The house buzzed with the kind of chaotic energy that only came when family was involved—laughter echoing through freshly painted hallways, the scent of cinnamon candles mixing with roasted turkey. It was the first Thanksgiving you and your husband, Stefan, were hosting, and also the unofficial housewarming after months of exhausting renovations. Every detail felt important—the polished hardwood floors, the warm glow of the new kitchen lights, the carefully arranged centerpieces sitting proudly on the dining table.

Boxes had only disappeared a few weeks ago, and even now there were tiny reminders of the chaos you’d survived together: paint samples still tucked behind the pantry door, the faint smell of fresh wood lingering in the air. But it was yours now. Finally complete.

Your parents were on their way, along with your siblings and their families, each bringing their favourite side dishes. You moved quickly through the kitchen, storing the sauces and checking the turkey for what felt like the hundredth time, determined to make everything perfect.

Stefan, meanwhile, looked completely unbothered. Sleeves rolled to his elbows, he adjusted the plates at the table with that calm confidence that somehow made you both love him and want to strangle him at the same time. Every now and then he’d flash you an easy smile, completely unaware of the knot tightening in your stomach.

Because among all the guests arriving tonight, there was one person you weren’t fully prepared to see.

Grace, your sister.

Things between the two of you had been strained lately. Her texts had become shorter, her compliments thinner, and every conversation carried an edge you couldn’t quite ignore. Ever since you and Stefan bought the house—and especially after the renovations were finished—she’d seemed different. Distant. Bitter, almost.

Grace had always wanted a life like this: the beautiful home, the stable marriage, the feeling of finally building something permanent. And while she’d never openly admitted it, you could see the jealousy hidden behind her polite smiles whenever someone complimented the house or mentioned how perfect you and Stefan seemed together.

You kept telling yourself tonight would be different. Maybe once everyone arrived, once the wine was poured and the laughter filled the rooms, whatever tension existed would fade into the background.

Still, as you brushed butter over the turkey one last time, you couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling settling deep in your chest.