‘Your parents really splashed out on this flat for you, didn’t they?’ said the sister-in-law with a hint of envy, glancing around the spacious rooms.

The flat smelled of fresh paint and new carpets as Emilys sister-in-law stepped inside, her eyes widening. Bloody hell, your parents bought you this? Charlottes voice dripped with envy as she spun in the spacious hallway.

On the phone later, Charlotte hissed to her best friend, Can you believe it, Poppy? Emilys parents just handed her a three-bed flat! In that posh new development near Canary Wharfgated, with a concierge and everything!

Poppys voice remained calm. Good for her. Shes lovely. She deserves it.

Deserves it? Charlotte froze mid-step in her cramped rented studio, her manicured fingersalways perfect despite her meager salarytightening around the phone. How? By still sponging off Mummy and Daddy at twenty-eight? Working part-time at that little bookshop in Camden?

Char, come on

No, listen! Charlotte yanked back the cheap but presentable IKEA curtains. My Olivertheir actual sonworks his arse off as a senior analyst. 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? Maybe they dont realise youre struggling.

Charlotte hesitated, studying her reflectionslim designer jeans, blowout from last weeks salon visit, lipstick shed splurged on in duty-free. No one would guess the blouse was from TK Maxx.

I tried. At Olivers birthday last month. I said, Wouldnt it be nice to host in our own place? His mum just smiled and passed round more cake.

And Oliver?

Oliver! She scoffed. Know what he said yesterday? Lets get Em a nice houseplant for her new place. Im chuffed shes got somewhere proper!

Poppy sighed. Thats sweet, isnt it? Siblings being close

Sweet?! His sisters got a three-bed with a balcony overlooking the Thames, and hes over the moon! We saw it before they bought it. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in wardrobe bigger than our kitchen!

Char, youre winding yourself up. Maybe dont

No. Her voice dropped to a razor-sharp whisper. Im saying it all at the housewarming tomorrow. Let them explain why one child gets handed everything while the other gets sod all.

The key turned in the lock. Oliver walked in, stubble-shadowed but smiling, holding a Tesco bag. Got your favouritealmond croissants. Meeting ran late. Sorry, love.

She forced a smile. Salright.

Ems flat is brilliant, he said, unpacking groceries. She saved for ages, and Mum and Dad helped top it up.

Charlotte bit her tongue. *Tomorrow*, she thought. *No more pretending.*

The next morning, she spent two hours perfecting her hair and makeup, finally choosing a cream Reiss dress shed nabbed in the sale.

Well be late! Oliver called. Em asked us to help shift furniture.

God forbid she lifts a finger herself, Charlotte muttered, brushing her hair one last time.

Oliver frowned. Whats got into you today?

She met his eyes in the mirror. For a second, guilt flickeredthen she remembered Emilys marble countertops. Nothing. Lets go.

The development was sleekglass towers, manicured hedges, a doorman in a peaked cap. Charlottes stomach twisted as the lift ascended.

Emily greeted them in jeans and a loose jumper, her face glowing. Oli! Char! So glad youre here!

The flat was immaculate, sunlight streaming through panoramic windows. Charlotte eyed the space. Must be nice, she said sweetly, having room to breathe.

Oliver shot her a look.

Emily faltered. I I know Im lucky.

Are you? Charlottes smile didnt reach her eyes. Or did Mummy and Daddy just fancy spoiling their favourite?

The air turned to ice.

Oliver pulled her onto the balcony. What the hell are you doing?

Asking the question no one else will! Why does *she* get a half-million-pound flat while we scrape by?

He exhaled sharply. They offered me one three years ago.

Charlotte froze. What?

I turned it down. Said Em needed it more.

Her laugh was brittle. You *what*? Without even

Would you have listened? His voice was quiet. Or would you have slapped on a designer dress and started planning dinner parties?

Inside, guests arrived. Emilys forced laughter floated through the glass.

Oliver turned away. I thought youd grow out of this. The keeping-up-appearances, the envy. But today He met her eyes. I cant do it anymore.

Her pulse spiked. What?

I dont want a life where we tally other peoples luck instead of making our own.

Charlotte stared at her reflection in the balcony glassflawless makeup, hollow eyes.

A taxi honked below. She left without a word.

Outside, drizzle misted her perfectly curled hair. She reapplied her lipstick by habit, then stopped, staring at the smudge on her fingers. For once, she didnt care.

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‘Your parents really splashed out on this flat for you, didn’t they?’ said the sister-in-law with a hint of envy, glancing around the spacious rooms.
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