An elderly woman strolled into a posh bridal boutique in London. The shop assistant snickered at herbig mistake.
James worked at this high-end bridal shop, obsessed with luxury and often a bit snobby about it. One quiet afternoon, an older lady named Margaret walked in. The place was dead that dayjust James and his coworker, Emily, holding the fort.
Margaret wasnt the usual clientele. Her coat was worn, her hair a bit touslednot exactly “posh.” But shed never cared much for fancy appearances. She believed in kindness over flashy things and had a modest job that never brought her into shops like this. Still, for her summer wedding, she wanted to splurge.
James took one look at her and smirked, turning back to his phone.
“Blimey, someones wandered in from the charity shop,” he muttered to Emily. “Look at that get-up. Proper outdated.”
Emily shot him a glare. “Thats out of order, James. Shes a customertreat her like one. Now help her. Ive got to fetch the new stock.”
James rolled his eyes, still glued to his screen. Margaret approached with a warm smile.
“Excuse me, love, could you lend a hand?” she asked kindly.
“What dyou want?” he snapped, not even glancing up.
“No need for that tone,” Margaret said gently. “Im after a wedding dress. Im getting married”
“Listen, sweetheart,” he cut in, sighing dramatically. “Lets not waste time. Judging by your coat, you cant afford this place. Theres a second-hand shop down the roadtry there.”
“Oh? You reckon all that from a glance, do you?” Margaret replied, disappointment creeping in.
“Just being honest, love,” James shrugged. “No point dragging this out.”
“Well,” she said calmly, “if you wont respect me as a customer, at least respect your elders.”
“Yeah, whatever,” he mumbled, barely paying attention.
Just then, a glamorous young woman waltzed indesigner handbag, perfect hair. James sprang up like a puppy.
“Hello, gorgeous! What can we do for you today?” he gushed.
Emily returned just in time to see Margarets crestfallen face. She set down the boxes and hurried over.
“Hello there! Have you been sorted yet?” Emily asked warmly.
“Afraid not. Your mate there thinks Im not worth his time,” Margaret said, nodding at James, who was now fawning over the new customer.
“Dont mind him,” Emily said. “What are you after?”
“Summer wedding,” Margaret beamed. “Going all out.”
“Brilliant! Lets find you something stunning.”
Emily pulled a few dresses, and Margaret adored the priciest one. Meanwhile, the glamorous customer tried on nearly ten gowns, snapping selfies in each.
“Er, miss,” James said through gritted teeth. “Youve tried half the shop. Which one are you taking?”
“Oh, none,” she said airily. “Just needed some pics for Instagram.”
“Are you joking?!” James spluttered.
“Chill out,” she laughed, handing him the dress and sauntering off.
Fuming, James turnedand froze. Margaret was at the till, pulling out a wad of cash. She paid for the most expensive dress in full and left Emily a £4,000 tip.
“Blimey thats quite the tip,” James stammered.
“Sweetheart was it earlier?” Margaret said coolly.
“Ithat was justbanter! If Id known”
“Known what?” Margaret cut in. “That I dont shop at charity shops? You know what they say about assuming?”
James went beetroot. Margaret turned to Emily with a smile.
“Ta, love. Youve been lovely. See you at the wedding?”
“Wouldnt miss it,” Emily grinned.
Margaret left, leaving James gobsmacked.
“I donthow?” he stuttered.
Emily chuckled. “Margarets a nurse. Marrying a widowed millionaire she cared for after his accident. Didnt even know he was loaded till he left hospital.”
James was mortified. Emily patted his shoulder.
“Lesson learned, eh? Judge less, help more.”
That summer, Emily celebrated at Margarets weddinga proper fairy tale.
Moral? Dont judge a book by its cover. Jamess snobbery cost him. Treat everyone the sameyou never know whos got a fortune tucked away.
