Between Truth and Dream
Victoria wraps herself in a soft wool blanket, enjoying the calm and quiet of her home. Outside, snowflakes drift lazily past her window, gliding onto the ledge in a silent winter ballet. Shes just returned from a final wedding dress fittingan event shes awaited with nerves and barely-contained excitement. In her arms, she still clutches a carrier bag full of accessories: delicate pearl earrings, a slender tiara, and other little touches meant to perfect her bridal look. Her mind swirls with images of the big dayhow shell look in her new dress, the light dancing on her jewellery, the guests admiring glances.
Her thoughts are suddenly interrupted by an urgent ring at the door. Victoria jumps, clutching the blanket tighter. She glances at the clockten to seven. Who could be calling at this hour? Perhaps its a delivery shes forgotten, or maybe Mrs. Harris from next door in need of a favour?
She peers through the spy hole, warily. She cant quite see who it isa tall man, but his face is hidden. Victoria hesitates to open the door.
Who is it? she calls, aiming for a calm voice.
Its me, William, comes the reply, slightly muffled by the wooden door. I need to talk to you. Its urgent.
Victoria hesitates. Shes not exactly wondering whats so pressing. But then she recallsperhaps somethings happened to Anna? She unlatches the door and leaves it on the chain. William stands at her threshold, snow clinging to his coat and melting into dark patches on the fabric. His face is unusually pale, his eyes oddly alightit unnerves her. Victoria even wonders if she shouldnt have answered at all; something seems off.
Come in, she says, stepping aside to mask her concern. She can hardly just slam the door in his face. Youre positively soaked.
William steps into her living room, not bothering to remove his shoesthe melting snow from his boots instantly marks the pale wooden floor, but he doesnt seem to notice. His gaze is distant, as if hes looking at something only he can see. Victoria watches him quietly, an anxious knot forming in her chest. She can sense a serious conversation is coming.
Victoria, he says, nervously twisting his gloves. I cant keep it in anymore. I love you.
She freezes in disbelief.
William, you she starts, but her voice fails her.
He steps closer, desperate, as if he fears this is his only chance.
I know youre getting married. I know this is all mad! But I cant say nothing. Ive tried for months to forget, to move on, but I cant. His words are quiet but determined; each one seems to cost him a piece of himself. I should have told you sooner. I only ever dated Anna because I wanted to be nearer to you. I never loved her. Never!
A cold wave passes through Victoria. He dated her friend for selfish reasonsfor her? Poor Anna, who really did fall for him.
She drops her blanket onto the chair, as if that might help her regain her grip on reality. The air in the room feels heavier now.
William she starts again, choosing her words. Do you understand what youre saying? I have a fiancé. I love him. Were getting married soon. Its serious. And Anna
He nods, not breaking his gaze. Hes in pain, but theres a strange peace in him, as if hes finally unburdened himself.
I know. But staying quietsoon youll be out of my life for good. He pauses, summoning courage. I know this isnt the time or place. But if I didnt say it now, Id regret it forever. Anna means nothing to me. She never did. Youre the only one that matters.
Victoria tightens inside. Her voice, now detached and shaky, comes from somewhere far off.
How can you even say that? she whispers.
Its true, William insists. I went out with Anna hoping youd see what a caring, generous man I am. I wanted you to realise we belong together. Now I knowwithout you, my life is empty.
He lowers himself onto one knee, trembling fingers pulling a small ring from his pocket. It glimmers softly in the lamps lightsimple, patterned, with a small stone.
Leave him. Leave your fiancé and be with me. I swear Ill make you happy.
Victoria stares at him, awash with fragments of memory: William and Anna laughing together at a party, holding hands gently, him gazing at Anna so warmly Victoria once thought her friend had truly found happiness. Was it all a lie? The whole picture has come apart, and she doesnt know how to piece it back together.
Stand up, she says, barely audible. Please.
William rises slowly, hope lingering in his eyesbut its fading.
You dont believe me?
I do, Victoria answers, steady now. But it doesnt change anything.
She steps back, needing space to gather herself. The words are hard but she knows she must be honest.
Youre my friend, William. But I love someone else. Im marrying him. Hes the one for me. I need no one else.
He drops his gaze, fidgeting with the ring.
What if Id told you sooner? Before you met him?
She considers, then replies softly:
My answer would have been the same. Sorry, but Ive never thought of you that way. Youre a good personI wont deny it. But youre not my type.
He moves towards her, desperate, stubborn.
Why? I know you care. Ive seen the way you look at me. Theres something between us, isnt there?
Victoria edges toward the door, suddenly uneasy at the look in his eyes. She hurriedly rehearses her escapeif she shoves him, perhaps hell fall onto the sofa, giving her time to run out onto the landing.
Theres nothing between us, William, she forces her voice level. Youre not in love; youre obsessed. Youve made up a story in your head where Im perfect and everyone else is a prop. Lets end this now.
William clenches his fistsnot in anger, but in powerlessness. He searches for words to prove her wrong.
Youre mistaken, he says, eyes locked on hers. Ive never felt for anyone what I feel for you. Its not fantasyits love. Real love.
Victoria bites her lip, struggling to keep her composure, not wanting to agitate him. Still, she cant just listen in silence, not when her friend is involved.
And what about Anna? she asks, searching his eyes for any sign of guilt. Do you get how much youve hurt her? You used her to get to me, and now you expect me to drop everything for you?
I know Im at fault, he says quietly. But honestlyId do it all the same way again.
You cant build happiness from someone elses pain, she shakes her head, glancing toward her phone. And you cant love someone you only imagineyou dont even really know me. You love an idea, a dream. Realitys always more complicated.
She falls silent for a few seconds, letting her words land before continuing:
You need to tell Anna the truth. She deserves to know everything. You need to apologise.
William freezes, hands trembling as he tries to compose himself.
Why would I? I told youshe irritates me. But you youre different.
A shadow of pity flickers through Victoria. She clenches her hands, determined not to let it showpity would send the wrong signal. He might take it for hope.
Theres no chance with me, or with Anna. You dont expect me to keep quiet?
For a moment he just stares, hard enough to make her shiver. Finally, he says:
Ill leave. But Im not giving up. Ill wait for you to realise were made for each other.
Dont, William. Her voice is firmer now, and she could swear she detected a hint of threat in his words. Dont wait. Get on with your life. Find someone you can actually lovesomeone real, not imagined. Please, just go.
William trudges toward the door, every step revealing his inner struggle, as if each footfall is a burden. He pauses on the threshold, looks back.
Thank you for your honesty, he says, simply and sincerely. But Im not saying goodbye.
Then he leaves, shutting the door gently behind him. Alone, Victoria finally lets out a breath, feeling the tension slip away. She moves to the window. Outside, the snow-covered street glows under golden lamplight. William walks away, shoulders hunched, hands deep in his pockets. Every step seems to weigh him down.
Victoria watches him vanish round the corner, her heart unsettled. She needs to make sure Anna has the truth. Who knows what William might say to her, or what promises hell make?
She grabs her phone, finds Annas number and calls. Her heart drums a little faster, but her voice is steady:
Anna, hi. We need to talk. Its important.
She hears shuffling at the other end, perhaps papers being pushed aside. Annas voice is tinged with concern:
Whats wrong? You sound on edge. Are you alright?
Victoria breathes in, composing herself. She doesnt want to frighten Anna, but she cant hold this back.
Williams just been here, she begins, choosing her words with care. He confessed he only started seeing you because he wanted to get closer to me. He says he never loved youthat you were just a way in.
A long silence follows. Victoria imagines Anna, holding the phone, struggling to absorb what shes heard. So long is the pause that Victoria almost speaks again, but at last Anna says, her voice shaky:
Does this mean he really Oh, how awful…
I didnt want to upset you, but I cant let you go on not knowing. Youre my closest friend, Victoria rushes, betraying her own nerves. He says he loves only me. He wants me to call off the wedding for him. Anna, hes not himself! I was scared being there with him.
Another pause. Victoria hears Annas slow breath on the line.
Understood, Anna says at length, her voice steady but wounded. What now?
I dont know, Victoria admits. I think hell come see you, but who knows what hell say. Are you home alone? I am worried about him.
Anna is silent for a moment before answering softly:
Dont worry, Ill manage. Thank you for telling me.
Im sorry you had to hear this from me, Victoria says, genuinely regretful.
Better to have the truth than live in a lie, Anna replies, now calmerthough the pain is still there.
They say goodbye, and Victoria puts her phone down. The flat grows quiet once more. She moves to the window, leaning her forehead against the cool glass, watching the snow swirl beneath the street lamps. Somewhere out there, two people are wrestling with their feelings. She can only hope things settle, and that everyone finds their way.
Her thoughts roam, not resting long. She wonders what Anna must feel nowhow hard it must be to accept the truth, to re-examine everything she thought was solid. But Victoria knows: better the hard truth than the sweet lie that will only hurt more in the end.
*********
Meanwhile, Anna sits at her kitchen table, Victorias words echoing in her mind. Memories wash over herher first date with William: he was so thoughtful, opening doors, making her laugh, holding her hand, whispering I love you while looking in her eyes.
He never loved me, she repeats silently. The thought hurtsnot a sharp pain, more a dull wrecking of her world, built over months and now cracked open.
She touches her mug. Her tea is stone-cold; she hasnt drunk a drop. The only sound in the flat is the ticking of the wall clock, marking the relentless passage of time.
She sighs, trying to gather herself. What next? Ring William? Wait? Ask Victoria to come over? None of it feels right. What she needs is timeto take it in, to adapt, to figure out how to live in this new reality.
The doorbell pulls Anna from her thoughts. Shes just poured herself another cup of tea, now trembling slightly. Looking through the spy hole, she sees William. Anna freezes a moment, debating whether to answer. What will he say? Lie, confess, or something else?
She opens the door. Snow is melting on Williams dark coat, his hair dusted, face pale, eyes red as if from sleeplessness or from hours outdoors. He looks both determined, and utterly lost.
Anna, he begins, without waiting for an invitation. I need to admit the truth. I I never
Victorias told me, Anna cuts in, steady but steely. Hearing it from William hurts more than from Victoria. I dont think you can tell me anything new.
William stops dead. He raises a hand as though to comfort her, then drops it, staring at the floor.
So she called he murmurs. Id hoped to tell you myself, before you heard from anyone else.
Anna folds her arms, bracing herself against a rising tide of anger and humiliation.
Why did you come? Her voice trembles. To rub salt in the wound? To confirm I was just a means to an end?
He steps forward, but she edges away. William halts, raising his gaze.
I came to apologise. For lying. For not telling you sooner. For using you.
He pauses, as if searching for words that wont bruise further.
Its not enough, I know. I know Ive hurt you. I dont expect forgiveness. But I had to say it face to face. I am truly sorry.
Anna studies him, searching for emotion inside herselfanger, grief, resentment. No, mainly contempt. Contempt for someone so willing to twist others feelings.
You could have been honest, she says at last. You didnt have to fake it, or go running to Victoria to beg her to leave her fiancé. Now you tell me youre sorry?
I have nothing more to say. William gives a hollow laugh, hands in pockets. I just realised this was my last chance. Victorias slipping away. Selfish, wasnt it?
He takes out a small boxthe ring hed shown Victoria. His hands shake as he passes it to Anna.
Here. In penance, he whispers.
Anna studies it: a simple ring, slender gold with a small diamond that glimmers in the lamp light. Is this meant to insult her further? A ring bought for someone else, now offered to her?
She fixes him with a frosty stare.
Keep it, she says, voice flat.
Williams fingers close around the box. He turns paler, despair in his eyes.
Please, Anna. He tries to compose himself. I know I was wrong. I know theres no excuse. But I want to fix it.
She tips her head, as if to look for the man she once cared for. But hes a stranger nowa liar, someone who built their relationship on deceit.
Fix it? Marry me out of guilt? Or throw yourself under a bus so Ill pity you? she retorts, bitterly.
William draws back, wounded, but says nothing. Hed have no right to.
I want to begin again, William starts, taking a hesitant step closer.
Anna shakes her head; her movements calm, resigned.
You can only start again with someone you trust. And I trust you no longer. You didnt just lieyou trampled everything we had. Maybe youre telling the truth now, maybe youre sorry, but that changes nothing.
She inhales deeply before continuing
I need distance. No visits, no calls, nothing. Dont try to fix it; theres nothing to fix.
William lowers his eyes. The ring box now feels useless. He nods.
I understand. Im sorry for what Ive done. I truly am.
He turns to leave, then looks back
If you ever
You wont hear from me again, she replies, unwavering.
She doesn’t finishanother ring comes from the door. Who now?
Anna opensoutside stands Alexander, Victorias fiancé. Tall, tidy, with chestnut hair and a level, almost unreadable stare. His face is calm, but theres a tension therehes come not just to talk, but to put an end to loose ends.
Alexander doesnt offer a smile or greeting, just a cool, clipped:
Can I come in?
She steps aside. William shrinks against the wall, paling further.
I know what happened, Alexander says crisply, eyes never leaving William. I know what you did. To both of them.
William starts to protest, but Alexander cuts him off.
Quiet. Victoria told me everything. And Ive come to teach you something that cant be taught with words.
He moves toward William, who backs into the wall, sensing the threat.
Alex, stop Anna tries, stepping between them. She understands William deserves this, but her heart, ever foolish, still aches.
But Alexander waves her off
Dont, Anna. Havent you suffered enough? Now hell get whats due.
Anna hesitates, torn between intervention and leaving them to it.
William, hot with panic, suddenly grasps the consequences of his lies. Why didnt he realise Victorias fiancé wouldnt let things go? Now Alexander looms before him, eyes cold, calculating.
Listen William pleads, his voice shaking, I know I was wrong. Ive apologised to both Victoria and Anna. I
Apologies? Alexander snorts harshly, no amusement. You think saying sorry will mend all youve broken? You destroyed two peoples trust, and expect sympathy?
Alexander swiftly closes the gap between them. William clenches his fists, bracing himself.
Anna breathes deeply, determined to keep the situation from spiralling.
Alex, please, she says, firm but even. This wont fix anything. Lets talk.
He pauses, glancing toward her. He hesitatesbut then dismisses it.
Words are useless here.
Alexander doesnt waste time. One stinging punch and William crumples to the floor, clutching his mouth as blood seeps between his fingers.
Thats just the beginning, Alexander says with icy calm. If you ever come near Victoria or Anna again, youll get worse, understood?
William, shame burning, scrapes himself up, wipes his mouth, casts a look at Anna, hoping for sympathy. But her face is cold, remote.
He limps out, pausing as if to offer last words, but a glare from Alexander silences him. Wordlessly, he opens the door and leaves. The door snaps shut, the flat filled with heavy silence.
Alexander faces Anna, his tone warming slightly.
Im sorry for that, he says, stepping toward her. I know its not ideal, but sometimes physical lessons stick.
Anna studies him, taking it all in. Shes not shockedbut shes not sure how to feel either. She senses Alexander was acting out of protection, not rage.
You shouldnt have but she falters. Or maybe you should have. Im not sure. Thank you, though, for standing up for us.
Alexander musters a faint smile.
I understand how you feel, his voice softens. Betrayal hurts. But youre strong. Youll get through this.
Anna manages a small, grateful smile.
Thank you. And for having my back, even if it was a bit rough.
Victoria is worried, he adds, reminding her shes not alone. She wanted to come herself, but I convinced her Id sort it out.
Shes my dearest friend, Anna sighs, warmly. And Im glad shes found someone like you.
Silence settles. Snow drifts softly outside, covering London with a calming hush, softening the sharp edges of the night. Anna breathes deeply, and, for the first time in days, peace flickers through her. She knows the hardest work is aheadhealing, trusting, finding hope again. But now she understands: shes not alone; she has people willing to stand by her when things fall apart.
After Alexander leaves, Anna sits on the sofa, alone in her thoughts.
Its finished now, she tells herself. The thought is startlingly clear. The pain lingers, muted but present. But its not an ending; its the start of something new a time to learn how to trust, to dream, and perhaps, in her own time, love again. But next time, for whats realnot for fantasy.
*****
Meanwhile, William trudges through the snowy streets, oblivious to the cold and the sting of his split lip. Snow falls on his shoulders, melting on his heated face, but he cant feel any of it. The physical pain is nothing compared to the emptiness insidea suffocating, heavy void.
He knows hes lost both women. Anna, forever. That door is closed, with only memories and guilt left behind. Victoria, lost much earlier, when he let himself chase unreachable dreams, castles built from lies. Hes destroyed everythingand now the only thing left are the consequences.
The next day, William appears at work sporting a bruised lip and a black eye. Colleagues shoot him sidelong looks, whisper behind his back, but none dare ask outright. He doesnt care. He just needs to get through the hours and avoid attention.
A week later, he submits a transfer request to the Manchester office. His boss raises a brow, but his dour face persuades the man to sign with no questions. William knows he cant stay any longer. Every street, every corner, every café in London reminds him of all hes broken and lost.
Before leaving, he returns the ring at the jewellers. The assistant eyes him with curiosity, but processes the refund in silence. William gives no explanations. He deposits the money into Annas account, with a short note: Sorry. This belongs to you. No excuses, no stories.
On departure day, he stands outside his flat, snow drifting down around him as he waits for a cab. He tilts his head back, drawing in the cold city air; for a moment, he feels suspendedone last breath before stepping into the unknown.
Ive ruined it all, he whispers, not in self-pity, just stating a fact. The past is gone. Mistakes are made, and only he can carry them now.
The taxi arrives. William casts a last look at his old homeonce a place of hope and laughter, now just old bricks and windows. He slides into the car and simply says, Euston, please.
Snow whirls behind the rear window, gradually swallowing the view. William looks aheadfacing a long, uncertain future in which hell have to learn how to build a life anew.
At the same time, Anna sits in a cosy café with Victoria and Alexander. They each have a mug of hot chocolateperfect for a frosty day like this.
The mood is easy, conversation gentle. They talk of the futurethe plans each has for the months ahead. Victoria shares little anecdotes about the wedding and her excitement, blushing when Alexander teases her. Anna listens, and quietly, she begins to feel hope stirringa real sense that life is moving forward, that there are bright things ahead.
Alexander, so often reserved, is especially thoughtful todaynever dominating, just interjecting with few words to keep the conversation flowing.
You know, Anna says, watching the snow outside, Im no longer angry with William. Justsad, really, that it all ended like this.
Her voice is calm, without bitterness or bravadosimply a statement of what is.
Victoria offers a gentle smile, laying a warm hand on Annas shoulder.
Theres nothing for you to regret, she says with quiet conviction. You deserve real happiness, not lies and make-believe.
Anna nods. She knows her friend means itnot as comfort, but as the truth.
Yes, Anna says, returning her gaze from the window. And Ill find it.
Theres no false hope or empty promise in her words, just the steady certainty of someone who knows the past is over, and the path ahead awaits.
Outside, snow falls undisturbed, blanketing the city and washing away the pastgiving London and its people a fresh, new start. Within the café, the three friends sit encircled by warmth and the kind of reassurance that comes from knowing, even after heartbreak, life goes on. And perhaps that, after all, is the most important truth there is.
