“You think you’re flawless for us,” Poppy hissed, eyes blazing. Want to know why? Because Im sick of always being secondbest! She slammed her laptop shut, the screen’s glow dying as she flung herself back in the swivel chair. The offices hum fell to a low thrum.
Emma, her older sister, lifted her gaze from the spreadsheet and smirked. That mistake in the quarterly report wasnt exactly a masterpiece, was it? Did you expect a pat on the head?
Poppys cheeks flushed crimson, the sting of humiliation sharp. Emma ignored the sour look and began gathering her things; the day finally slipped away. Papers slid neatly into a folder, the coffee mug clattered into the sink.
Down the corridor, Poppy walked in a stunned silence, the fluorescent lights flickering above. Only when the glass doors of the office tower closed behind them did Emma speak again.
You find it easy to laugh. Youre perfect for us, arent you?
Emma exhaled slowly. Their arguments had become a relentless chorus lately. Once, Emma would brush off a managers criticism with a joke, but now every word was laced with bitterness.
I just do my job well, Poppy. You can too, Emma said.
Sure, of course, Poppy muttered.
The two had been in the procurement department of a major retail conglomerate for three years. Emma had landed the role first; six months later she helped Poppy get in. Theyd always been close, backing each other up, yet their work ethics diverged dramatically.
Emma stayed late, poring over supplier markets, comparing terms from dozens of firms before committing. Poppy favoured a laidback rhythmjust enough to meet deadlines, then the rest of the day spent scrolling on her phone or chatting in the breakroom. Emma never judged; each had their own way.
A month earlier, the company called Emma into the directors office and offered her a promotion: senior procurement manager with a substantial £15,000 annual increase. She was stunned, but accepted immediately. Years of meticulous effort finally paid off.
Poppy hugged her, congratulating her, but Emma saw how quickly the smile faded, how forced the words sounded. That evening they went to a downtown café to celebrate, yet the mood was off. Poppy kept steering the conversation toward salaries, asking how much more Emma would earn, how many overtime hours shed be forced to put in.
Youre just lucky the bosses noticed you. Otherwise youd be stuck on the same rung forever, Poppy muttered between sips.
Lucky? Emma asked, eyebrows raised. I spent two months on that project without a single day off.
Exactly, Poppy replied, smirking.
Six months later, Emma was appointed head of the whole department. The news rippled through the office; colleagues shook hands, offered congratulations, and wished her success. Emma was the last to approach, hugging Poppy and whispering, Congrats. Youre finally on the big league now.
There was no warmth in that whisper. Emma stepped back, meeting Poppys eyes, seeing something cold and alienlike a serpent coiled in the shadows.
In the weeks that followed, Emmas office life shifted subtly but inexorably. Lunch invitations from Tatiana stopped. James from the neighbouring division no longer stopped by with his morning brew. Colleagues offered dry nods, their smiles gone, and turned away as soon as Emma glanced their way. Whispered jokes and muffled laughter echoed behind her back; anyone she turned to pretended to be buried in work.
Emma was baffled. What had changed? Shed always been open, helpful, sharing her knowledge. Had the promotion turned her colleagues against her? She hadnt altered her styleno shouting, no unreasonable demands.
One evening, as Emma was about to leave, Sophie, a nervous colleague, knocked on her door.
Come in, Emma called. Whats up?
Sophie slipped into the chair opposite, looking embarrassed.
I have to tell you something. Im ashamed, but you deserve the truth.
Emma set down her pen, eyes fixed on Sophie. Sophie swallowed and spoke.
Poppy has been spreading rumours about you for months. She tells anyone wholl listen that the ideas in your projects are actually hers, that you stole her work, that you only got the promotion because youre a kissup. She says you look down on everyone, that you think were all idiots.
Poppy? The sister Emma had brought into the firm, the one she had supported? The very person whose mistakes Emma had silently corrected? Emmas mind swirled.
You sure? You mixing things up? Emma asked, voice tight.
Absolutely. At first I thought it was a misunderstanding, but she repeats it constantly, to anyone. People start believing it. Gossip spreads like wildfire. The more outlandish it gets, the more you start to accept it
Emma left the office that night feeling the weight of betrayal crush her chest. The drive home was a blur of thoughts, the city lights flashing past like a frantic heartbeat. Why? How? They had always been a team. Emma had protected Poppy, patched her errors. Now the gratitude turned into accusation.
When Emma reached Poppys flat, the door opened to a startled face.
Emma? Whats wrong?
She stepped inside without waiting, turned to stare straight into Poppys eyes.
Why? Emma asked coldly. Why are you turning the whole office against me? Why claim I stole your ideas? Why spread lies?
Poppys shoulders tensed, arms crossing over her chest. Her face flushed a deep scarlet.
Did Marry tell you? she snapped.
Does it matter who said it! Answer me!
Dont shout at me in my own house! This is personal! Poppy snapped back.
Im not shouting. Im demanding an explanation. How could you do this? Were sisters!
Poppy stepped forward, anger flaring in her eyessomething Emma had never seen before.
Do you want to know why? Poppy screamed. Because Im tired of always being second! In school you were the star, teachers adored you. At university you graduated with honours, and I scraped through resits. At work youre getting promotions and bonuses, while Im stuck in the same spot! I want a high salary and respect from the boss too! Understand? I want to be first!
Emma stayed silent. Poppys tirade continued, relentless.
Youve always been ahead, always perfect. Emmabrilliant, beautiful, diligent. And me? Just a shadow, the clumsy little sister who messes everything up!
Then you should have worked harder, Emma replied, voice steady. Put in the effort, not waste time on YouTube videos and kitchen gossip. You wanted respect? Earn it. Dont drag me through the mud for it.
Poppy opened her mouth, but Emma cut her off, turned, and walked out. The door clicked shut behind her, tears streaming down Emmas cheeks, which she swiped away with fierce determination. Hold on, she thoughthold on.
The next morning, Emma submitted a transfer request to a branch in Manchester. HRs manager stared in surprise but signed the paperwork without fuss. Emma was a valuable asset; the company didnt want to lose her. The transfer was approved within two days.
Poppy learned of it from coworkers and called that evening. Emma stared at the caller ID before answering.
Youre moving? Poppy said, voice flat.
Yes.
So youre running away.
No. Im just going somewhere they wont plot against me.
Youre betraying me! Traitor! Sister, youre a
Emma hung up. Nothing more was left to say.
Three months in the new branch flew by. The team welcomed her warmly; projects ran smoothly, and Emma began to forget the nightmare. One night, Sophie called.
Emma, did you hear? Poppys been sacked.
Emmas hand froze on the receiver.
What?
Last week. She missed deadlines on three contracts, botched reports. Management gave her one chance, then let her go. Everything fell apart without you. Your silent fixes were the only thing holding her up.
Emma put the phone down, sitting in silence.
The following day, Poppy appeared at Emmas doorstep, hair dishevelled, eyes bloodshot, clothes torn. She burst into the hallway, shouting:
Youre happy now! You got me fired! You moved just to ruin me! Did you do it on purpose?
Emma looked at her calmly.
What am I to blame, Poppy? You had the chance to prove yourself. I never stopped you. What did you do? Ruined everything yourself.
Its your fault! You!
No, its you who caused this. And now, stay away from my life.
Emma opened the door wide. Poppy froze, disbelief flashing across her face as Emmas stare remained icy and resolute. Poppy turned and fled down the stairwell, the door slamming shut with a deafening bang.
An hour later, their mother screamed into the phone:
What are you doing? Youre to blame for Poppys firing! You abandoned her! Youre selfish! Youve destroyed our family! Youre an evil you must fix this right now!
Emma tried to explainabout the rumours, the betrayal, that Poppys own actions led to her dismissalbut her mother shouted louder, accusing, demanding atonement.
Youve betrayed the family, Emma. Remember that. Its a sin.
The line clicked off.
Emma was left alone. The family turned away the moment she defended herself, the moment she stopped sacrificing for her sister. She would survive. Emma had always been strong, and now that strength was needed more than ever.
She opened an email from senior management: an offer to relocate to London, a new senior role, a fresh start. If before shed hesitated about the move, now she typed her acceptance with confidence.
When everyone turned their backs, nothing in this new city could hold her back. It was time to think only of herself.
Weeks passed in a frantic rush of packing. In London, Emma settled quickly, never looking back, no longer trying to mend broken family ties. The occasional polite birthday card from her parents drifted in, but Emma felt no longer tethered to their hollow affection. She had survived, and she would thrive.
