Blimey, your parents really splashed out on this place, said Emilys sister-in-law, eyes wide as she took in the spacious London flat.
Can you believe it, Sophie? Charlotte fumed into her phone, twirling a bleached blonde strand around her finger. Olivias parents just bought her a flat! Not just any flata three-bedder in one of those glossy new developments near Canary Wharf! You should see itfloor-to-ceiling windows, a concierge, even a blooming yoga studio in the building!
Sophies voice was calm. Thats lovely, really. Olivias a sweet girlshe deserves it.
Deserves it? Charlotte scoffed, pacing the cramped one-bed she and her husband rented in Croydon. How? By still living off Mummy and Daddy at twenty-eight? Working part-time at that little bookshop in Hampstead?
Char, come on
No, listen! Charlotte yanked back the IKEA curtains (cheap but presentable) and glared at the damp patch on the ceiling. My Tomtheir own son!works like a dog as a senior manager at a finance firm, and were still stuck in this shoebox. The upstairs neighbours flooded us again last week, and the landlord wont lift a finger!
Have you asked his parents for help? Maybe they dont realise how tight things are?
Charlotte hesitated, catching her reflection in the window. At thirty-two, she looked polishedslim figure, blowout fresh from the salon, designer lipstick (bought in the Boxing Day sale). No one would guess her Zara blazer was two seasons old.
I sort of hinted at it. At Toms birthday last month. His mum made that divine Victoria sponge. I said, Wouldnt it be lovely to host these in our own place one day? She just smiled and passed round the biscuits.
And what does Tom say?
Tom? Charlotte rolled her eyes. Last night, he goes, Lets pick up a nice houseplant for Olivias new place, love. Chuffed for her! Chuffed! His sister gets handed a luxury flat, and hes over the moon!
Well, its nice that hes close with his sister
Nice? Charlotte cut in. Shes got three bedrooms and a walk-in wardrobe, and were sharing a mouldy bathroom with a shower that dribbles! I saw the place before they bought ithuge kitchen island, balcony views of the Thames, underfloor heating! My entire flat could fit in her en suite!
Charlotte, Sophie said firmly, youre winding yourself up. Maybe dont
No, Soph. Im saying my piece at the housewarming tomorrow. Lets see how they like it when someone points out the golden child.
Charlotte! Dontyoull cause a scene!
Im done playing nice! Five years weve scraped by, and for my birthday, my mother-in-law gave me a bloody Cath Kidston tote. A tote! Meanwhile, Olivia gets the keys to a half-million-pound flat!
The front door clicked open.
Toms homegotta go, Charlotte whispered, pasting on a smile as her husband walked in, rumpled and tired but holding a Tesco bag.
Evening, love! Grabbed those almond croissants you like.
Lovely, she said, pecking his cheek while side-eyeing the supermarket bouquet hed brought. How was work?
Brilliant! Honestly, so pleased for Liv. Shes been saving for years, and Mum and Dad just topped her up. Proper chuffed for her.
Charlotte bit her tongue. Tomorrow, shed have her say.
The next morning, she spent two hours perfecting her outfitcream Reformation dress (50% off in the sale), nude Louboutins (eBay, nearly new).
Char, were late! Tom called. Olivia asked us to help shift the sofa.
Coming, she muttered, giving her hair a final spritz. God forbid the princess lifts a finger herself.
Tom frowned. Whats got into you today?
She forced a smile. Nothing. Lets not keep your sister waiting.
The development was sleekglass towers, manicured lawns, a doorman who eyed her shoes approvingly. Her stomach twisted as the lift glided silently upward.
Two concierges! Tom said brightly. And a residents gym. Proper posh, eh?
Mm.
Olivia greeted them in jeans and a baggy jumperno airs, just her usual bookish self.
Tom! Charlotte! So glad youre here!
Wouldnt miss it, Charlotte said stiffly, stepping into the vast entryway.
Mind the messstill unpacking.
There was no mess. Just artfully stacked boxes and the scent of new leather.
Your hallways bigger than our lounge, Charlotte remarked, slipping off her heels.
Oh, theres even a little utility cupboard! Olivia said.
How practical.
Tom shot her a look.
Olivia led the tour. Thisll be the sitting roomlook at the light! And the balcony!
Stunning, Charlotte breathed. Whats the going rate for this slice of heaven?
Charlotte! Tom hissed.
What? Just curious. Maybe well luck out one day.
Olivia flushed. Mum and Dad worked hard all their lives
Funny how that hard work only bought one flat, Charlotte said sweetly.
Silence. Olivia fiddled with her jumper sleeve. Toms jaw tightened.
Charlotte. Outside. Now.
On the balcony, he turned on her. What the hell was that?
The truth? Your parents couldve bought two modest flats. Instead, Princess gets the penthouse.
They offered me a flat three years ago, Tom said quietly. I turned it down.
Charlotte froze. You what?
Liv needed it more. Shes on a librarians wage. I said Id earn mine.
You never told me!
Would you have understood? He gave a bitter laugh. Youre standing here counting her square footage.
Inside, guests were arriving. Olivia, red-eyed, forced a smile as their parentsDad in his M&S suit, Mum clutching a Waitrose cakeglanced nervously their way.
You humiliated my sister in her own home, Tom said. You know she spent four years writing her thesis on medieval manuscripts? That she tutors kids for free on weekends?
Charlotte scoffed. And that warrants a penthouse?
No. But kindness does. He looked at her, weary. I think were done.
Her stomach dropped. Dont be daft.
Im tired, Charlotte. Tired of the keeping-up-appearances, the envy, the way you treat my family.
Their mums voice floated out. Tom? Everything alright?
He opened the balcony door. Your choice. Stay and be happy for her, or go.
Charlotte watched him hug Olivia, saw their parents relax. She checked her reflectionflawless makeup, perfect hair. Hollow eyes.
She called an Uber. As the lift descended, she thought, Some get river views. Some get divorce papers.
Outside, drizzling. She touched up her lipstick out of habit. For once, she didnt care if it was perfect.
