He didnt win me over right away.
Oh, hes already making a move on you? Maybe youre just imagining it? Maybe it was an accident?
Mum, what just imagining about? I thought Id end up an orphan after Tom left Hes a head taller than me!
You know, men dont raise a hand without reason Youve always been fiery since you were a child. If something feels off, youll see it through to the bitter end.
Verity was stunned by those words. She had expected her mothers protection, her outrage, at least a hint of sympathy, but got none of that. It felt as if the blame were also hers. And if, God forbid, things really went south, her mother would still point the finger at her?
How can I not be fiery when he calls everyone bunny and kitty? Ive heard those nicknames from him for three years straight! Verity snapped.
Look, were already shouting at Mum, Lucy said with a hint of irritation. Listen, Verity, a threat isnt a strike. He doesnt drink, he doesnt stay out late, he works. Sure, hes got a strong character. All of them do, and so do you. Have you ever had a better man? Think carefully before you do anything rash…
Oh, Mum, thats enough. Thanks for the support, Verity replied, hanging up.
Physical abuse, betrayal and lies were things Verity could never accept, especially in marriage. Nigel had a whole package. Verity had already decided not to back down, but she was puzzled by her mothers reaction, as if Verity were complaining about a shops expired goods. That just didnt fit in Veritys head. Shed simply not noticed many things before.
Lucy Whitmore had a curious habit of changing shoes midstep, even turning around while jumping. Shed say one thing to your face and another behind it. Her smile was sweet and mischievous, but her eyes often stayed cold and judgemental.
Oh, what a cute dress! It looks lovely on you, shed coo when Veritys little sister tried on a frock in a department store.
Then Lucy would glance at the price tag, raise an eyebrow in surprise and instantly flip her opinion.
Actually, you know, with your legs they look a bit short in that, shed declare in a decisive tone. No, lets look at something else.
In the end they bought cheap synthetic fabric in a drab mauvebrown shade, the wrong size but on sale, and Lucy would brag to her friends about the great bargain.
Some mums even tailor dresses for the leavers dinner. And thats in Year10! Lucy complained to a mate over the phone. Theyve gone mad. Its just one night, a small sum. I bought mine at the clearance, its not a loss. Maybe shell wear it somewhere later.
Veritys friends were similar. She once turned up at a birthday party with a slice of cake. Oh, Lily is such a good girl, her parents are proper, the hostess whispered. Lucy would instantly switch gears.
Why is she here? Remember: no friends allowed inside the house! she lectured Verity. Get used to that early. Friends are like that: first they act like angels, then they gossip behind your back or whisk your husband away.
The same went for Nigel. At first, Lucy didnt approve of Veritys choice.
Whats he good for? He appears, then disappears A decent bloke wouldnt behave like that. I can feel in my heart youre not his only one, Lucy warned.
And Verity believed her. She had no real experience, and her mothers authoritative voice drowned out any inner doubts.
Verity tried to break up with Nigel. Instead, it only spurred him to court her more aggressively. He sent flowers to the house a couple of times, ordered sushi on other occasions, and Lucys resolve melted.
You cant let a man like that slip away! she said, trying to spear up some sushi with a fork. He may not be perfect, but perfect men are as rare as puppies. You dont want to end up alone with thirty cats, do you? So grab the bull by the horns and marry him.
Again, Verity obeyed her mother like a dutiful daughter. Mum never gives bad advice, she thought.
There were warning signs, even before the sudden disappearances. Nigels mood swung often: gentle and tender one moment, grouchy and harsh the next. He was jealous of Veritys friends, constantly criticised her clothes, and declared he liked short skirts and highheeled shoes.
Yet Verity listened to Lucy, and six months later she found herself with a stamped passport.
The first few months were honeysweet: romantic dinners, glossy selfies, daily surprises. Then things shifted.
Nigel stopped asking what Verity wanted. He scrutinised her shopping lists, scolding her for every extra item, even a bottle of hair dye. He almost banned her from wearing red lipstick, saying it made her look like a loose woman.
Both worked, but the household chores fell entirely on Verity. Nigel came home early, always greeting her at the door with Whats for dinner? After the meal, he would stand, turn, and retreat to his computer, leaving piles of dishes behind.
Nigel, could you at least wash your own plate? Verity asked one evening, gathering courage.
Why, you think Im not looking after you?
Its just Im exhausted.
Im tired too. I was at work all day.
Verity was at a loss. She was also toiling hard, but Nigel was indifferent. He shrugged, saying his own mother managed everything, even with sons to look after.
What did you expect when you got married? Lucy asked when Verity complained. A woman must keep everything running. Families depend on us.
Verity didnt agree, but when everyone around echoed the same sentiment, she began to wonder if something was wrong with her.
Time marched on. Verity gave birth, and things only worsened. In public they seemed a perfect couple; behind closed doors they bickered over trivialities. Nigel refused to help with the baby, insisting a fathers role only began after the childs first year. He started sleeping in another room, claiming the infants cries kept him from getting up for work. When Verity woke in the night, she sometimes found Nigel awake, scrolling on his phone.
She tried to talk, but Nigel shut her out completely, declaring, Your feelings are your problem. If you dont like something, the door is that way. He said this calmly while Verity explained her concerns, pleading for a joint effort.
Youre just demanding too much, Lucy remarked when Verity confided again. What more do you want? He works, provides, you live in his flat
Verity tried to convince herself everything was still fine; after all, arguments happen to everyone.
One day she discovered a series of messages on Nigels phone. No explicit evidence, but the tone was full of bunny, sunshine, kitten a whole virtual zoo of affectionate nicknames. The chats hinted at flirtations, if not outright affairs. To Verity, that was betrayal.
She finally confronted him.
Its just banter, he tried to explain. Colleagues, friends I just talk like that to keep things friendly. It makes negotiations easier. Why are you so upset? You should trust me.
Trust was hard to rebuild with a man who kept a virtual harem.
The argument escalated; Nigel pointed to the door, then, in a flash, raised his hand. Verity couldnt accept that, but she couldnt flee either, hoping her mother would intervene.
Its just letters, love, its nothing, Lucy tried to soothe her in a matteroffact tone. Hes just craving attention. Youve been with Tom all day, you know? Hes just compensating.
Lucys opinion never shifted, even when Verity told her how close shed come to being harmed.
Verity had to pull herself together. When her friends learned she was filing for divorce, they were shocked; she had never complained to them. Yet, to Veritys surprise, there were still kind people around.
One friend handed over the spare key to her flat. Shed just moved in with her boyfriend, leaving the place vacant. Another offered a loan. A third helped with the move.
A couple of weeks later Verity filed for divorce and left Nigel. Her mothers reaction was once more surprising.
Good riddance! Hes a tyrant, Lucy blurted. I didnt like him from the start. Remember I told you decent men dont act like that?
Verity blinked, bewildered. Yes, Lucy had said that, then later urged her not to give him up, calling him caring and attentive. The contradictions piled up.
Mum werent you the one who tried to stop me from divorcing?
I didnt know youd have anyone to turn to! Where would you go? Lucy retorted, then softened. You have me, of course but Im old, I barely have space, and being a single mum is hard, I know that well.
Thats when Verity finally understood. Her mother changed her stance not out of kindness, but for her own convenience. She bought cheap clothes for Verity, refused to host her friends, coaxed her not to divorce so she wouldnt end up back with the childs father.
Two years passed. Verity still kept in touch with Lucy, but stopped sharing her life or seeking advice. She no longer visited, and Lucy hardly let her in. Finances were tight and work demanding, but her mind felt lighter.
One day the phone rang.
Verity Ive come down with a nasty virus. No meds at home, no food. I could really use a soup could you drop by for an hour?
Verity raised an eyebrow. Visiting a sick mother for an hour while she had a child seemed dubious.
Tell me what you need, Ill order it, she replied.
Silence lingered. Lucy clearly hoped for a different answer.
No deliveries, thanks, Lucy said, a hint of irritation in her voice. I just wanted to see you. Maybe these are my last days.
Mum Id love to help, but you were right about being a single mum. Supplying medicine and food is my duty, but being there requires trust, and I dont trust you. Youre a master at changing shoes.
Lucy sighed, complained weakly, but could not sway her daughter.
Since then Verity has become very careful about whom she trusts, and she tries not to be fooled again, even when she really wants to.
