**Diary Entry**
Mum was in the kitchen when I walked in, stirring a pot of something that smelled wonderfully familiar.
Did you make juice, Mum? I asked, leaning over her shoulder. The whole flat smells amazing.
Blackcurrant, love, she smiled. I know how much you like it.
I hugged her from behind and peered into the pot. The dark berries floated in syrup, releasing the same comforting scent I remembered from childhood.
Is Emily coming today? I asked, sitting at the table.
She said shed pop by after lunch. Wanted to talk about something important.
Mum poured the juice into glasses and slid one toward me.
Try itnot too sweet, is it?
I took a sip and shook my head.
Perfect. Just like when we were kids.
She sat across from me, studying my face.
Olivia, have you noticed Emily acting odd lately? She used to call every day, now we barely hear from her.
Shes busy, Mum. Work, the kidsshe doesnt have time for long chats.
Maybe. But somethings off. I ran into her at the shops yesterdaysaid hello, and she barely looked at me.
I frowned. Emily *had* been distant. Missing family gatherings or leaving early, replying to messages days late.
Shes probably dealing with something, I said. Ill talk to her.
The doorbell cut us off. Mum hurried to answer it.
Emily! So glad youre here! Her cheerful voice carried from the hall.
Hi, Mum, came the flat reply.
I heard footsteps, then Emily appeared in the doorway. Her posture was stiff, lips pressed into a thin line.
Hey, Em, I said. Sit downMum made juice.
No, thanks, she snapped, still standing.
Mum looked flustered.
Sweetheart, whats wrong? You seem
Im fine, Emily cut in. I need to talk to Olivia. Alone.
I blinked. That tonecold, clippedwasnt one Id ever heard from her.
Mum, give us a minute? I asked.
She nodded and left, throwing a worried glance over her shoulder.
Emily stepped closer but didnt sit.
Lets get this straight, she said, voice icy. Stop pretending youre some saint.
What are you talking about?
Your little games. Did you really think I wouldnt find out?
A chill ran down my spine. My mind raced, but I couldnt place what she meant.
Emily, just say it plainly. Whats going on?
Oh, dont play dumb. Remember *Daniel*?
I froze. Danielher husband. There *had* been an awkward situation months ago, but I thought it was buried.
What about him?
You *know* what! Her voice sharpened. All those cosy little chats at cafés. How you *comforted* him when we were having problems. How you hugged him in the car park.
She pulled out her phone and showed me photosDaniel and me at a café, talking. One of us embracing.
Its not what you think
Really? She laughed, sharp as glass. Then explain why my *sister* was sneaking around with my husband!
I took a slow breath. Id dreaded this conversation, hoped it would never come.
Daniel came to me for advice, I said carefully. He said you two were fighting, that you wanted a divorce. He was desperate.
And you *helped* him? Her voice climbed. How *generous* of you!
Emily, he was heartbroken! He loves you, didnt want to lose the family. I just listened, tried to
*Listened*? She finally sat, spine rigid. Why you? Why not his mates? His *mother*?
I realised my mistake. Why *had* he come to me?
I dont know. Maybe because Im your sisterId understand your side.
Liar! She slammed a hand on the table. He came to you because you *always* lap up his sob stories! Even back when we were dating, you were too *interested* in him!
Thats ridiculous! Theres nothing to hide. Yes, we met a few times. Yes, I hugged himhe was *crying*. But nothing happened!
Then suddenly, Emily hissed, he changed his mind about the divorce. Started saying we *had* to make it work. I thought hed had some revelationturns out it was *you*!
I stood and moved toward her.
Em, I know youre upset. But I *was* trying to help. Seeing you both miserable
*Help*? She recoiled. You decided *for me* whether my marriage should survive! You meddled in my *life*!
But you *didnt* divorce! Things seem better now!
Do they? Her eyes glittered with angry tears. Because now, every time we argue, Daniel throws *your* words at me. Olivia says we should stay together. Clever Olivia thinks youre selfish. Im a *stranger* in my own home!
My stomach dropped.
Emily, I never called you selfish
Then what *did* you say? Enlighten me about these *heart-to-hearts*!
I was trapped. Anything I said would dig me deeper.
I told him you loved each other. That you had kids, a life together. That temporary problems werent worth
*Temporary*? She shot to her feet. He *cheated* on me, Olivia. I found texts with his ex. Is *that* temporary to you?
The room tilted. Daniel hadnt mentioned cheatingjust arguments, misunderstandings.
I didnt know
Of *course* not! But you *still* gave him advice! Now Im stuck with a man who *betrayed* me because my *perfect sister* convinced him we should save the family!
Mum appeared in the doorway, pale.
Girls, whats all this shouting?
Not your business, Mum! Emily snapped.
Emily! Mum gasped. How *dare* you speak to me like that?
Emily turned, and the pain in her eyes made my chest tighten.
How *should* I speak? she whispered. Smile politely? Pretend everythings fine? Like my *wonderful* family taught me?
This isnt about Mum, I cut in. Its between us.
No, its *all* of you! Her voice cracked. Mum always said I was too stubborn, should listen more. And youher little echo!
Mum looked lost. I dont understand. Whats happened?
Your *golden child*, Emily spat, has been meeting my *husband* behind my back, giving him *marriage advice*.
Mum clutched her chest. Olivia, is this true?
Mum, its not
Its *exactly* that! Emilys laugh was bitter. Now Im supposed to *thank* her? For trapping me with a cheater because family matters?
I reached for her, but she jerked away.
Emily, lets talk properly. Ill explain
No. Just understand this. Her voice was quiet, final. From today, youre nothing to me.
Silence. Even Mum was speechless.
Dont be silly, Mum whispered. Youre *sisters*.
*Were* sisters, Emily corrected. She tapped her phone, deleting contacts, blocking memethodical, cold.
Emily, stop this! I said. Youre blowing it out of proportion!
*Me*? Her eyes burned. *You* interfered, made me live with a man I *hate*, and *Im* overreacting?
Nobody *made* you stay! You chose
After *your* little pep talks! Daniel quotes you *daily*Olivia said this, Olivia thinks that. Im *suffocating* in my own marriage!
Mum sank onto a chair, trembling. Girls, please. My blood pressure
Then *leave*, Mum, Emily said, not unkindly. You shouldnt hear this.
How can I *not*? Mum sobbed. Youve always been so close!
We *were*, Emily agreed. But loyalty ends where betrayal starts.
What betrayal? I exploded. I *tried to help*!
*Help*? She gripped the table. You never *asked* if I *wanted* help! Never *checked* the truth! Just decided you knew *better* than me!
Daniel told me
And
