Veronica Clarke was folding her husbands shirts for the wash when her fingers brushed a thick piece of paper in the pocket of his navy blazer. She slipped the envelope out and found two boarding passes for Bermuda. The departure date was two weeks away, the return a tenday stay later, and the class was business. The first ticket bore the name Andrew Collins, her husband; the second read Eleanor Collins.
Her heart thudded. Eleanor? There was no Eleanor in their family. Veronica sank onto the edge of the bed, tickets clenched in her hand. Twentyfive years of marriage, and suddenlyEleanor.
Could it be a mistake? A typo? she thought, but the name on the second pass was printed clearly, without error. Not Veronica Collins, but a stranger.
She slipped the passes back into the envelope and tucked it into the blazers pocket. Her hands trembled, her throat went dry. She needed to steady herself. Andrew would be home from work within the hour, and she had to decide what to do.
She shuffled to the kitchen, poured herself a cup of tea and sat by the window. In twentyfive years they had weathered arguments, misunderstandings, periods of coldness. Infidelity? Veronica had never even considered it. Andrew had always seemed dependable and faithful. They had met on a group tour climbing Ben Nevis, then shared hikes in the Lake District and trips to the Scottish Highlands. After the wedding they kept traveling, though as work and responsibilities grew the trips became rarer.
The last holiday they had taken together was three years ago, a twoweek stay in Cornwall. Andrew had promised that the following summer they would go abroad, but first her work got urgent, then his. Now he seemed to be planning a trip to Bermudawithout her.
Veronica dialed her old friend Olivia.
Hi, Ol can you talk? her voice wavered.
Veronica? Whats wrong? Olivia sensed something amiss immediately.
I found Andrews tickets to Bermuda. Two ticketshis name and a woman named Eleanor Collins.
A pause, then Olivia asked cautiously, Maybe its an error? A work trip?
A work trip to Bermuda? Veronica scoffed bitterly. And why would Eleanor be listed?
Its odd, Olivia agreed. What are you going to do?
I dont know, Veronica sighed. Should I wait for him to explain?
What if he doesnt? Olivia replied gently. People change, especially men of a certain age.
Andrew isnt like that, Veronica protested, though doubts were already stirring.
Everyone says that until reality hits, Olivia said. Why not ask him directly? Show him the tickets and demand an answer.
And if he lies?
Youve spent twentyfive years with him. Dont you think youd recognise a lie?
Veronica thought about it. After all those years they did seem to understand each other, or at least she thought so.
Alright, Ill think about it, she said. Thanks, Ol.
She put the phone down and sat still, replaying memories: Andrews recent late nights at the office, mysterious weekend meetings, his new shirts, expensive cologne, a fresh haircut at a trendy salon. He had never cared about such things before.
She shook herself. She couldnt let imagination run wild; she needed facts. She walked to Andrews studya tidy room he kept immaculate. She sat at his desk, entered his email with the password they shared (their wedding date) and scanned his inbox. Nothing suspicious: work correspondence, newsletters, a message from an old university mate.
Then she opened his browser history. A quick search revealed several queries about Bermuda: best couples resorts in Bermuda, romantic getaway Bermuda, what to know before traveling to Bermuda. The last entry read gift for my beloved on Bermuda.
Her breath caught. Beloved, not wife.
She closed the browser, turned off the computer, and fought back tears. She couldnt let Andrew see her cry.
When Andrew arrived home, she had already composed herself and prepared dinner as usual. He shrugged off his coat, kissed her cheek and said, Hey love, whats on the menu? Smells delicious.
Chicken and mushroom bake, Veronica replied, trying to keep her voice steady. Your favorite.
Great, Im starving, he said, heading for the bathroom.
They ate, chatting about the weather, the news, weekend plans. Veronica watched him closely, searching for any sign of guilt. He talked about work, asked about her day, joked as usual.
So any trips coming up? she asked, pouring tea.
Nothing set in stone yet, Andrew shrugged. Why?
Just thought maybe we could get away somewhere together. Its been ages since weve had a proper break.
Andrews eyes flickered, as if he wanted to say something but held back.
Yes, it has been a while. Well have to think of something, he said.
Veronica felt a knot tighten. He was lying, she thought, looking straight into her eyes.
What would you like to go to? Maybe the sea? Bermuda, for example? she asked, trying to sound casual.
Andrew winced faintly. Bermuda? he said, halfsmiling, halfgrimacing. Why Bermuda?
Just an example, she shrugged. They say its beautiful. Fancy a visit?
Ive never thought about it. Its probably too pricey and far, he replied, looking away.
Whos Eleanor? she blurted.
Andrew froze, cup halfway to his lips. Which Eleanor?
The Eleanor Collins. Do you know her? she pressed.
For what? Andrew started, then cut himself off. Veronica, whats going on?
She rose, fetched the blazer, and placed the envelope with the tickets on the table.
I found this today while doing the laundry. Explain, please.
Andrew stared at the tickets as if seeing them for the first time, then met her gaze.
Veronica, this isnt what you think.
What do you think, Andrew? she whispered. That youre planning a trip to Bermuda with another woman? That twentyfive years mean nothing to you?
No, thats not it! he snapped, standing abruptly. Its completely different!
How? she demanded, tears finally spilling. Who is Eleanor and why are you lying to me?
Andrew moved to hug her, but she stepped back. Dont. Just tell me the truth.
He sighed heavily. Alright. The truth is I messed up. He hesitated. I bought these tickets a month ago for us. Its for our silver wedding anniversary.
Veronica looked at the screen of his laptop. An email from a travel agency confirmed two tickets to Bermuda and a hotel reservation for Andrew and Veronica Collins.
Then why is Eleanor on the ticket? she asked, voice shaking.
Andrew scrolled down. Read this part, he said, Dear Mr. Collins, an error occurred when issuing the tickets. Your spouses name was entered incorrectly. We apologise. New tickets will be issued within three working days. This came this morning. I hadnt had a chance to tell you.
Veronica read the message several times, disbelief warring with relief.
So these tickets were meant for us? she asked, barely above a whisper.
Yes, for us! Andrew took her hands. I wanted to surprise you for our anniversarytwentyfive years is a silver wedding. Ive been saving, picking a hotel, everything. I just didnt know how to tell you.
Why keep it a secret? And where did Eleanor come from?
I wanted it to be a surprise, he admitted, embarrassed. As for Eleanor, it must have been a system glitch. Perhaps they mixed our booking with another familys.
Veronica stared at him, trying to process. Had she imagined the whole drama? Had she caused a scene over nothing?
Im sorry, she said softly. I was foolish.
No, I understand, Andrew brushed her cheek. I know how it could look. But I never would with anyone else.
She felt a flush of shame. Ive noticed youve changednew shirts, a fresh haircut, staying late. I let my mind run wild.
Ive been working extra projects to afford the trip, he explained. I wanted to look presentable next to my beautiful wife.
Her cheeks burned. Im sorry for doubting you.
He pulled her into a tight embrace. You havent ruined anything. The surprise may have stumbled, but well still go together. You want Bermuda?
With you, anywhere, Veronica smiled through tears.
That night she lay awake, listening to Andrews steady breathing, thinking how easily a single doubt could crumble years of trust, like a house of cards.
The next morning she called the travel agency. The operator confirmed the booking error and said new tickets would be delivered that day.
Do you know why the name Eleanor appeared? Veronica asked.
The system occasionally glitches when its overloaded, the woman explained. We had a promotion on Bermuda trips that day, so data overlapped.
Relief settled over Veronica like sunrise over a quiet field. She thanked the operator and hung up, feeling the weight lift.
That evening, when Andrew returned, the table was set with candles and a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket.
What are we celebrating? he asked, surprised.
Us, Veronica replied simply. And our upcoming Bermuda trip.
Andrew smiled, pulling out a fresh envelope. Here are the new ticketsdefinitely in your name now.
Veronica opened it to see two tickets: Andrew Collins and Veronica Collins.
Thank you, she said, meeting his eyes. For everything.
And thank you, he said earnestly. For believing in me after twentyfive years, and for the next twentyfive ahead.
They clinked glasses as snow fell softly outside, blanketing the city in white. The warmth inside felt like a promise.
Two weeks later they boarded a flight to Bermuda. As the plane climbed, Andrew took Veronicas hand.
I was scared youd refuse, he admitted. You never like surprises.
I love you, she said simply. Everything else doesnt matter.
He squeezed her hand, and they both smiled, gazing out at the endless skyvast like the love that had survived doubt and misunderstanding.
Back at home, in Andrews desk drawer, lay another envelope containing a diamond ring, a gift for their silver anniversary, ready to be presented on a sunset beach.
Their Bermuda holiday became one of the happiest chapters of their lives, a reminder that trust, honesty, and open communication are the true foundations of any lasting partnership.
