The Billionaire's Virgin Bride

Lauren

While I am adjusting the hem of the bridal gown, which requires me to crouch down, I remove some pins from the cushion that is on my wrist.

I ask the bride, who also happens to be one of my closest friends, Kirsten, about it "You agree that this is the appropriate length, right? Do you not want me to increase the length a little bit?"

Her expression brightens whenever she takes a peek at herself in the mirror. She emphatically denies such idea. It's amazing to think about.

I couldn't help but crack a grin at the moment she said "OK."

She is careful not to fall off because she is tucking each of her legs into the dress one at a time and holding her hem in place. I am careful not to tear her hem since I don't want to.

I am efficient in my work and move fast throughout their base. She lets out an exasperated, "Oh my God, I can't believe it!" as she stares fixedly at her own image reflected in the glass. "I've finally found the person I've been looking for, and we're going to get married!"

To my relief, she mentioned something of such significance that all that was required of me was to smile and nod in agreement. She goes on to say that the proposal took place on a particularly romantic evening.

I mumbled, "Hmm," as I continued to concentrate on the activity at hand rather than on what she was saying.

It's not that I have something against Kirsten personally. She is a friend of mine, and I have the impression that she can be somewhat snarky at times. Then I opened a bridal business so that I could make other people's fantasies come true while I waited for my own Prince Charming to show up.

As she thinks back on some of the men she has dated in recent times, a scowl forms on her face. To anyone's standards, none of them were anywhere close to being ideal. "Do you think it's possible that you'll get married someday?" When Kirsten questions me, it makes my mind go in a million different directions.

After that, I stood in front of her and put her gown back on the floor. "Someday, preferably in the near future. It is a really challenging endeavor to hold out for the perfect match." She reveals this just before she finishes the last hem. She responds with empathy by saying, "I am."

I finished stitching the hem of her gown by inserting the final needle. As I sit up straight, I utter the words, "OK, I'm done." "Before you start stitching anything, just one more question: are you sure you want it in this spot? Would you like me to make any further modifications to it?" I ask.

In front of the mirror, Kirsten gives the garment one last try before putting it away. "Yes," she replies in an affirmative manner.

"Good. It is changeable by me. Within the next few days, I will make the necessary adjustments "I said with a happy attitude.

Kirsten is heard exclaiming, "Thank you very much, you sweetheart!"

Before entering her dressing room, she gave me a short hug and then walked away.

I let out a muffled groan, then step behind the counter and begin filling out the order form for Kirsten's gown. My job is my first priority, although today is unusually calm for the workplace.

Kirsten is the only person who has ever shopped in this store today. I think about how content she is to be near her and how disconnected I feel from her at the same time.

This brings to mind a discussion that had taken place earlier. When Kirsten was telling me about how thrilled she was for her wedding night, I asked her if she was still a virgin like I am. She said that it made her wonder if she was like me. We are almost the same age, but I have not had a sexual partner yet.

Being a virgin at my age still seems a little unusual to me, if I'm being completely honest about it. I mean, I'm not going to hand over all of the power to the very first person that I talk to. I always seem to find up dealing with swindlers and losers, and God knows they don't deserve it. I mean, saving it for your wedding night is not precisely having the heart to do so, but it is certainly something unique and lovely to do so. I wish I didn't have to hold out for things to happen for such a long time.

I laugh at the absurdity of my own thinking. It was like a flawless man suddenly appearing out of nowhere. "Be practical." I mutter to myself in a low voice.

Kirsten emerges from the women's changing room. I greeted her with a smile and took the dress from her before hanging it up nicely on her hanger and placing it in a garment bag.

"I will get started as quickly as I can so that she will be ready at the appropriate moment." Guaranteed. After you have hung the dress, you should face her and give her a glance. Her eyes well up with tears as she speaks. "Is there something that's not quite right?" I queried with trepidation.

I was concerned that she wouldn't like the clothing, so it came as a surprise when she started hugging me once more after she had already done so. She turns around and says, "I just wanted to thank you for everything," and then she walks away.

She removes her makeup by dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. What exactly do you mean by that? I am at a loss for words.

"Well, in regard to the outfit and everything else. It's ridiculous, but when I wore it, I imagined myself to be a beautiful princess. It is without a doubt the most stunning dress I've ever seen. You put forth a lot of effort, and I know that your efforts will make my wedding day even more memorable.

I responded by giving her a warm embrace in kind.

"Yeah, it makes me really happy that you appreciated the dress. You are not need to thank me because I have already done so. My response is that I honestly wish for the wedding day to be one that is both incredibly memorable and stunningly gorgeous.

She smiles at me and then turns away, letting me go. "Find someone who can make you happy in addition to themselves. later, very soon!" was the response she gave.

A brief smile is all that passes between us before she exits the store.

I let out another sigh, but this time it's a contented one. Forget about your own difficulties for a while and take pleasure in the happiness of another satisfied customer while also spending time with friends. I am happier now, and I am pleased with the results of my labor. I grab the bag that contains her outfit and slam it against the wall behind the counter.

I can't wait to get started on it when it finally arrives! It is a lovely garment that is well-suited to her curvy shape, and it appears that she takes great pleasure in wearing it. It need to be prepared within the next few days. Because she is tall, I just requested that she cut a few inches off of her hem, and this proved to be a really helpful adjustment. We are verifying your registration at this time. Just prior to the store's closing, another bride is scheduled to arrive for a last fitting. Since it has been some time since she first settled on the outfit, it is possible that this will require a little bit more effort. Turn off all electronic devices and get ready for this assurance.

I swap Kirsten's dress for one of the other available dresses in the back room where we are waiting for our next appointment. As soon as I locate it, I immediately unzip it and look for any problems. After that, I began to cut it off and pushed it out in front of the store where it was located. I made the decision to devote my time to monitoring the website and the email in case there were any new orders or questions. I had been preoccupied for quite some time.

I've never met a job that I didn't enjoy doing. Because of this, my grandma handed over the store to me when she passed away. As I was growing up, I was constantly surrounded by taffeta and beaded silk clouds.

However, the most enjoyable aspect of our job is getting to see satisfied customers like Kirsten. It is one of my greatest joys to transform a bride's wedding day into something out of a fairy tale by giving her the impression that she has been transported there. I have this dream that one day I would wake up and find myself in a storybook.

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?

Tyler

I can't help but vent my frustration by running my hands through my jet black hair. My body is telling me to get up and move around, but if I do that, I won't be able to get anything done today. I have discovered that every one of the documents that were typed by my temporary secretary contain errors after going over them. I have to get in touch with the company that was responsible for sending her here.

As my anger grows, I go through all of the documents, make the necessary changes, and then stack them on my desk. They need to be redone by a professional who has worked in this industry before. Sorry about that.

My phone is ringing really loudly on my desk right now. I make an effort to tune it out and pay attention only to my task. After the phone rings again, I look at the caller ID to see who is calling. After a little delay, I decide to react. I could need a break from my employment for this short period of time.

"Hello?" I say this as I set down my pen and flex the muscles in my hand a few times in an attempt to alleviate some of the cramping.

This is Tim, a good buddy of mine. "Hey Ty, how are you? "Are you working hard?" He asks humorously.

"Of course," is what she replies. "Isn't it a day of the week?" I am responding in a really serious manner.

Tim is my best friend, and amongst the two of us, he's always been the one with the more chill attitude. He makes light of the situation by joking, "You behave as if weekends are any different." "Haha." I respond with a mocking tone into the phone.

I am going to continue writing while I am talking, so I pick up my pen once more.

"So, what was it that made you decide to call me so early?" I respond by saying, "I honestly can't recall the last time I heard from you before midday."

"So, I thought it would be helpful if I informed you about this approaching auction. It is not far from the town." He provides more detail.

I stifle a sigh in my throat. "I'm not sure. I try to create an excuse for my behavior by explaining that "I've had a lot going on at work right now."

"Aw, come on, it's been a very long time since we last got together or went to one of them! In addition to that, considering that it is located in the city, the journey won't be very long." He says this to me in an effort to convince me of his point of view.

This time, I let out a heavy sigh. I'm well aware that it's been quite some time since the last time I had a sexual encounter. In addition, diverting my attention away from my task could prove to be useful.

"When I eventually gave in, I said, "OK, count me in. I want to know, "When will it be?" so I ask him.

"Great! Within the next 30 days. I'll get back to you later to verify everything over the phone. Believe me when I say that doing so will be to your advantage." According to him:

I just give them a smirk and put it down on my schedule as a meeting. To which he replies, "Perhaps so,"

He chuckles. "It will be," he predicts confidently. "I promise," he gives me his word of assurance. You have to take some time to unwind and refrain from concentrating so intently on your task."

I can only smile and shake my head. "Tim, farewell." Before I hang up, I say.

I put the phone down and go back to what I was doing.

There's a good reason why I don't go out much or get involved in relationships. I make a conscious effort not to dwell on it, but I just can't seem to help myself. It broke my heart to have to end things with the one and only lady I'd ever loved after all those years we'd been together. I made a solemn oath to myself that I would never again inflict such suffering on myself. So far, I've done a good job.

If we are being completely transparent, these auctions do play a huge role in this. I don't have to worry about the complicated emotional relationships that are typically associated with romantic partnerships; all I have to do is go out and pay for the services I need. To tell you the truth, I like it better like this. It is uncomplicated and practical.

The next time Tim attends an auction, I definitely want to go with him since the more I think about it, the more thrilled I get. It will be nice to let go and have some fun once more. Those are the kinds of women you will most frequently run into at parties like this. They just want to let their hair down and have a good time, or show the wild side of themselves. It's not the worst way to waste an evening by any stretch of the imagination. However, for the time being, I am going to make an effort to concentrate on my work.

Now that it's getting closer, I can't wait for the auction. I try to shove all of my complicated feelings regarding my history to the side.

After making the necessary adjustments, I send the documents over to a long-term employee who is a kind elderly lady, but I can't remember her name right now.

"Would it be possible for you to retype this for me?"

The temp from the agency is completely clueless about what she's supposed to be doing. I try to keep a low voice around her.

She turns around and checks the temperature behind me before saying, "Sounds about right."

We have a little giggle together before I leave her to tend to her business.

"By the time we break for lunch, I'll have them sitting on your desk." She demonstrates her trust in me.

It's a pleasure for me to collaborate with people who are knowledgeable. My business need to function smoothly, just like a well-oiled machine. I pay no attention to the temporary worker who makes an effort to grin at me as I pass by. I go inside my office and then shut the door behind me.

Relationships in the workplace frustrate me because they are so complicated. On top of that, I'm certain there will be a large number of other women at the auction that are similar to her. Although she is young and stunning, she is not useful for very more other than a few rounds.

I contact the number for the temp agency as quickly as I can and have a hushed conversation with them about returning this one.

"Do you have an issue, sir?" The woman who answers the phone asks questions.

I reassure her in a nice manner, "Oh no, it's just that I've decided to promote from inside and will no longer require her aid. It's just that I've decided to promote from within."

"Okay, sir, we'll notify her. We would appreciate it if you could get back in touch with us if you have any positions that are still open." She gives an answer.

I reassure her that I will and hang up the phone as quickly as I can. Oh, thank God, that's behind us now. I make a note in my head to ask the lady whose help I requested what her name is so that I can remember it. I also want to negotiate a better position for her at this time, possibly one in which she will be responsible for secretarial duties. It will save me money because I won't require the services of any other employees. A pay increase is also within my means to bestow upon her. As I am making a note of everything, I look up and see the temp talking on her cell phone.

I can't help but sigh in exasperation. I'm relieved that today is the last day of her employment. She gives the window in my office an angry glare before storming out of the building. It's likely that they just gave her a call and informed her. I am content, and so I go back to writing. This proposition needs to have a more serious and business like tone.