All that glitters is not gold
Jacqui Wiley
Millie dreamed of a life of luxury, designer clothes, a beautiful house, and dinners that didn’t come in a microwaveable box. When she met Victor, a charming widower with silver hair and a polished smile, she thought her dreams were coming true. Victor spoke of his “mansions” and “businesses” with a twinkle in his eye, promising her a life of elegance.
Victor would take her to fancy restaurants, whisper about the exclusive clubs he frequented, and mention his “investment portfolio.” Millie was hooked. She imagined the big wedding, the diamond ring, the lavish honeymoon.
She rang home to tell her Mam and Dad of her happiness. Weren’t they glad now she had moved to London? They had been so worried about so many things and yet so happy she had managed to get a job and rent a shoebox bed-sit. Now she was proof the streets of London were paved with gold.
Six weeks into her relationship, Victor mentioned a life together and soon he was on one knee proposing. He placed an antique ring on her finger. Millie would have liked a modern ring, but who was she to complain? This ring was clearly expensive. She suggested they fly home to Ireland to meet her parents and show them the ring. Victor said his workload was heavy but as soon as work lightened off, they would travel to Ireland and stay in the finest of hotels. He promised they would purchase an Irish holiday home to join his other holiday homes.
He wished he had met her when work wasn’t so busy and was saddened, he only could see her at the weekend. “Money has to be made to keep Millie in style,” he’d laugh.
She was head over heels in love and couldn’t wait to get married and move into his English country home with antique furniture and grand chandeliers. She couldn’t believe her luck. Every weekend she planned out how she would brighten it up. She would take her parents to France, Italy and Dubai.
There was no sign of Victor the following Friday evening. He must be delayed, Millie thought. She rang him, no answer. Saturday came and still no contact. She decided to call on him, his flight must have got in late, his phone not charged, he was still asleep. What other explanation could there be?
She let herself into his house with the key he always left under the flower pot. Millie picked up the post as she entered the house; it was addressed to ‘Alexander Appleton’. Millie was confused; the letters must be for a previous owner. Millie heard a car outside, it must be him. A loud knock hurried her to answer the door, it had to be Victor.
It was two burly policemen. Millie froze, she knew it was bad news by their faces. Something had happened to Victor.
Millie was arrested for possession of stolen goods – the antique engagement ring. She was questioned endlessly about the body of Alexander Appleton in the cellar.
Victor wasn’t a millionaire. He was a magician, specialising in lies. And he disappeared. All that glittered Millie realised was a pile of empty promises, her dreams had been nothing more than smoke and mirrors. All that glitters is not gold.
Jacqui Wiley is a member of Inklings Writing Group. Inklings now meet on Saturdays at 3pm for the Inkling Summer Series. This in addition to the regular meetings on Tuesdays 11am and Wednesdays at 7.30pm. All meetings are in the Annebrook House Hotel. Mullingar. Aspiring writers welcome.