After twentythree years of marriage, Veronica Clarkes home life had become dreadfully dull. Her daughter had married and moved to London with her husband, leaving Veronica and her husband Edward to live alone. Veronica could see that Edward, too, was pulling away.
Lily, could you come over on Saturday? Ill ask Daisy to join us, and we can have a proper catchup like we used to. Its been ages since weve all been together, Veronica said. Edwards gone angling with his mates.
Sounds lovely, Ill be there, Lily replied.
Veronica settled the two friends onto the sofa, turned on some soft music, and slipped into the kitchen. She returned with a tray, set it on the coffee table, poured a few glasses of brandy, looked over her guests and smiled.
Heres to us, the lovely lot!
Everyone raised their glasses, though Lily remained solemn.
Everything alright, Lily? No virtual date tonight? Veronica asked.
Lily took a sip, grimaced, and said, Ugh, this stuff tastes awful.
What? Its perfectly fine, isnt it, Daisy? Veronica laughed. We dont have it every day, just a little something for the mood
Daisy giggled; she knew Lily rarely drank anything stronger than a gin and tonic, and anything with a higher proof made her wince.
Nina, dont look at her like thatshes a teetotaler. Shell only have a couple of sips in a hundred years, Lily muttered, waving half a glass before also grimacing.
Why didnt it work out? Lily asked Veronica, eyes on her.
Oh, then tell us how the date went, Veronica prompted.
It was fine. He seems nice, good looks, pleasant conversation, not a bore Hes settled: runs a business, has a flat, a nice car, Lily replied.
Sounds like a solid start, Daisy chuckled, by the way, Nina, lets sign you up to a dating site too.
Why would I need that? Veronica asked, surprised. I have Edward, and it feels a bit improper. You do what you like, meet whomever you want.
Someone recently complained that their Edward doesnt pay attention, just stares into space, Lily interjected.
It doesnt have to be an affair, Daisy clarified, just chat for the soul, for a bit of fun. Lets get you a profile and write a line.
After a couple of glasses of brandy, Veronica agreed. They sat at the laptop and typed: Witty woman with a good sense of humour looking for a gentleman for lively correspondence. My name is Lila.
Veronica forgot about the posting. Work piled upreports, client meetings, endless emails. Two weeks later, on a Friday, she finally checked her inbox.
About twenty messages waited. Most were crass, so she deleted them. One, however, caught her eye.
Ive long wanted to talk to a clever, cheerful woman. Im married, but my wife has stopped showing any interest in me. Our marriage has become routine and boring. Im not an old man; Im fortyseven, my name is Ian.
The letter mirrored Veronicas own life. She decided to reply.
My marriage feels empty too. Its sad to admit, but I havent had a real hearttoheart with Edward for years, which is why I posted. I crave warm conversation, yet I still love my husband. I just want a kindred spirit with whom I can share thoughts, even if only by pen.
Lily, youve got a reply, Veronica said later.
Yes, but only one. I deleted all the othersthey were lewd, Lily responded, laughing.
Your virtual friend doing okay? Veronica asked.
Oh, absolutely. Gleb is a decent chap, but his soul is bruised after his divorce. His ex walked out with a younger man, almost his sons age. Their son is married now, Lily confided.
Give him time to heal. Maybe youll marry again, Veronica smiled, not everything on dating sites is scandalous. Perhaps its your destiny.
Two days later, a reply from Ian arrived.
I see we have much in common. Im also looking for virtual conversation because I still love my wife, though she can be irksome at times. I cant stand her friends endless girls nightsthey seem frivolous, and I cant tell her that without hurting her feelings. She spends more time with them than with me.
Veronica thought it over.
Yes, his life sounds dull, but he does love his wife. We too have girls nights, and perhaps Edward feels the same, though hes never mentioned it. He would say something if it bothered him, she mused, calming herself.
She sent Ian a reply.
I sympathise with you. As for girls nights, women need each others companyto unwind, laugh, even cry. It doesnt mean they forget the family. In my case, it seems Edward is quite content.
Veronica shared the exchange with Daisy and Lily, who encouraged her. Lilys own romance with Gleb was progressing nicely.
Gleb booked a holiday for two weeks; were off to Turkey to soak up the sun, Lily bragged.
Lucky you, Lily, Daisy replied, no ones offered me a break yet.
What about you, Nina? Maybe another gentleman will appear. Lifes unpredictablekeep hope alive, Veronica said.
Wheres this mysterious gentleman roaming? Daisy teased.
Soon Lily and Gleb were on their Turkish getaway. Veronicas online correspondence with Ian continued, three messages a week, his wit and charm drawing her in more each day.
Meanwhile, her marriage with Edward grew more strained. The more time Edward spent at work, the more often Veronica wrote to Ian. One day Edward surprised her with a bouquet of roses.
Edward, why the flowers? she asked.
Just because. Why not? he replied, though she sensed the gesture lacked genuine feeling.
A suspicion grew that Edward might have another woman, but she couldnt bring herself to ask.
If it hadnt been for Ians suggestion to meet in person, the affair of imagination might have lingered forever.
Veronica, I know we never planned to meet, but now that Ive discovered we live in the same town, I keep wondering: could you be the one? Id like to see you in real life. Lets meet.
Veronica agreed. I have nothing to lose; a single meeting isnt infidelity. Besides, Edwards been busy lately.
She prepared carefullywent to the hairdresser, trimmed her hair shorter, a change shed been mulling over. She imagined Ians face, recalling hed promised to bring a white rose.
She entered the café and, to her shock, saw Edward standing there, eyes wide.
Veronica! What are you doing here? Edward blurted, startled.
On the table lay a pristine white rose, and everything clicked.
So thats you? I never guessed Ian was a madeup name, Edward said, smiling wryly. Just like Lila. Take a seat; we have a lot to talk about.
They sat opposite each other. At first the conversation stumbled. Veronica wrestled with guilt for meeting a stranger behind Edwards back, while also feeling angry at Edward for doing the same. She recalled the messages shed sent him about his behavior.
Edward, too, seemed haunted by similar thoughts. Veronica was the first to break the silence.
So you think Ive become less attractive?
Not todayyou look wonderful. Unfortunately, that doesnt help me, Edward replied.
You said you loved your wifestill true?
Absolutely! Its just that weve lost our spark. You have no time for me, and I have none for you, Edward confessed sadly.
And you both still waste time on that website, Veronica smirked.
It seems we need a fresh start, Edward suggested. Veronica smiled and nodded.
Agreed, Edward took both of her hands, looking into her eyes. Now I see my beloved wife right in front of me.
And I see my beloved husband. Its a pity the letters will end, Veronica laughed.
Why? We could keep writing to each other, Edward said.
Veronica realized that the excitement of secret chats had masked the deeper issue: both had been drifting, seeking validation elsewhere while forgetting the bond they already shared. She decided that honesty, attention, and simple togetherness were the real antidotes to monotony.
In the end, they promised to rebuild their marriage, to speak openly, and to cherish the ordinary moments that make life extraordinary. The lesson was clear: chasing fantasies only deepens loneliness; true fulfillment comes from nurturing the love thats already present.
