Emma flung open Marks laptop and froze as a string of messages with her sister stared back at her.
Mark, how many times do I have to ask? she whispered, her voice trembling. I told you Id forgotten! Its the third time this month, and Olivers exam is tomorrow. He needs his textbook!
Mark slammed his palm on the kitchen table, the teacups clinking. I forgot, love not on purpose!
Forgot? Every single time you forget! Emmas eyes were red, the sting of tears raw. You promised youd pick it up from the shop!
Couldnt you have done it yourself? Your hands were free, Mark snapped. I was at work until eight, you left early, you could have swung by!
He rose abruptly, shoving his chair back. You know what? Im sick of your accusations. Im always the villain. He snatched his jacket from the coat rack. Im stepping out before I lose my mind.
The door slammed shut. Emma sank into the nearest chair, her face buried in her palms. She fought back tearsshe didnt want Oliver to see her crying.
Oliver sat alone in his room, pretending to do homework, but he had heard every word.
She wiped her eyes, rose, and steadied herself. This wasnt the first fight; something had shifted lately. Mark had become irritable, distant, arriving home late, answering questions in monosyllables, constantly glued to his phone.
Emma padded to the bedroom, dropped onto the bed, and let the silence press against her ears. Outside, October rain hammered the windowsdull, relentless. She glanced at the nightstand where Marks laptop lay, forgotten in his haste to leave. He usually took it everywhere, but tonight it stayed.
She reached for it, hesitated. What am I doing? Spying on my husband? Thats low. Yet her hand moved of its own accord, the lid lifting. The screen flickered to life, a family photoMark, Emma, and little Oliver at a cottage, arms around each other, smiling. Three years ago, perhaps.
She swiped the touchpad, entered the passwordOlivers birthdate. The desktop opened: folders of work, program icons, nothing alarming. She opened the browser; the history showed car forums and news sites. Mark loved engines, nothing odd. Her email inbox was full of work messages, adverts, newsletters.
She was about to close it when the messenger icon blinked at the bottom of the screen. Her pulse quickened. She hovered, clicked, and a chat window opened. The first name on the list was RoseEmmas sister.
Her heart sank. Rose? Why is Mark texting Rose? Emma stared, disbelief hardening her gaze. Rose lived in another city, seen only once a year at holidays.
She opened the conversation.
Mark, thank you so much! I cant tell you how much this means.
Dont mention it, Rose. Just keep it from Emma, okay?
Of course I wont. Shed never understand you know how she is.
Emma read on, a cold dread spreading through her. The exchange began a month and a half ago.
Hey, Rose, sorry for the random message. I need a favour. Can we talk?
Sure, give me twenty minutes.
The chat continued daily. Rose complained about work, loneliness; Mark offered advice, lent an ear. Then:
Ive decided. Ill be there Saturday. Can you meet me?
Of course. Where and when?
At the station, three oclock. Thanks, youre a true friend.
Emma checked the datelast Saturday. She remembered Mark leaving early, saying he was heading to a friends cottage, returning late. He hadnt gone to a friend. Hed met Rose. Why keep it secret?
Her hands shook as she scrolled further.
Mark, Im so grateful! You saved me!
No thanks needed. Just glad it works out.
Roses later messages hinted at something more, vague, cryptic.
And tomorrow Im coming again. Miss you. Meet?
Sure, but be careful. Emma is getting suspicious.
Emma slammed the laptop shut. She stared at the wall, mind a storm of accusations. Infidelity? A romance with her own sister?
No, she whispered. Rose would never She recalled school days when Rose had swooped in and stolen Max, the boy Emma liked, leaving a bitter aftertaste.
Sorry, Emma, I didnt mean to Rose had said back then, shrugging. Emma had forgiven a teenage crush, but the memory lingered.
She remembered Rose at her wedding, glowing in a pink dress, hovering near Mark, laughing at his jokes, touching his arm. Emma, youre so lucky! Mark is a catch!
Emma had brushed it off then, but now the pieces clicked.
She paced, trying to calm herself. Maybe Rose was merely in trouble, needing Marks help? Why hide it?
Footsteps echoed in the hallway. Mark returned. Emma dropped onto the bed, pretended to sleep, eyes wide. She heard him shuffle to the kitchen, then the bathroom, then back to the bedroom, tiptoeing.
Emma, are you awake? he whispered.
She stayed silent. He sighed, lay down beside her, his breathing evening out. Within minutes he was asleep.
Emma lay awake, darkness pressing in, thoughts racing.
Morning found her shattered, head throbbing. Mark was unusually chipper, almost too bright.
Emma, Im sorry about yesterday, he said, pouring coffee. I really did forget Olivers book. Ill pick it up after work today.
Fine, Emma muttered, avoiding his eyes.
Are you still angry at me?
No. I just feel off.
Maybe you should take a sick day, rest a bit.
Maybe.
Mark kissed her cheekquick, perfunctoryand left for work. Oliver grabbed his schoolbag, and Emma watched him go, alone again.
She opened Marks laptop once more, rereading the messages, hunting for clues. Nothing else. She decided to call Rose. The line rang, then a sleepy voice answered.
Hello, Emma? Rose said, sounding half-asleep. Whats up?
Its early, Emma replied. Just havent spoken in ages. How are you?
Busy, works a nightmare. You?
Same. Listen, Roseare you planning to visit us soon?
A long pause.
No, why?
Just wondering. Its been a while.
Emma, Im swamped. Maybe New Years if I can wrench myself out.
Right.
They chatted about trivialities, then hung up. Rose had denied any plans, yet the laptop showed otherwise. She must be hiding something.
The day dragged on, Emmas mind a haze at work. Colleagues asked if she was okay; she waved it off as a headache.
That evening she arrived home earlier than usual. Oliver was doing homework; Mark was still absent. She cooked dinner, set the table, rehearsing what shed say.
Mark strolled in at eight, grinning.
Family, I got Olivers book! he announced, thrusting the volume into his sons hands.
Oliver squealed, Dad, thanks!
Mark laughed, Dinner ready? Im starved like a wolf!
They ate in strained silence. Emma watched Marks easy jokes, his bright smile, feeling a cold churn underneath.
When Oliver retreated to his room, Emma could no longer hold back.
Mark, we need to talk.
He lifted his head, puzzled.
About your messages with Rose.
Marks face drained, eyes widening.
What? Which messages?
Dont play dumb. I saw them on your laptop.
You you went snooping?
Yes! I found everything. Youve been meeting my sister in secret!
Mark sprang up, panic in his voice. Emma, its not what you think
What do you think it is? That youre cheating with my own sister?
He paced, ran a hand through his hair, then sat, head in his hands.
Rose asked me for help. She lost her job, no money. She was too ashamed to tell you, knew youd stress her out. She wanted me to look for work for her here.
Emmas breath caught.
So shes moving here? she asked slowly.
Yes. Ive been networking, setting up interviews. She wanted to surprise you, show up later.
Why keep it a secret?
She feared youd object, that youd think she was trying to take something from you.
Emma stared at the phone Mark handed hera thread with a recruitment agency, details of Roses search. It was indeed about a job.
Its all true? she asked, voice shaking.
It is. Nothing more.
Marks eyes pleaded.
Why didnt you tell me?
Rose begged me not to. She thought youd overreact, that youd press her for answers about everything.
Emma stared at the floor, trying to swallow the knot in her throat.
Mark, swear to me theres nothing between you two.
He took her hand, looking straight into her eyes.
I swear, Emma. I love you alone. Rose is just my sisterinlaw, the sister Id help any day.
She wanted to believe, desperately. She nodded, squeezing his hand.
Okay. Ill trust you.
They embraced, his familiar cologne wrapping around her, the tension easing just enough.
A week later Rose called, voice bright.
Emma! Im moving in! Got the job, will be next month!
Thats wonderful, Emma replied, forcing cheer.
When Rose finally arrived, the three met at a cozy café. She looked fresh, smiling, hugging Emma tightly.
Emma, I cant tell you how happy I am to be near you! Rose chirped.
Mark shook her hand, congratulating her on the new role. The evening passed without hint of anything more than sibling affection.
Days turned into weeks. Rose settled in, often bringing cakes, chatting with Oliver, helping Mark with the garden. Emma relaxed, thinking the storm had passed.
One rainy night Rose knocked, eyes red.
Emma, can I stay over? My flat burst, flood everywhere. Plumber wont be here till tomorrow.
Of course, come in, Emma said, ushering her to the sofa.
They sipped tea, talked until late. Rose suddenly asked, Hows Mark doing? He seems off lately.
Emma hesitated. Just work stress, I guess.
Make sure you look after him. Hes a good man.
Rose retreated to a spare bedroom, Emma returned to her own, lying awake, Roses words looping in her mind.
In the night, Emma slipped to the kitchen for water, paused at the hallway and heard a rustle. Rose sat on the sofa, phones light illuminating her face.
Oh! You scared me, Rose startled, laughing nervously.
Cant sleep? Emma asked.
Just thinking about everything.
What about?
Roses eyes flickered.
…life. How lonely it feels when everyones paired up.
Emma placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Youll find someone, Rose. Youre beautiful, smart.
Rose smiled weakly. Thanks, Emma.
Back in her own bed, Emma stared at the ceiling, a uneasy feeling lingering.
Morning brought Roses early departure, a quick thanks, and Mark already at the table, coffee in hand.
Good morning, Emma said.
Morning, Mark replied, eyes glued to his phone.
Emma, unable to hide her suspicion, asked directly, Do you have feelings for Rose?
Mark looked up, genuinely shocked. What? No! Where did that come from?
Its just Ive seen the way you look at her sometimes.
Mark sighed, stood, and pulled her into a hug. Emma, weve talked about this. I love you. Rose is family. Nothing else.
She sipped her tea, trying to calm the churn inside.
Weeks passed. Roses visits grew less frequent, her work keeping her busy. Emma felt a strange relief, the jealousy easing.
One evening, returning from work, Emma spotted Marks familiar car parked outside their blockodd, he should have still been at the office. She entered the flat, finding Mark and Rose in the hallway, whispering urgently.
cant keep doing this, Rose whispered, voice strained.
I understand, but we have to sort it out soon, Mark replied.
Emma coughed, startling them.
Emma! Hi, Mark forced a smile. Youre early.
What are you two doing? Emma asked, voice cold.
Just talking about paperwork, Rose said quickly. Roses lease is a mess, the landlord wants a new contract.
What paperwork? Emmas tone was icy.
Rose stammered, Just the flat things
Emmas eyes narrowed. Enough. Come home, Rose. Mark, we need to talk.
Rose glanced terrified at Mark, grabbed her bag, and fled. The corridor fell silent.
Emma faced Mark, fists clenched. Tell me the truth. Now.
Mark stared at the floor, words stuck.
Emma
She cut him off. Are you meeting her secretly? Whispering? Lying?
Were not meeting! Mark shouted, desperation edging his voice. Were just helping each other.
Helping how? Emma demanded, her breath shallow.
Mark sank onto a chair, his face buried in his hands.
Rose is battling severe depression. She tried to end it last year when she was still in her hometown. Im the only one she trusts enough to talk to. Shes seeing a therapist, but she needs someone to keep her grounded, to talk, to help with everyday things. She asked me not to tell yousaid youd add more pressure, that youd worry about us all.
Emmas heart pounded. Depression? Why didnt you tell me?
She begged me to keep it hidden. She feared Id burden you, that youd think she was a drain.
Emmas vision swam. I I had no idea.
Marks voice softened. Now you do. Please, be gentle with her. Any harsh word could push her over.
She sat down, the weight of the revelation crushing her. Ive been a fool.
No, youre not. You just didnt know.
She grabbed her phone, dialed Rose. No answer. She tried again, againsilence.
Give her a moment, she whispered to herself, then bolted for the stairs, racing down the building. She burst onto the fourthfloor landing, pounding on Roses door.
Rose opened after a beat, eyes red and wide.
What are you doing here?
Rose, Im sorry, Emma cried, pulling her into a hug. I didnt know. Mark told me everything.
Rose collapsed into Emmas arms, sobbing. I was terrified to tell you. Im ashamed I thought youd think Im weak.
They moved inside, sitting on the worn sofa. Rose confessed, between hiccuping breaths, how the darkness had crept in, how Marks phone calls had been lifelines, how moving here gave her hope.
It was you who saved me, Rose whispered.
Emma held her tighter, tears streaming. Well get through this together.
When dawn painted the sky, Emma slipped back home, finding Mark waiting in the kitchen, eyes tired but hopeful.
What happened? he asked.
Its okay now, Emma said, hugging him. Thank you for being there for her. Thank you for not walking away.
Mark smiled, relief flooding his face. Shes my sisterinlaw, Id never abandon her.
Emma pressed a kiss to his cheek. I love you.
He returned the kiss. I love you too.
They stood together in the quiet kitchen, the sunrise slipping through the window, and Emma finally felt the storm settle. The laptop messages werent betrayal, but a desperate plea for help. Mark hadnt been unfaithful; hed been a lifeline. Rose wasnt an enemy, but a sister in crisis.
And the greatest lesson Emma learned was that suspicion erodes love, while trust and compassion can rebuild it.
