What a lovely flat your parents bought you, the brothers wife said with envy, taking in the space.
Can you believe it, Emma? Sophies parents bought her a flat! Charlotte nervously twisted a strand of dyed blonde hair, the phone wedged between her shoulder and ear.
What a lovely flat your parents bought you, she thought bitterly, eyeing her brothers wifes new home.
Her slender fingers, with their immaculate pastel manicure, betrayed her habit of maintaining appearances despite a modest salary. And not just any flata three-bed in a new development! In Greenwood Heights, you know? With a garden square and private parking!
Thats wonderful, Im happy for Sophie, Emma replied calmly. Shes a sweet girl; she deserves it.
Deserves it? Charlotte halted mid-step in her rented flat. How, exactly? By still relying on her parents at twenty-seven? Barely scraping by at that university library?
Lottie, come on
No, listen! Charlotte marched to the window and pulled back the polyester curtainscheap but presentable. My Jamestheir own son, mind youworks himself to the bone every day. Hes a department head at a major firm! And were still renting this one-bed. Can you imagine? The upstairs neighbours flooded us again yesterday, and the landlord refuses to fix a thing!
Have you asked his parents for help? Maybe they dont realise how hard things are?
Charlotte hesitated, studying her reflection in the glass. At thirty-two, she looked strikingslim figure, sleek haircut, designer lipstick. No one would guess her blouse was last seasons sale item.
Wewell, Itried to bring it up with my mother-in-law. At Jamess birthday last month, remember? She made that cake everyone loved. I said, Wouldnt it be lovely to host in our own place instead of a rental? And she just smiled and offered seconds.
And what does James say?
James! Charlotte scoffed. You know what he told me yesterday? Darling, lets buy Sophie a houseplant for her new place. Im so glad my sister finally has a home of her own!
Well, thats nice, that he and his sister
Nice how? Charlotte cut in. His sister gets a three-bed in a luxury development, and hes *delighted*! You shouldve seen itninety square metres, three-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows! And the *bathroom*! Christ, my bedrooms smaller than her en suite!
Lottie, Emmas tone sharpened, youre winding yourself up. Maybe you shouldnt
No, Em, Charlotte dropped to a whisper, Im saying everything at the housewarming tomorrow. Let them see what its like to play favourites. Ill ask them straightwhy does one child get everything and the other nothing?
Charlotte! Dont! Youll start a row with the whole family!
I cant stay quiet anymore! Weve lived like poor relations for five years. For my birthday, my mother-in-law gave me a handbag. A *handbag*! And for her daughtera *flat*! Charlotte smoothed her perfectly styled hair. James earns decently, but it all goes on rent and my upkeep. I have to look the partIm a managers wife! I cant turn up at his office do in Primark!
The key turned in the lock.
Thats James, Charlotte whispered quickly. Talk tomorrow. Ill tell you how it goes.
She hung up and turned, fixing a bright smile on her face as James walked ina tall brunet with warm brown eyes and light stubble. Though tired, he grinned.
Hello! Grabbed dinner on the way. Sorrymeeting ran late. Got your favouritealmond croissants.
Lovely, darling, Charlotte pecked his cheek, eyeing the Sainsburys bag. How was your day?
Brilliant! You know, Im chuffed for Sophie. She saved for years, and Mum and Dad helped her out! James began unpacking groceries.
Charlotte bit her lip. *Its okay*, she thought. *Tomorrow, things change. No more pretending.*
The next morning, Charlotte spent two hours getting ready. She rifled through her wardrobe, trying every smart outfit before settling on a cream sheath dressconservative but striking, bought in last months sale.
Lottie, well be late! James called from the kitchen. Sophie asked us to come earlyhelp arrange furniture.
Coming, Charlotte replied, giving her hair a final brush. What, your sister cant manage furniture on her own?
James appeared in the doorway.
Lottie, why say that? She just wants help.
Of course, Charlotte pressed her glossed lips into a line. Why lift a finger when big brother can do it?
Whats got into you today? James rested his hands on her shoulders. Youre wound up.
Charlotte met his eyes in the mirror. His gaze was full of concern. For a second, guilt flickeredthen she remembered Sophies spacious rooms.
Im fine, she said stiffly. Lets gowouldnt want to keep *Princess Sophie* waiting.
The development was impressivegleaming glass towers, manicured lawns, a security gate. Charlottes stomach knotted as they crossed the marble lobby.
Two concierges, James chatted as the lift rose. And underground parking. Pretty swanky, eh?
Very, Charlotte ground out.
Sophie greeted them at the doorpetite, in jeans and an oversized jumper, nothing like the proud owner of a luxury flat.
Jamie! Lottie! She hugged her brother. So glad youre here!
Were happy for you, Charlotte forced a smile, stepping into the spacious hall.
Come in! Ignore the messstill unpacking.
Charlotte glanced around. No messjust neatly stacked boxes and protective floor coverings. The air smelled of fresh paint.
Your halls bigger than our living room, Charlotte remarked, slipping off her heels. Must be nice to have *space*.
Theres even a walk-in, Sophie gestured to sliding doors. Though Ive no idea what to put in it.
Dont worry, Charlottes smile didnt reach her eyes. Youll fill it. Now that youve got the room.
James shot her a warning look.
Come see the rest! Sophie led them through. Living room herelook at these windows! And the balcony!
Stunning, Charlotte breathed. And what does *this* cost?
Lottie! James hissed.
What? Just curious. Maybe well get lucky one dayland a place like *this*.
Sophie flushed. Lottie, you know our parents worked hard
Oh, Im sure, Charlotte cut in. They worked, and somehow youre the one with the flat. Funny, that.
Silence fell. Sophie tugged at her jumper sleeve. A deep crease formed on Jamess forehead.
Charlotte, lets step outside. His voice was firm.
Why? She spread her hands. Im just saying what everyone thinks. Tell me, Sophie, doesnt it strike you as odd? Two children, and your parents only buy *you* a flat?
Lottie, stop it.
But Charlotte was unstoppable. She strode across the room, heels clicking.
Your brother and I have rented a one-bed for five years. Five. And you get *this*just like that. For *existing*.
Sophies eyes welled up. Lottie, I never thought
Of course you didnt! Why would you? Mummy and Daddy handle everything! Charlottes voice rose. We pinch every penny for a deposit, and you*bam*a three-bed *gift*!
Enough! James grabbed her arm. Were talking. Now.
He hauled her onto the balcony, shutting the glass door.
What the hell are you doing?
Charlotte folded her arms. Telling the truth. One *chandelier* here costs more than our rent!
You dont know anything, James rubbed his face.
What dont I know? That your parents spoil their *golden child*?
They offered me a flat three years ago.
Charlotte froze.
What?
I turned it down, James met her gaze. I said Sophie needed it more. Shes on a librarians wage. Id earn mine.
You*what*? Charlotte paled. Why didnt you *tell* me?
Would you have understood? He gave a bitter smile. Judging by todayno.
Thats not
Discuss what? James cut in. That my sister saves half her pay just to afford rent? That she wears the same dress for years while you book weekly blowouts?
Charlotte stepped back.
Dont you *dare*! I have to look presentable!
Presentable? James shook his head. Sophie restored *medieval manuscripts*. Her works been recognised internationally. You wouldnt knowyou only care about labels.
Inside, guests were arriving. Sophie wiped tears as she greeted them.
James, Im sorry
No, he said quietly. Today showed me everything. You humiliated my sister. Insulted my parents. Im done.
Charlottes breath hitched.
Youyou cant mean
I do, James said softly. I wont spend my life with someone who only envies and demands.
From inside, his mother called: Jamie! Lottie! Where are you?
James opened the door.
Im going back. You can leave or stay and *congratulate* Sophie. Your choice.
He walked in, leaving Charlotte alone on the balcony. She watched him hug his sister, saw their parents relax as Sophie smiled.
She pulled out her phone, called a cab.
One last glance at the happy family, then she slipped out.
In the lift, her reflection stared backperfect hair, perfect makeup. Only her eyes were hollow.
Outside, rain drizzled. She touched up her lipstick out of habit, but for the first time, she didnt care if it smudged.
