**Diary Entry 12th October**
Ill never forget the humiliation my sister put me through over a bloody cake.
Charlotte had spent ages curling her hair, slipping into her nicest dress, and dabbing on just a hint of perfume before heading to her older sister Sophies birthday party. In her hands was a carefully wrapped box holding a cakeher peace offering, hoping it might smooth over their rocky relationship. When she reached the fifth floor, Charlotte rang the bell twice. The door swung open, and Sophieglowing in a new dressing gown, her curls flawlessclapped her hands in exaggerated delight.
Is that for me? I suppose you remembered my birthday, then?
Course its for you, Charlotte replied evenly, holding out the box.
Sophie took it, curiosity turning to suspicion as she lifted the lid and peered inside.
You made this?
Yeah, Charlotte said, hesitating just a fraction.
Really? Sophie frowned, twisting the box in her hands. Whats in it?
Are we really dissecting the recipe, or shall we join the guests? Charlotte tried to deflect.
Too late. Sophie knew something was offand rightly so. Three days earlier, shed called Charlotte in tears.
I broke a nail and had a massive row with Oliver. I cant be bothered anymorecancel the cake, cancel everything!
Charlotte had taken it in stride and accepted an urgent order from a regular client. But just that afternoon, Sophie had called again.
Weve made up! He bought me a gold bracelet! Be here by sevenwith the cake!
You cancelled everything, Charlotte muttered.
Stop making excuses! Youre a bakerprove it!
Charlotte had tried explaining a proper cake couldnt be whipped up in six hours, but Sophie wouldnt listen. Shed even rang their mum, hoping for backup.
Is it really so hard to do something nice for your own sister? came the reply.
Realising she was on her own, Charlotte improvisedshe bought an unsold cake from a lesser-known baker, also named Charlotte (no, not her, another one). It looked decent enough. The thought counted, right? But Sophie saw through it instantly.
Charlotte, get in here! she barked toward the kitchen.
A brunette with long hair appeared, and Charlotte immediately recognised her.
Is this your cake? Sophie asked, ice in her voice.
Mine. She bought it. So this is your famous baker sister? the other Charlotte sneered.
Charlotte froze. The guests fell silent. Sophie, lips tight, ripped off the lid, dug her finger into the frostingand smeared it across her sisters face.
Eat this rubbish yourself! she spat. Couldnt even be bothered to make something. Just get out.
She shoved Charlotte out, then did the same to the other baker, who stormed off cursing and flipping the bird.
Outside, Charlotte wiped her face with tissues and checked her phone. Dozens of messages from their mum waited:
Youve shamed this family! Tricking your own sister? Have you no decency?
She didnt reply. Just turned off the screen in silence. But it wasnt over.
The next day, Sophie posted online: Dont even trust your sistershe brought me a shop-bought cake and lied. Disgraceful.
Charlotte cried all morning. Then she pulled herself together. Not for them. For herself. That day, she made a vow: no more cakes for family. No more goodwill gestures for people whod crush you without a second thought.
And for the first time in years, she felt lighter. Because from now on, her life would only hold whats truly sweet. No fakes. No hypocrisy. And no so-called family.
