Oh, youd never believe itSophies parents just bought her a flat! Emma said, twirling a strand of her highlighted blonde hair, phone wedged between her ear and shoulder.
Her brothers wife had just given her a tour of the place, and Emma couldnt help but seethe. What a massive flat your parents bought you, she thought bitterly, eyeing the high ceilings and modern fittings.
Her nails, perfectly manicured in a soft pink, betrayed her habit of maintaining appearances despite her modest salary. And not just any flata three-bed in a new development! In Kensington, can you imagine? With a private garden and underground parking!
Well, good for Sophie, Lily replied calmly. Shes a sweet girlshe deserves it.
Deserves it? Emma froze mid-step in her rented studio. How, exactly? By still living off her parents at twenty-eight? Earning peanuts at that little museum job?
Lily sighed. Em, come on
No, listen! Emma yanked back the IKEA curtainscheap but presentableand glared out the window. My Jamestheir actual sonworks himself to the bone. Hes a director at a top 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?
Emma hesitated, studying her reflection in the glass. At thirty-three, she looked polishedslim figure, chic bob, high-end lipstick. No one would guess her blouse was a last-season sale find.
WeI mean, Itried. At Jamess birthday last month, remember? His mum made that cake everyone loved. I said, Wouldnt it be lovely to host in our own place someday? And she just smiled and passed around seconds.
And what does James say?
James! Emma scoffed. Guess what he told me yesterday? Love, lets get Sophie a housewarming plant tomorrow. Im so chuffed shes got her own place!
Well, thats nice. Hes close with his sister
Nice how? Emma cut in. His sister lands a three-bed in a posh postcode, and hes over the moon! You shouldve seen itninety square metres, floor-to-ceiling windows! My bedrooms smaller than her ensuite!
Lilys voice turned firm. Em, youre winding yourself up. Maybe dont
No, Lil. Emma dropped to a whisper. Im saying it all at the housewarming tomorrow. Let them explain why one kid gets everything and the other gets sod all. Ill ask outrightwhy is she the golden child?
Emma! Youll start a row!
Im done keeping quiet! Five years weve scraped by as the poor relations. For my birthday, his mum gave me a handbag. A handbag! And for her daughtera bloody flat! Emma smoothed her freshly blown-out hair. James 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 work dos in Primark!
The key turned in the lock.
Thats James, Emma whispered. Talk tomorrowIll tell you how it goes.
She hung up and forced a smile as James walked intall, dark-haired, stubble shadowing his jaw. Exhausted but grinning.
Hi, love. Grabbed dinner on the wayyour favourite almond croissants. Sorry, meetings ran late.
Its fine, darling. She pecked his cheek, eyeing the Tesco bag. How was your day?
Brilliant! So pleased for Soph. Shes saved for years, and Mum and Dad helped her over the line! He started unpacking groceries.
Emma bit her lip. Doesnt matter, she thought. Tomorrow changes everything. No more playing happy families.
The next morning, she spent two hours preeningtrying every smart outfit before settling on a cream shift dress, last months sale splurge.
Em, well be late! James called. Soph wants help arranging furniture.
Coming! She gave her hair a final flick. What, your sister cant manage a few bookshelves alone?
James appeared in the doorway. Em, why say that? She just needs a hand.
Of course. Emma pressed her glossed lips into a line. Why lift a finger when big brothers around? As usual.
Whats got into you? He gripped her shoulders. Youre wired.
She met his eyes in the mirror. His were warm with concern. For a second, guilt flickeredthen she remembered Sophies sprawling rooms.
Im fine. She forced a smile. Lets gowouldnt want to keep Princess Sophie waiting.
The development was swankyglass towers, manicured lawns, a concierge desk. Emmas stomach knotted as they crossed the marble lobby.
Two concierges! James chatted as the lift ascended. And secure parking. Pretty flash, eh?
Lovely, Emma gritted out.
Sophie greeted them in jeans and a loose teeno airs, despite the posh postcode.
Jamie! Em! She hugged her brother. So glad youre here!
Thrilled, Emma said stiffly, stepping into the vast entryway.
Come in! Sophie beamed. Mind the messstill unpacking.
Emma scanned the spotless space. Neat stacks of boxes, protective sheeting on hardwood floors. The air smelled of fresh paint.
Your hallways bigger than our kitchen, Emma remarked, slipping off her heels. Must be nice.
Oh, theres a walk-in too! Sophie gestured to sliding doors. Though Ive no idea what to put in it.
Dont worry, Emma smiled coldly. Youll fill it. Now that youve got the space.
James shot her a look. She ignored it.
Come see! Sophie led them through. Living rooms herelook at these windows! And the balcony!
Stunning, Emma breathed. Whats the going rate for paradise?
Em! James hissed.
What? She fluttered her lashes. Just curious. Maybe well luck out one day.
Sophie froze, cheeks pinking. Em, you know Mum and Dad worked their whole lives
Oh, sure. Emma cut in. They worked, yet youre the one with the flat. Funny, that.
Silence fell. Sophie fidgeted with her sleeve. Jamess forehead creased.
Emma, outside. Now. His tone brooked no argument.
Why? Emma spread her hands. Im just saying what everyones thinking. Sophie, dont you find it odd your parents only bought you a place? Why not two smaller flatsone for you, one for your brother?
Em, stop. Jamess voice was steel.
But Emma was unstoppable. She paced the living room, heels clicking.
Five years weve rented a studio. Five! And you waltz into thisshe gestured grandlyfor doing what? Existing?
Sophies eyes welled. Em, I never thought
Of course not! Emmas voice rose. Why would you? Mummy and Daddy handle everything! Meanwhile, weher voice crackedcount every penny for a deposit. Then poof! A three-bed falls into your lap!
Enough! James hauled her onto the balcony, shutting the door. What the hell are you doing?
Telling the truth! Emma folded her arms. That chandelier costs more than our rent!
You dont know anything. He rubbed his face.
What dont I know? That your parents spoil their baby girl? That we
They offered me a flat three years ago.
Emma froze. What?
I said no. James held her gaze. Sophie needed it more. Shes on a museum salary. Id earn mine.
Youwhat? Emma paled. Why didnt you tell me?
Would you have understood? He gave a bitter laugh. Todays little show says no.
You shouldve discussed it with me! Im your wife!
Discuss what? That my sister scrapes by in a houseshare? That she saved half her wages while you blow half yours on facials?
Emma stepped back, heel clacking on tiles. Dont you dare! Im a directors wifeI have to look the part!
The part? Jamess calm shattered. Sophies worn the same dress for three years. Never complains.
Oh, so thats it? Emma leaned in. You fancy your sisters little martyr act? And Im the greedy witch?
Its how youre acting. Do you even hear yourself?
Through the glass, Sophie paced, wiping tears.
And how should I act? Emmas voice rose. Throw confetti? Oh, fab, sis-in-laws got a million-pound flat, and were in a mouldy studio!
The worst part? James looked at her sadly. Isnt the jealousy. Its that you dont care about anyone else. Have you ever asked about Sophies work? Her dreams?
Emma sniffed. Whats to ask? She stamps books all day
She published a paper last year. On medieval manuscripts. Four years work, nights after her shifts. By day, she gave tours for extra cash.
And? Emma shrugged, but doubt crept in.
And when Mum and Dad offered me the flat, I knew she needed it. She dreams of opening a calligraphy schoolhas since we were kids. And youhe broke off.
Say it! Emmas eyes flashed.What about me?
You only care about keeping up appearances. He sounded tired. I kept hoping youd grow out of it. But todayhe shook his headtoday proved me wrong.
The doorbell rangguests arriving. Sophie hurried to the door, wiping her eyes.
What are you saying? Emma stepped closer.
Remember how we met? At that work do? You were radiant. I loved your laugh, your fire
James
Then it started. First a flat in Chelsea. Then designer everythingfor the wife of a director. Salons, Michelin stars, labels. I kept thinkingmaybe shell see theres more?
He met her eyes. The scary part? I dont recognise the woman I fell for. She found joy in little things. You? You just tally other peoples wins and seethe.
IEmma began, but faltered.
Today you humiliated my sister in her home. Insulted my parents, who sacrificed everything for us. He took a breath. And Im grateful.
Grateful? Emma blinked.
Yes. Because now I knowwe need a divorce.
Emma went white. You cant
I can. And I will. Because I wont wake up at fifty next to someone who only knows how to envy.
Inside, his mum called, Jamie! Em! Whats keeping you?
James opened the door. Im going back. You can leave. Or stay and mean it when you congratulate Sophie. Your choice.
He walked in, leaving Emma alone on the balcony. She watched him hug Sophie, whisper in her ear, watched her face light up. Watched his parents relax as their daughter smiled.
Emma checked her reflection in the glass. Flawless makeup, sleek hair, designer dress. Only her eyes were hollow.
She called a cab. One last look at the family inside, then she slipped out. The lobbys mirrors multiplied her solitary click of heels.
Ninety square metres, she thought as the lift descended. Some get a mansion. Some get divorce papers.
Outside, rain misted the pavement. Emma pulled out her lipstick, then paused. For the first time in years, she didnt care if her reflection was perfect.
