Chapter 2 The Billionaire's Virgin Bride II

Lauren

After the store was closed, I walked home, had a quick dinner, and then just chilled out in front of the television. In order to finish Kirsten's gown, I remained at the shop after my final appointment until it closed. Because I wanted her hem to look its absolute best, I took my time with it.

I clipped it approximately halfway before my eyelids began to droop as a precaution. I got ready for the bright early morning by hanging the dress up in my study and getting some breakfast. It's against my nature to abandon a project halfway through, and I know that I won't feel complete until I've completed Kirsten's dress.

Before settling in for the night in my pajamas on the couch, I treated myself to a delectable meal and a light glass of wine. It came as a complete shock to me when I realized that I actually enjoyed watching romantic comedies on television. It's hard to say if the wine is making me feel better or whether it's because I had a productive day at work. Whatever the outcome may be, I cannot tear my attention away from the movie. At long last, I feel my eyelids beginning to close. I was so exhausted that I couldn't even watch TV. I've been cleaning the kitchen and living room in a hurry, so as soon as I enter this room, I switch out the lights and let out a yawn. You should brush your teeth before getting ready for bed. On my nightstand, I placed an alarm that was set for one hour earlier than normal. If you do things this way, you'll have plenty of time to go to the store and finish putting together Kirsten's dress.

I look at my phone for a couple of seconds just because I feel like it. There is to be no emailing or texting. Even though I have no idea if it will be beneficial or detrimental, I make an effort not to dwell on it. Get comfortable, turn off the lights, and charge your phone while you're lying down. As soon as you drape the blanket over your shoulder, you'll find yourself dozing off. It's always good to be able to fall asleep easily at the end of a hard day. in order for you to be able to forget about all of the problems and worries that you have had throughout the day.

However, the tranquil gloom won't last forever. It takes some time, but eventually I am able to make out ringing and buzzing in the distance. I am able to force myself to wake up by fighting my way through the sleep fog.

I look about the room, trying to locate the source of the sounds, but I feel disoriented. My phone is shaking on the nightstand, the ringtone is extremely loud, and before I know what it is, an odd number flashes across the screen.

I answer it groggily, "Hello?"

"Is this Lauren Benson, please? who is responsible for the bridal boutique on First Avenue?" I'm asked by a phone voice.

My stomach immediately begins to churn. I have a nagging suspicion that this isn't about a dress because no one is making a social call in the middle of the night.

"Yes? Is there a problem?" I inquire as I struggle to get out of bed.

"A fire was reported at your place of business. There are already fire personnel on the spot. We implore you to attend as well." A voice responds.

I wake up right away, my heart pounding. I'm headed your way. Thank you. I advise cutting off the call.

I pull it away from the charger, get out of bed, and stuff my feet into my shoes. My main concern is getting to the store; I don't care whether I'm still wearing my pajamas. I hurry out of the flat after grabbing my purse and keys.

I go as quickly as I can. Although I'm constantly hoping that I won't run any red lights, the truth is that I hardly pay attention. Finally here, I find a parking spot across the street. There are two fire vehicles and a police cruiser, as expected. I don't see any flames, and the firefighters are wandering around without any sense of urgency, but a few flimsy wisps of smoke are still rising from the structure.

I quickly exit my car and head toward them.

"Ma'am, are you the proprietor of this company?" I'm asked by the fire marshal.

I respond, "Yes, my name is Lauren Benson."

I cast a worried gaze his way. "What took happened?"

"Well, Ms. Benson, I'm delighted to report that we were able to rapidly extinguish the fire. It obviously caused some damage, but the building's integrity is still intact, and it appears that the majority of your goods were unharmed. However, I am unsure of what might have been affected by smoke or water damage.

"Fortunately, nobody was wounded because the store was vacant."

As I listen to him, my stomach churns with a mixture of relief and sadness.

"Are we aware of the cause?" I inquire while doing everything I can to evaluate the harm done thus far.

He answers, "Yes ma'am, it was an electrical fire."

He briefly quizzes me and records my responses in his report. I'm too shocked to say or ask anything else at this point.

He presents me with the report. "This is a requirement for your insurance. I am really sorry for all of the loss," He adds, then turns to leave.

I nod at him as I take the papers. I observe the fire departments as they load up their vehicles and ready to leave. "Is it safe to enter?" I call for them.

"Yes, ma'am, but please exercise caution nonetheless." Someone responds.

I wait until they go before I get up the bravery to enter while I watch them go. As I step across the barrier, I grab onto the documents the fire marshal had given me like a lifeline. I wrinkle my nose at the smell of scorched wetness right away. Even though I can immediately tell that it appears to be severely damaged, I am just glad that it is still standing. I sigh a lot. The interior is dark, but I'm not sure if the lights are on. And even if they are, I'm afraid to turn on a light switch lest I accidentally set the entire building on fire once more.

I therefore replace my phone for a light. I walk around to the store's back and take a broom. I'm happy to see that the workroom is secure and unharmed. I place my phone on the counter next to the cash register and start sweeping away the dirt on the floor.

I'll need a spotless area to sort through the inventory's leftovers.

I make an effort to hold back the tears and feelings I'm experiencing. Memories surface as the process continues. When the shop belonged to my grandmother, I imagine how diligently she must have maintained it throughout the years. I recall the day grandma took over raising me after my parents were murdered in a car accident.

I recall pursuing her around this store. The anticipation in the air would make me watch with wide eyes as she would pull out a gown for a bride to try on. Every time she made a bride happy, I recall seeing the excitement on her face. A sentiment that I shared with each joyful bride. I stop sweeping to take a peek at the shop's ruins.

Early in the morning, rays of sunlight are beginning to filter through the windows. Now that the store has been damaged, I can even more clearly see the burnt veils and gowns, in addition to the damage to the walls. My face is buried in the broom after it slips from my hands, and at this point, the emotions completely overwhelm me.

I'm completely overwhelmed. When I was given the opportunity to take over my grandmother's shop, I was incredibly happy and honored. I was thrilled to be able to participate in something that made her so happy. I feel like I let her down right now. I'm not sure how I'll be able to bounce back from this. Not only emotionally, but I know it will take me a long time to deal with this. All that was left of her was this store. Additionally, I consider the financial implications. I'm not wealthy. I don't think I'll be able to pay to replace all I've lost. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to get the shop's damage fixed and attempt to get by with what I still have.

I am overcome with sobs, which wrack my body, and I crumple to the ground in a heap.

How in the world do I proceed from here?