**Diary Entry 15th April**
Bloody hell, your parents bought you a flat? My brothers wife, Charlotte, said with a tight smile, glancing around the place.
Can you believe it, Emily? Sophies parents actually bought her a flat! My wife, Olivia, was twisting a strand of her bleached blonde hair around her finger, the phone pressed between her ear and shoulder.
*What a massive flat your parents bought you*, she thought bitterly, eyeing her sister-in-laws new home.
Her manicured nailsa tasteful shade of blush pinkbetrayed her habit of keeping up appearances, despite our modest budget. And not just any flata three-bed in a brand-new development! In Greenwood Heights, you know? With a private garden and underground parking!
Well, thats lovely. Im happy for Sophie, Emily replied evenly. Shes a sweet girlshe deserves it.
Deserves it? Olivia stopped mid-step in our rented one-bed. How, exactly? By still relying on Mummy and Daddy at twenty-eight? Working part-time at that little museum for peanuts?
Liv, come on
No, listen! Olivia marched to the window, yanking aside the IKEA curtainscheap but presentable. My Edwardtheir own *son*, mind youworks himself to the bone. Hes a senior manager at a top firm! And were still stuck in this shoebox. The neighbours upstairs 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?
Olivia hesitated, studying her reflection in the glass. At thirty-two, she still looked strikingslim, stylish, her lips painted in that expensive shade of red. No one would guess her blouse was a sale find.
I tried. At Edwards birthday last month. Remember when his mum made that Victoria sponge everyone raved about? I said, Wouldnt it be lovely to host these in our *own* place? And she just smiled and offered seconds.
What does Edward say?
Edward! She scoffed. He came home yesterday and said, Love, lets buy Sophie a nice houseplant for her new flat. Im so chuffed for her!
Well, thats sweet, that hes
Sweet? His sister gets a three-bed in a luxury complex, and hes *delighted*? We went to see it before they bought itninety square metres, floor-to-ceiling windows! My *bedroom* is smaller than her ensuite!
Liv, Emilys voice sharpened, youre winding yourself up. Maybe you shouldnt
No, Em, Olivia dropped to a whisper, Im saying it all at the housewarming tomorrow. Let them explain why one child gets everything and the other gets sod all. Ill ask them straightwhy does Sophie get handed a flat while we scrape by?
Olivia! Dont! Youll start a row!
Ive had enough! Five years of living like second-class relatives. For my birthday, his mum gave me a bloody handbag. A *handbag*! And for Sophiea flat! Do you know what one of those chandeliers costs? Our entire months rent!
The key turned in the lock.
Thats Edwardgotta go. She hung up and forced a bright smile as he walked intall, dark-haired, stubble shading his jaw. Exhausted but smiling.
Hey, love. Grabbed dinner on the wayyour favourite, those coconut macaroons from Waitrose.
Thanks, darling, she pecked his cheek, eyeing the supermarket bag. How was your day?
Brilliant! Im so made up for Sophie. She saved for years, and Mum and Dad helped her over the line. He unpacked the groceries.
Olivia bit her lip. *Fine. Tomorrow, well have a very different conversation.*
—
The next morning, she spent two hours getting readytrying on every dress, reapplying her makeup. Finally, she settled on a cream sheath dress, conservative but elegant.
Liv, well be late! Edward called. Sophie asked us to come early to help move furniture.
Coming! She gave her hair a final flick. Cant your sister manage *anything* on her own?
Edward appeared in the doorway. Liv, why say that? She just needs a hand.
Of course, Olivia pressed her lips together. Why lift a finger when big brother can do it?
Whats got into you? He rested his hands on her shoulders. Youre wound up.
She met his eyes in the mirror. His concern was genuine. For a second, she waveredthen remembered Sophies spacious rooms.
Im fine, she smiled tightly. Lets not keep *Princess Sophie* waiting.
The complex was immaculateglass-fronted buildings, manicured lawns, a concierge at the entrance. Olivias stomach twisted as they crossed the polished marble lobby.
Two concierges! Edward said cheerfully as the lift ascended. And secure parking. Brilliant, isnt it?
Thrilling, she muttered.
Sophie greeted thempetite, in simple jeans and a loose blouse, nothing like the smug homeowner Olivia expected.
Ed! Liv! So glad youre here! She hugged her brother.
Wouldnt miss it, Olivia said stiffly, stepping inside.
Ignore the messstill unpacking.
Olivia scanned the spotless flat. Boxes were stacked neatly, the new hardwood floors protected by sheeting. The air smelled of fresh paint.
Your hallways bigger than our living room, Olivia remarked, slipping off her heels.
Theres even a walk-in, Sophie gestured. Not that Ive got much to fill it.
Dont worry, Olivia smiled coldly, youll accumulate *plenty* now youve got the space.
Edward shot her a warning look.
Come see the rest! Sophie led them through. Living roomlook at these windows! And the balcony!
Gorgeous, Olivia breathed. How much did this set your parents back?
*Liv*. Edwards voice was sharp.
What? Just curious. Maybe well luck into something like this one day.
Sophie froze. Liv, you know Mum and Dad saved for years
Funny how they saved just for *you*, Olivia cut in. Wouldnt two smaller flats have been fairer?
Silence. Sophies fingers twisted her sleeve. Edwards jaw tightened.
Olivia. Outside. Now.
She followed him onto the balcony.
What the hell was that?
The truth. Your parents couldve helped us too.
They *did*, Edward said quietly. Three years ago. I turned it down.
Olivia went still. What?
I said Sophie needed it more. Shes on a museum salary. Id earn mine myself.
You never told me.
Would you have understood? He gave a bitter laugh. Todays answer: no.
Inside, guests arrived. Sophie, red-eyed, accepted congratulations. Their muma slight woman in a simple dresskept glancing at the balcony.
You humiliated my sister in her own home, Edward said. You insulted my parents, who worked their arses off. And for what? So you could throw a tantrum?
Olivia opened her mouth, but he cut her off.
Im done. I wont spend my life with someone who cant be happy for others.
Her breath hitched. Youre leaving?
I already have.
He walked back inside, leaving her on the balcony. She watched him hug Sophie, saw their parents relax as she smiled.
Olivia called a taxi. One last look at the happy family, then she slipped out.
In the lift, her reflection stared backperfect hair, perfect makeup. Empty eyes.
Outside, rain drizzled. She touched up her lipstick out of habit, but for the first time, she didnt care if it was flawless.
*Some get ninety square metres. Some get nothing.*
**Lesson learned:** Envy rots the soul. And sometimes, it costs you everything.
