“You two aren’t a match,” Rita told her sister. “He’s younger and suits me better. The wedding needs to be canceled.”
Daisy lived in a spacious three-bedroom flat located in a nice area of London. The apartment had been passed down to her by her grandmother. Besides her younger cousin, Daisy had no close relatives. However, she never felt a sisterly bond with Rita.
Somehow, Daisy found herself alone at thirty-five, but at least she had her own place. Knowing she couldn’t rely on anyone else, Daisy had studied hard, graduated from a prestigious university, landed a well-paying job in a large company, and everything was going well for her, except for one thing…
“You should get married, Daisy,” Rita would occasionally call to check on her and advise.
At thirty, Rita had already had three children and been divorced twice. She lived with her sons in the suburbs, relying on alimony, and struggled to find stability.
“Sure, but no suitable candidates…” Daisy would reply. At work, she focused on her tasks, leaving her with little free time. Yet, fate intervened when a new neighbor moved in upstairs. They met after Daisy accidentally bumped his car in the parking lot, and from there, sparks flew.
William was five years younger than Daisy, but the age difference didn’t bother them. Daisy was a traditional girl and didn’t want to live with a man before marriage, so after two months, William proposed, giving her a ring.
Rather than a wedding dress, Daisy opted for a white suit, and instead of a large reception, the couple planned a trip together. Everything was progressing smoothly until Rita called a week before the wedding.
“Hey, sis… can we stay with you for a bit? Renting is expensive, and we have no money. It’s urgent.”
“What happened?”
“I need an urgent, costly operation. I’ll explain later,” she said mysteriously.
“Since it’s serious… come over,” Daisy agreed reluctantly. She knew too well how hard it was having nowhere to turn.
The next day, Rita arrived with her suitcases and three children, each one more mischievous than the last. Daisy never really liked kids. She could tolerate one, but three constantly whining little ones…
“Let’s be clear—how long are you staying?” Daisy asked, taking an eyeliner from the youngest, busy drawing on a wall.
“I don’t know… are we a burden?” Rita replied, pretending to be hurt. “Sorry, should’ve gone for a hostel. Hotels are too pricey for us… with doctors, tests…”
“Sorry, you’re not a burden, of course. What’s going on with you?” Daisy felt embarrassed by her lack of hospitality. They were family, after all.
“Well… it’s complicated,” Rita deflected. “Something with my eyes.”
“And what’s wrong?” Daisy asked. She was used to seeing her sister in glasses but had never thought it was serious.
“Never mind, it’s my problem. The important thing is I found a good doctor. Anyway, tell me about you. How’s everything?”
“I’m getting married,” Daisy proudly announced.
“And you never mentioned!”
“We’re keeping it low-key.”
“Why? With your money, you could throw a fantastic wedding!”
“Rita…”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t meddle,” Rita bit her tongue. “So, tell me about the groom. Will you introduce us?”
“Actually, he lives next door and wanted to come over for tea.”
“Great! You set the table, and I’ll wash my hair. I’m all sweaty from the journey.”
“Your towel is in the bathroom.”
“Thanks, I won’t be long. Watch the kids, okay?”
Daisy frowned. She had planned to bake a chocolate cake that William loved, not babysit three boys.
As Rita vanished and the children quietly played with toy cars, Daisy grabbed flour, eggs, and whipped up the preparation. However, the baking plan soon fell apart. One child spilled flour, another stole chocolate meant for the cake, smearing it on themselves and the walls. Meanwhile, the third silently pulled leaves off her favorite plant, upturning soil from the pot.
“Rita! Your kids…” Daisy began, stepping into the bathroom to return the boys to their mother. But Rita, headphones on and enjoying a soak, was oblivious to the chaos.
“Rita!”
“What are you yelling for? What’s up?”
“Nothing much… You’ve been in here for over an hour and a half. I need to clean up for the visit, and I’m covered in chocolate and flour. The kitchen’s a disaster! I don’t know where to start!”
“Not my fault you can’t handle kids,” Rita shrugged. At that moment, the doorbell rang, and Daisy had to greet William in a soiled apron.
“Hi…” William assessed her state. “What happened to you?”
“My sister’s here. Not exactly great timing.”
“I see. Shall I leave?”
“No, stay. We’re basically family already,” Daisy smiled, accepting the cake he’d brought. It was fortunate he hadn’t come empty-handed.
“If I’m not intruding, then sure.”
William was a good guy, helping Daisy tidy up the kitchen and even finding common ground with Rita’s children.
Yet, Rita lingered in the bathroom…
“Where’s your sister?”
“Scrubbing off the grime from the kids,” Daisy joked. Just then, Rita waltzed in, clad only in a towel.
“Hello… William,” she struck a pose, sticking out a leg. Daisy was taken aback by her sister’s behavior. Why come out half-dressed?
“Good evening,” he smiled politely.
“My favorite cake!” Rita exclaimed, shamelessly swiping cream with a finger and licking it off, leaving Daisy speechless.
“Rita, we plan to have tea. Feel free to join, but not in a towel.”
“Should I take it off?” she smirked, ignoring Daisy.
William, equally surprised, pretended not to notice Rita’s antics. Daisy, however, saw his silence as interest, feeling slighted.
Tea was awkwardly silent. Rita behaved oddly, while Daisy ensured the kids didn’t ruin the decor.
“Thanks, I’m heading out,” William said as tension rose.
“Why don’t you stay? There’s room for everyone,” suggested Rita.
“William and I don’t have that kind of relationship,” Daisy said firmly.
“How silly! That’s old fashioned. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you relationship skills before your wedding,” Rita laughed.
“Goodbye, nice meeting you,” said William, looking pale.
“And you! See you soon,” Rita called after him.
Daisy avoided speaking to Rita the rest of the evening.
“You and him aren’t a match, you know,” Rita stated the next day.
“Oh? Why’s that?”
“He’s young, you’re… not.”
“The age gap isn’t that big.”
“But noticeable.”
“So, what’s your point?”
“Well… he suits me more.”
“Really?”
“And he got along with the boys immediately. He looked at me… he wanted to stay with us!”
“Not us. Me!” Daisy snapped, her patience wearing thin.
“Alright, alright! Just kidding. Testing you.”
“What’s happening with your operation?” Daisy changed the subject.
“It’s tomorrow. Going to see the doctor today. Can you watch the kids?”
“I’m working.”
“But you’re the boss!”
“And?”
“You make the rules. Take a break,” Rita looked at Daisy, bewildered by the issue. “Plus, after the operation, I need peace and rest. You’ll have to handle all the kids and chores.”
What Daisy said next left Rita stunned.
