What a massive flat your parents bought for you, the brothers wife said enviously, taking in the space.
Can you believe it, Emma? Sophies parents bought her a flat! Charlotte twisted a strand of her dyed blonde hair around her finger, the phone pressed to her ear.
What a massive flat your parents bought you, she thought bitterly, eyeing her brothers wifes new home.
Her slender fingers, perfectly manicured in soft pastels, betrayed her habit of maintaining appearances despite her modest salary. And not just any flatthree bedrooms in a new build! In Maple Grove, you know? With a courtyard fountain and underground parking!
Thats wonderful, Im happy for Sophie, Emma replied calmly. Shes a lovely girl; she deserves it.
Deserves it? Charlotte stopped mid-step in her rented flat. How, exactly? By still relying on her parents at twenty-seven? Earning peanuts at that university library?
Lottie, come on
No, listen! Charlotte marched to the window and yanked back the polyester curtainscheap but presentable. My Danieltheir own sonworks himself to the bone. Hes a director at a major firm! And yet were still stuck in this one-bedroom rental. Last week, the upstairs neighbours flooded us again, and the landlord wont lift a finger!
Have you asked his parents for help? Maybe they dont realise how much youre struggling?
Charlotte hesitated, studying her reflection in the glass. At thirty-two, she looked impeccableslim figure, sleek bob, designer lipstick. No one would guess her blouse was a bargain find.
I well, I tried. At Daniels birthday last month, remember? His mother made that cake everyone raved about. I mentioned how nice it would be to host in our own place instead of a rental She just smiled and offered seconds.
What does Daniel say?
Daniel! Charlotte scoffed. You know what he told me yesterday? Darling, lets buy Sophie a houseplant for her new flat. Im so glad my sisters got her own place!
Thats sweet, that he
Sweet how? Charlotte cut in. His sister gets a three-bed in a luxury development, and hes over the moon! You shouldve seen itninety square metres, floor-to-ceiling windows! My entire bedroom is smaller than her en suite!
Lottie, Emmas tone sharpened, youre winding yourself up. Maybe you shouldnt
No, Em, Charlotte dropped her voice. Im saying my piece 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 cause a scene!
I cant stay quiet anymore! Weve lived like second-class relatives for five years. For my birthday, my mother-in-law gave me a handbag. A handbag! And her daughter gets a flat! She smoothed her immaculate hair. Daniel earns well, but it all goes on rent and my upkeep. I have to look the partIm a directors wife! I cant turn up to his corporate dos in high-street rags!
The key turned in the lock.
Thats Daniel, she whispered. Talk tomorrow. Ill tell you how it goes.
She hung up and turned, forcing a smile as Daniel walked intall, dark-haired, with warm hazel eyes and a faint stubble. Despite his tiredness, he grinned.
Hi, love. Picked up dinner. Sorrymeeting ran late. Got your favourite almond croissants.
Lovely, Charlotte kissed his cheek, eyeing the supermarket bag. How was your day?
Brilliant! Im chuffed for Sophie. Shes saved for years, and Mum and Dad helped her out. He began unpacking the groceries.
Charlotte bit her lip. Its fine, she thought. Tomorrows going to be a very different conversation.
The next morning, she spent two hours getting ready, scrutinising her wardrobe before settling on a cream sheath dressconservative but striking.
Lottie, well be late! Daniel called from the kitchen. Soph asked us to come early to help move furniture.
Coming, Charlotte replied, giving her hair one last flick. Cant your sister manage on her own?
Daniel appeared in the doorway.
Lottie, why say that? She just needs a hand.
Of course, Charlotte pressed her glossed lips together. Why lift a finger when big brothers around?
Whats got into you? He rested his hands on her shoulders. Youre wound up.
She met his eyes in the mirror. His concern was genuine. For a second, guilt flickereduntil she remembered Sophies spacious rooms.
Im fine, she forced a smile. Lets go. Wouldnt want to keep Princess Sophie waiting.
The development was impressivegleaming glass towers, manicured lawns, a concierge desk. Charlottes stomach knotted as they crossed the marble lobby.
Two concierges, Daniel remarked in the lift. And secure parking. Pretty swanky, eh?
Delightful, Charlotte muttered.
Sophie greeted them at the doorpetite, in jeans and a loose blouse, nothing like the smug homeowner Charlotte had imagined.
Danny! Lottie! She hugged her brother. So glad youre here!
Thrilled, Charlotte smiled tightly, stepping into the vast entrance hall.
Ignore the messstill unpacking.
Charlotte glanced around. No messjust neatly stacked boxes and protective floor coverings. The air smelled of fresh paint.
Your hallways bigger than our kitchen, Charlotte remarked, slipping off her heels. Must be nice.
Theres even a walk-in, Sophie gestured. Though Ive no idea what to put in it.
Dont worry, Charlottes smile didnt reach her eyes. Youll fill it soon enough.
Daniel shot her a warning look.
Come see the rest! Sophie led them through. Living roomlook at these windows! And the balcony!
Stunning, Charlotte breathed. Whats the going rate for happiness these days?
Lottie! Daniel snapped.
What? She fluttered her lashes. Just curious. Maybe well luck out one day.
Sophie flushed. Lottie, you know our parents worked hard
Oh, I know, Charlotte cut in. And somehow only you ended up with the flat. Funny, that.
Silence fell. Sophie glanced between them, tugging her sleeve. Daniels jaw tightened.
Charlotte. Outside. Now.
Why? She spread her hands. Im just saying what everyones thinking. Sophie, doesnt it strike you as odd that your parents bought only you this palace? Couldnt they have got two smaller flats?
Thats enough, Daniel growled.
But Charlotte was unstoppable. She paced the living room, heels clicking.
Your brother and I have rented a one-bed for five years. Five years! And you get all thisshe gestured wildlyfor free.
Lottie, I never Sophies eyes welled up.
Of course you didnt! Mummy and Daddy handle everything! Meanwhile, we scrimp and save for a deposit, andbam!you land a three-bed in a gated complex!
Enough! Daniel grabbed her arm. Were leaving.
Get off! She wrenched free. Sophie needs to hear this
Soph, sorry, Daniel said firmly. Back in a minute.
He hauled Charlotte onto the balcony, shutting the door behind them.
What the hell was that?
Charlotte folded her arms. The truth. That chandelier probably costs more than our rent!
You dont know anything, Daniel rubbed his face.
What dont I know? That your parents spoil their golden child while we
They offered me a flat three years ago.
Charlotte froze.
What?
I turned it down, he said flatly. Soph needed it more. Shes on a librarians wage. I said Id earn mine.
Charlotte paled. Youwhy didnt you tell me?
Would you have understood? He gave a bitter laugh. Judging by todayno.
Butyou shouldve discussed it with me!
Discuss what? That my sister saved half her salary while you blew ours on spa days?
Charlotte recoiled. Dont you dare! I have to maintain standards!
Standards? Daniels voice turned icy. Sophies worn the same dress for three years. Never complains.
Oh, so shes the saint now? Charlotte hissed. And Im the shallow one?
Its how youve behaved. Do you even realise what youve done?
Through the glass, Sophie paced, wiping tears.
How should I act? Charlotte snapped. Throw confetti? Oh, brilliant, Sophie gets a £600k flat while we rot in rentals!
The worst part, Daniel said quietly, isnt the jealousy. Its that you dont care about anyone else. Have you ever asked about Sophies life? Her work?
Charlotte scoffed. She stamps books
She got her PhD last year. Medieval manuscripts. Four years of night classes while working days.
So?
So when our parents offered me the flat, I knew she needed it. She dreams of opening a calligraphy school. And you He broke off.
Say it!
You only care about status, he said wearily. I kept hoping youd grow out of it.
The doorbell rangguests arriving. Sophie hurried to answer, wiping her eyes.
What are you saying? Charlotte whispered.
Remember how we met? At that work do? You were radiant. Laughed at my terrible jokes.
Daniel
Then it started. First, a posh postcode. Then designer labels. Salon appointments. I thoughtmaybe shell realise theres more to life? He shook his head. Today proved me wrong.
I just
Today, you humiliated my sister in her own home. Insulted my parents, who sacrificed everything for us. He met her eyes. Thank you.
Thank you?
Yes. Because now I know for certainwere getting a divorce.
Charlottes face drained of colour.
You cant
I can. And I will. Because I refuse to wake up in twenty years married to someone who only knows how to envy.
From inside, his mother called, Daniel! Charlotte! Where are you?
He opened the door.
Im going back. You can leave. Or stay and congratulate Sophie properly. Your choice.
He walked inside, leaving Charlotte alone. She watched him hug Sophie, whisper to her, saw their parents relief when she smiled.
Charlotte checked her reflectionflawless makeup, sleek hair, designer dress. Only her eyes were hollow.
She called a taxi. One last glance at the family behind the glass, then she slipped out.
Six hundred grand, she thought in the lift. Some get a penthouse. Some get divorce papers.
Outside, rain drizzled. She touched up her lipstick out of habit, but for the first time in years, she didnt care if it smudged.
