she managed, voice barely more than a whisper. Please, stand up.
Will rose slowly, hope still glinting, rapidly fading in his eyes.
You dont believe me? His voice trembleda vulnerability leaking through all his earlier resolve.
I believe you, she replied, calm but firm. I believe you mean it. But it doesnt change a thing.
She stepped back, creating a pausespace to compose herself. The words didnt come easily, but she knew she must be direct, no shades of grey.
Youre my friend, Will. But I love someone else. Im marrying him because Im certainhes the one I want. No one else.
He pressed his lips together, staring at the small ring clutched in his fist. If Id said something soonerbefore you met himwould it have been different?
Victoria paused thoughtfully, then answered softly. No. It wouldnt have changed a thing, William. Ive never seen you that way. Youre good, I wont deny thatbut, honestly, not my type.
He took a step, closing the gap between them, desperation tightening his features. Why not? I must mean somethingyou cant say you never felt anything. I saw it, the way you looked at me. Theres something between us, I know it!
She retreated, inching toward the door. His expression unsettled hera feverish intensity shed not seen before. Silently, she calculated what she might have to do if he lost control: push him and duck for the hallway, run to the neighbours if need be
Theres nothing between us, Will, she said, striving for a steady, even tone that betrayed none of her fear. What you feelthats not love. Thats an obsession. Youve conjured up a version of me, made me a fantasy and everything else just a means to an end. Please, lets stop this.
Will clenched his fists, not from anger, but frustration. He was searching for words, any retort to unpick her reasoning, to turn her around.
Youre wrong, he insisted, meeting her gaze. Ive never felt this way about anyone else. This isnt fantasy. I love you.
Victoria bit her lip, holding her nerve. Who knew what William was capable of if she raised her voice? But silence wasnt an optionespecially when it concerned Emily, her dearest friend.
And what about Emily? She fixed him with a stare, searching for even a flicker of remorse. Do you realise the pain youve caused her? You used heryou come to me now, expecting Ill throw everything away for you?
I know Im to blame, he muttered, unable to meet her eyes. I know what I did was awful. But honestly, even if I could go back, I wouldnt change a thingId do it all the same.
You cant build happiness on someone elses suffering, Victoria shook her head, glancing quickly at her mobile. If only she could reach it. You cant love someone youve only invented. We barely spokehow could you love me? You love an illusion, a dream. Reality is always messier.
She paused, letting him absorb that, before continuing, You have to apologise to Emily. She deserves the truthand your apology.
For a moment, Will froze. His fingers trembled, tightening and loosening as he struggled to regain composure.
Whats the point? he said, finally. I told youI dont love her. She annoys me, always has. You youre the only one that matters.
Victoria felt a pang of sympathy, her fingers curling reflexively. But she pushed the feeling down. She couldnt afford to softenhe might misread it as hope.
You and I will never happen. Nor will you and Emily. And you know I wont keep silent about this.
Will stared, causing an involuntary shiver. At last, he sighed, Im leaving. But Im not giving up. Ill wait for the day you realise we belong together.
Dont, she said, shaking her head. Was it just her, or did she sense a threat? Dont wait. Live your life. Find someone real to lovesomeone you truly see. And now, please leave.
He made his way to the door, every step revealing the struggle within, each movement heavy. He stopped on the threshold and turned.
Thank you, for being honest, he said quietly, without drama. But this isnt goodbye.
And he slipped out, shutting the door gently behind him. Victoria stood in the silence, tension finally subsiding. She drifted to the window. Down below, the street was painted white, lamps casting golden halos on the snow. She watched Will go, hunched, hands deep in his pockets. His shoulders slumped as if the world weighed him down, each footstep more arduous than the last.
She watched until he disappeared around the corner, her insides trembling. Hed shocked her, unsettled her, and she knew she couldnt just let it lie. Who knew what hed say to Emily? What if he lied, what if he refused to back down?
Pulling her phone from her bag, she found Emilys number and hit call. Her heartbeat thudded, but her voice was calm, almost routine.
Emily? Hi. We need to talk. Its important.
On the other end, a gentle shuffling, as if Emily set papers aside. Concern coloured her friends voice.
Whats happened? Are you alright? You sound tense.
Victoria took a breath, steadying herself. She didnt want to dramatise, but neither could she delay.
Will was just here, she began, each word careful, hoping not to wound more than was inevitable. He told me he only started seeing you to be close to me. That he never loved you, that you were just a way to get to me.
A heavy silence ensued. Victoria pictured Emily hunched over, clutching her phone, struggling to process it. The quiet stretched, and Victoria almost spoke again, but then Emily answered, her voice trembling.
What does that mean? Did he really How could he
I hated saying it, but I couldnt let you go on not knowing. Youre my best friend. Victorias voice came in a rush, betraying her jittery nerves. He says he loves me, wants me to leave my fiancé for him. He he wasnt himself tonight. I was honestly frightened.
Another pause. Victoria heard Emilys deep intake of breath, as if bracing herself.
Right, Emily finally said, voice controlled but breaking underneath. So what now?
I truly dont know, Victoria answered honestly. My guess is hell be round to see you, but what lies hell tell, I cant say. Are you home alone? His behaviour has me truly worried.
Emily went silent, then answered, very quietly, Dont worry. Itll be fine. But thank you for telling me.
Im sorry you had to hear it this way. Victoria meant it.
Its alright. Better truth than lies, I suppose, Emily replied, her tone now steadier, but still small and hurt.
They said their goodbyes, and Victoria set her phone aside. The quiet returned, almost oppressive in its completeness. She went to the window once more, pressing her forehead to the cold glass, watching the snow swirl in the lamplight. Somewhere in this frosted city, two people would now face their truths, and all Victoria could do was hope that in time, theyd each find their way.
Her thoughts wanderedbut none lingered long. She imagined Emilys pain, the struggle ahead to reconcile reality with what shed believed. But Victoria knew well: better a bitter truth than a sweet liebecause lies always surface, bringing even more pain
*****
Meanwhile, Emily sat in her kitchena mug of tea untouched before her, the conversation with Victoria echoing inside her head, mingling with memories. Williams attention, the way he laughed and joked, how hed told her he loved her, holding her hand with shy earnestness. He never loved me, spun round her mind, splintering her world. The home shed built in her heart now seemed to collapse, not with agony but an inescapable, numbing sense of loss.
She touched the mugthe tea now stone cold. The ticking clock counted the seconds, pressing on, indifferent to heartbreak.
She breathed deep, searching for what to do: ring William? Wait? Ask Victoria over? Nothing felt right. For now, she needed timetime to process, to accept, to learn how to go on.
A knock at the door startled her as she poured a fresh cup, trying to collect herself. She peered through the peepholeWill. For a moment, she froze, uncertain whether to open. Would he lie again, or would he finally confess?
Pulling open the door, she saw himsnow melting on his coat, hair flecked with ice, face drained and eyes red-rimmed, as if he hadnt slept or had been out in the cold for hours. He radiated both resolve and palpable confusion.
Emily, he began, not waiting for an invitation. I need to tell youto say it all. I I never
Victoria already told me, Emily cut him off, her voice calm but icy. Hearing it from him was so much worse. I dont think theres anything left for you to explain.
He stopped mid-word, shoulders sinking. He raised a hand as if to touch her, then withdrew it, lowering his gaze.
So she called, he murmured. I hoped Id get here first. Explain it myself, before you heard from someone else.
Emily crossed her arms, struggling to stop the wave of hurt rising up. She wouldnt let herself cry. But the words came anyway.
Why are you here? she asked, keeping her voice steady, though a tremor broke her resolve. To say it all again? To make me feel worthless? So I hear, once more, I was just a stepping stone to another woman?
No he began, moving forward, but she instinctively retreated. He stopped, seeing her recoil. No. I just needed to apologisefor lying, for not telling you from the start. For using you.
He paused, searching his mind for words that might somehow lessen the blow.
I know its no excuse. I know Ive hurt you. And I dont expect you to forgive, or understand. But I couldnt just disappear without saying it to your face. I truly am sorry.
Emily stared back, unsure whether she felt rage, or contempt. No, it was contemptcold, clear. For his casual cruelty with others hearts.
You could have told me sooner, she said quietly. You could have just told the truthyou dont care for me. But instead you ran to Victoria, begging her to abandon her fiancé for you. And now you say youre sorry?
He gave a crooked smile, jamming his hands in his pockets. I realised this was my last chance. Victoria was slipping away. I didnt think about any of the rest.
He fumbled a small box from his pocketthe same one from earlierhis hands shaking as he opened it and held it out.
Heretake this. Consider it reparation, he whispered.
Emily gazed at the ring. Simple but elegantthin gold band with a subtle, brilliant diamond catching the lamplight. Was he trying to humiliate her furtheroffering the ring meant for someone else?
She lifted her eyesdry, steady, unwavering.
Keep it, she said coldly. I want nothing from you.
Will clenched the box, knuckles whitehis face drained of all colour, desperation flickering.
Emily, please his voice a last plea. I know Im to blame, and theres no excuse for it. ButI want to make things right.
She tilted her head, as though staring at a stranger. Once, shed loved this man. Now he was simply unknown to hershrouded in lies.
Make things right? She let out a bitter, joyless laugh. How? Marry me out of guilt? Throw yourself under a bus so Id have one last burden? Dont insult us both!
He flinched as if struck, but met her eyes, letting her speak.
Id like to start againhonestly, he ventured one step forward, stopping as she recoiled. Clean slate. No lies.
Emily shook her head, motion slow, voice certain.
You can only start over with those you trust. And I dont believe a single word you say. You wrecked everything. Even if you mean it now, its too late.
She inhaled deeply before continuing, I need timespace. I dont want to see or hear from you. Just go. You cant fix thistheres nothing to fix anymore.
Will nodded, slipping the box back into his pocket. I understand. Im sorry truly.
He started for the door, but glanced back.
If you ever
I wont, Emily answered, cool and final, before he finished.
She didnt say morethe doorbell rang again. Who could it be now?
Moving to the door, she peered through. Standing outside was AlexanderVictorias fiancé. Tall, smartly dressed, his brown hair neatly parted and eyes cold, impenetrable. His expression was controlled, but tension was plaina man whod come to settle unfinished business.
Emily opened the door. Alexander didnt smile, didnt greet her, but asked in an emotionless tone, May I come in?
She stepped back. At once, she saw Will blanch, physically shrinking away from Alexanders stoic presence.
I know whats happened, Alexander said, his gaze on William. I know what you didto them both.
Will opened his mouth, but Alexander cut him off, sharp and unwavering.
Enough. Victoria told me everything. And you know what I decided? Some lessons are best taught without words.
He strode forward, Will retreating unconsciously to the wall, fear gathering in his eyes.
Alecdont Emily tried to intervene, torn between anger and lingering affection for Will. Even in her hurt, some foolish part of her didnt want him broken. Foolish, foolish girl.
But Alexander barely acknowledged her. Not your business, Emily. Havent you suffered enough? Hell get whats coming.
Emily hesitated, tornshould she intervene or back away?
Will pressed himself against the wall, panic mounting. Only then did it dawn on him how far his obsession had taken himthat Alexander was never going to let this slide.
Listen he stammered, I know Im in the wrong. Ive apologised to Victoria and Emily. I
An apology? Alexander gave a humourless chuckle. You think a sorry brings back what you destroyed? The trust of two people? That you get to plead for pity?
Alexander moved inunyielding. Will balled his fists, steeling himself, even though he knew resistance was pointless.
Emily drew breath, trying to regain control. She didnt want a scene, but she couldnt stand aside.
Alexander, please,” she said, firm, yet gentle. Violence won’t solve this. Lets talk.
For a breath, Alexander paused, recognition flickering. But it vanishedhed made his mind up.
Words wont do, Alexander declared, calm and cold. His movements were swift, precisea man used to command without wasted effort. A single, sharp punchand Will collapsed, clutching his split lip, blood staining his hand.
Thats just the beginning, Alexander said, voice flat. If you come near either of them again, itll be worse. Is that clear?
Will said nothing, rising slowly, dignity fractured but not entirely gone. He mopped his face, cast a quick look at Emily searching for sympathy, but found none.
He walked to the door, stopped as if about to speakbut meeting Alexanders icy glare, thought better of it. He left, door clicking quietly behind him, leaving silence heavy in his wake.
Alexander turned to Emily, his sternness softening just a little.
Im sorry you saw that, he said, stepping closer. I know violence isnt the answer, but some men only listen that way.
Emily gazed at him, trying to process it all. She hadnt expected the evening to turn soyet she wasnt shocked, exactly. Somewhere deep down, she saw the protection in Alexanders actions.
You shouldnt have she started, but faltered. Or maybe you should have. I dont know. But thank you.
He smiled gently.
I know what youre going through, he said more warmly. Betrayal hurts. But youre strong, Emilyyoull be alright.
She nodded, the emotional storm within her finally easing. She was strong; she knew it. Sometimes, though, it was easy to forget.
Thank you, she whispered, her gratitude real. For standing up for me. Even like that.
Victorias been worried about you, he added gently. She wanted to come herself, but I told her Id handle it.
Shes my best friend, Emily replied with a sigh, voice brimming with affection. And youre good for her. Im happy she has you.
The room sank into silence once more. Outside, snowflakes drifted slowly, blanketing the city. Emily inhaled, awkward calm replacing the whirlwind. She knewthered be work ahead: on herself, her heart, what it meant to trust again. But she had what shed never noticed before: confidence that she wasnt alone, that she had people on her side.
After Alexander left, Emily sank onto the sofa.
Its over, she thought, the notion bringing an odd relief. Pain lingered, but she knew: this wasnt the endit was a new beginning. Shed have to learn to trust again, to dream, perhaps even to love. But this time, without illusionsonly for what was real
****
Meanwhile, Will trudged along the snowy London street, oblivious to the chill. Flurries landed on his collar and face, melting without remark. His lip throbbed, a dull reminder of his folly, but the ache inside was far fiercer. Hed lost them both. Emilyforever, with nothing left but bitter memories and unanswerable questions. Victorialong ago, back when he mistook dreams and lies for hope. Hed destroyed everything, and now loneliness and guilt hollowed him out completely.
Next morning, Will arrived at work with a split lip and a purpling bruise under his eye. Colleagues threw curious glances, muttering, but none dared ask outright. He was in no mood to explain. He simply wanted to make it to days end, to keep his head down.
Within a week, hed filed for a transfer to Manchester. His manager looked surprised, but, reading Wills grim expression, signed the paperwork without protest. Will knew he had to goevery street, every corner, every building here was a reminder of what hed ruined. Of the people hed hurt. Of the fantasies hed spun.
Before leaving, he stopped by a jewellers and returned the ring. The saleswoman arched an eyebrow, but processed the refund with a practised smile. Will gave no explanations, no storiesjust handed over the box, took the cash, and left, feeling marginally lighter.
He transferred the money to Emilys account with a short note: Im sorry. Its rightfully yours. No excuses, no embellishments, just that simple truth.
On the day of his departure, he stood outside his old flat, taxi idling at the kerb. Thick flakes muted the world, hiding the grime, turning even the citys harsh edges gentle. Will looked up, breathing in the colda pungent, thrilling sort of air that filled his lungs with the promise of change. For a fleeting moment, it seemed the world had paused, giving him one last chance to reflect.
I ruined it, he whispered, not so much a complaint as an acceptance. There was no going back, only consequences to face.
Taxi waiting, he cast one final look at the buildingonce a sanctuary, now just bricks and mortar. He slid inside, murmured Euston station, please, and the car pulled away.
Through the window, snowflakes blurred the view, whitewashing the familiar city behind. Will looked ahead, knowing only that the road before him was long. Hed have to learn to live anew.
Meanwhile, Emily sat in a snug café with Victoria and Alexander. Three mugs of steaming cocoa glowed on the oak tablea minor comfort in this weather.
Their conversation flowedgentle, easy. Victoria spoke of the wedding, her laughter shy, her cheeks pink as she recounted how shed fussed over dress fittings and floral choices. Emily listened, an embryonic sense of hope kindling within: that life would, actually, continue. Alexander, ordinarily reserved, was today especially attentivenever interrupting, only adding quiet support.
You know, Emily said, gazing at the swirling snow beyond the glass, I dont hate him anymore. I just I wish things had turned out differently.
Her words were steady, free from resentment. She didnt pretend to be tougher than she was, but nor did she wallow in regret. It was simply a truthquiet, clear.
Victoria reached across, squeezing her shoulder in support, her touch a warming reassurance.
Youve nothing to regret, she replied with conviction. You deserve kindness and honestynot masks and games.
Emily nodded. She believed it nowher friends faith was real, not just to comfort her.
Yes, she answered softly, meeting Victorias eyes. And I will find it.
There was no bluster to her wordsthey were simple, grounded. As the snow continued to fall, it felt as if a chapter ended, the cityand themselvesready for a new story.
In the cosiness of that candlelit café, as the cocoa cooled, the three of them sensed the truth: whatever had come before, life pressed onand that, more than anything, mattered.
