After the honeymoon—bitter truths and a fresh start
Vera and Arthur had just returned from their honeymoon in sunny Montenegro. She settled comfortably on the sofa and called out toward the bathroom:
“What film shall we watch?”
“Don’t know, you choose!” came her husband’s reply.
Vera switched on his laptop and absentmindedly glanced at the unpacked suitcases in the hallway. “I’ll deal with them tomorrow,” she muttered, shifting her gaze—just as a notification chimed. A message flashed on the screen. She clicked it—and froze as if struck by lightning.
“I miss you, darling,” wrote a stranger named Millie.
“Don’t be sad, I’ll be back soon,” Arthur had replied.
The date on the message was the eighth of August—the day before they’d returned home. Vera opened the conversation and, holding her breath, began to read: “Millie, that evening was magical…” “Are you coming over tonight?” “Yes, sweetheart, I’ve missed you so much…”
She snapped the laptop shut. A moment later, Arthur stepped out of the bathroom.
“Found a film, then? Fancy a comedy?”
“Oh, yes… a comedy’s about to start,” Vera said coldly. “Who’s Millie?”
He went pale.
“What Millie? I don’t know any Millie!”
“Really? Then take a look!” She flung the laptop onto his lap. “We’ve barely got back, and you’ve already found time for a mistress?”
“Wait… It meant nothing. Had too much at the office party, she latched onto me… It was a mistake! I love you!”
“A mistake? Marrying you was the mistake!” Vera stormed out of the flat, slamming the door behind her.
In the cab, she stared silently out the window, tears streaking her cheeks. “Is this really happening to me?”
Outside her parents’ house, her mother greeted her.
“Darling, what’s wrong?”
“I’m filing for divorce. I won’t live with a cheat!”
“Hush, love… come inside, we’ll talk. Calm down.”
A week passed. Her mother pleaded with her to stay.
“Why rent a place? Live with us as long as you like.”
“Mum, I’m thirty. I need my own space.”
She spent two days searching for a flat. Yesterday, she’d filed the papers. Arthur still tried—calling, sending flowers—all unanswered.
By the next month, Vera had settled into her new home. Two weeks without a single tear. She buried herself in work to numb the thoughts. But weekends were hard—loneliness pressed in like a weight.
One evening, she sat flicking mindlessly through TV channels, ice cream in hand, lost in apathy. Then—an unexpected decision.
“How much longer will I sit in these four walls?” Vera muttered, stepping outside.
The park was warm and quiet—lantern glow, tree shadows, lovers strolling. But soon darkness crept in. Vera turned back—only to realise she was lost.
Footsteps sounded behind her. She quickened her pace.
“Excuse me, miss—” a voice called.
She broke into a run, then tripped. Strong hands caught her before she hit the ground.
“All right? Didn’t mean to scare you. Name’s Jake.”
He stepped back, held up empty palms, and added:
“I live nearby. Saw you circling the paths…”
Vera remained tense, but his gentle voice, kind eyes, and easy smile softened the ice within.
“I just can’t find the way out,” she admitted.
“May I walk you home?”
The stroll passed in a blink. Jake joked, told stories, made her laugh… At her doorstep, they slowed.
“Goodnight, Vera.”
“Goodnight, Jake…” She sighed faintly.
“Mind if I wait till you’re inside? Just in case you get lost again.” He grinned.
The next day, still replaying the evening, Vera headed out for coffee—only to nearly collide with Jake in the hallway, two cups in hand.
“Finally awake, sleepyhead? Been waiting all morning! Coffee?”
“You? What are you doing here?”
“Living here. Been your neighbour for two weeks. Seen you about, but never got the chance to say hello.”
She hesitated. He smiled.
“Well? Coffee?”
“I’m not sure—”
“What if I’ve got biscuits?”
“Well… maybe.”
Her phone rang.
“Yes, Mum… No, I haven’t changed my mind. I’m staying here. I like it here.”
And for the first time in far too long, Vera felt warmth—real warmth—spreading through her.
