A Murderous Game - Book 1

Chapter 1: Dinner at the Miller's

Year: 2023, during a cold December

Chapter 1: Dinner at the Miller's

I got out of my car, grabbed the gift bag, adjusted my sapphire-blue dress and made my way towards the mansion. I stepped onto the stone path, standing before the gigantic iron gate. The security man, Henry, opened the gates, the usual grimace plastered across his face. Well hello to you too.

Even though I've been to this house so many times before, its beauty never ceases to amaze me. It's absolutely stunning. The house is made of thick, black stone covered in silvery dew. The twisted fencing kept the house enclosed and neatly trimmed hedges surrounded the house. The roof was peaked, slanting down at an angle. The windows had silky cream beige curtains hanging on the other side of them, now drawn shut since it was nighttime. As I stepped onto the sidewalk, a marble fountain sat towards the right side of the lawn. A statue of an Angel holding a flower was perched on top, looking up towards the sky. Water spurted from its other hand, which lay gently out in front of it, as if waiting for someone to take it in return. The water fell gently towards the crystal blue pool beneath it, causing ripples to form and wave out until they were no more; diffraction at its best. I reached the doorstep, and rang the bell. A marble frame etched in glass was positioned right over the door with a caption that said: "Welcome to the Miller's". I pressed the doorbell for a second time.

DING DONG!

The door flew open and a young woman in her late twenties greeted me by the door, dressed in a sparkling black dress and high heels. Her dark red lipstick contrasted sharply with her black mascara.

"Hiiiiiiiiii!" Wendy said, beaming at me and greeting me with a hug and a kiss. Her smile was contagious.

"Happy birthday Wendy!" I said, giving her a small gift bag. "Sorry it's something small."

"Oh Olivia, you didn't have to!" she said, as I walked inside the house. "Where's the boyfriend?"

"Oh Aaron couldn't make it," I said. "He's visiting his parents for Christmas this year."

I met Aaron around one year ago during a charity event and the two of us clicked right away. Ever since, the two of us have been an inseparable duo.

"Awww that's too bad," Wendy said. "Send him my regards, will you?"

"Sure thing," I said.

Wendy was married to Freddy, a rich businessman who invests in stocks. Everything in their living room looked opulent; from the gleaming wood floors covered in loving throw rugs to the sheer curtains billowing like mist on the wall. The walls were a dark blue with silver brush swipes crossing over it, creating a shimmer effect. The furnishings were antiques and it was evident from the intricate designs that they were hand carved with skilled workmanship. The living area was big and quaint and delicate settees were laid out against the walls. In the corner was a large bookcase stacked with dozens of books (Wendy loves reading) and next to it was a lit fireplace, small embers crackling softly and creating warmth in the room. Soft Beethoven music was playing in the background and I felt like I was starring in a movie.

"Over here Livi," Wendy said, guiding me towards the dining room. "Everyone's almost here. I'll quickly go to the kitchen and bring out the rest of the food."

I entered the dining room and was instantly greeted by a heavenly smell. A huge table with all sorts of food lay out in the center with exactly sixteen chairs. Plates and silverware were laid neatly on golden-red mats. Wendy had outdone herself again. Most of our friends had already arrived and were chatting amongst one another.

"Hey Liv, you made it after all!" Ryan said, walking up to me and greeting me with a hug. His brown hair was neatly cut for once, revealing his thick brown eyebrows that his hair so often covered.