Page 79 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

I thought back to that night in the private room, when Lucifer said "I just want to help you," those gray eyes glistening under the lights like a dog trying to please its owner, his voice trembling.

I sighed and signed my name.

"Congratulations." The lawyer smiled. "Looking forward to working together."

I nodded and tucked the documents into my bag. Outside the law office, the sunlight was blinding. I stood at the entrance, watching the crowds flow past.

The contract was done.

Now came opening day.

The next week, I spent every day at the shop.

Adjusting shelf positions, testing the lighting, checking every bottle's label and description. Sometimes Anya came with me, running around, handing me things, or drawing in a corner.

"Mommy, can I put my drawing here?" She held up a paper with crooked flowers.

"Of course." I took it and taped it to the wall by the register. "It's beautiful."

She clapped happily and ran off to draw more.

Opening day was set for Friday. Three days early, I started preparing the materials—I'd added a DIY activity where customers could make their own fragrance. It would increase engagement with the products, boost sales, and give us free advertising when customers took them home and told others. This meant preparing various essential oils, bases, containers, detailed instructions, and little decorative touches women liked—men rarely used fragrance anyway.

"Ms. Windsor, how should we arrange these oils?"

"By scent type." I walked over. "Put the common ones like lavender, rose, and mint in the most visible spots."

"Got it."

I directed the staff while mentally rehearsing the flow. Opening day would be hectic—greeting customers, guiding the DIY sessions, handling whatever came up...

I rubbed my temples and took a deep breath.

It's okay. You've got this.

Friday morning, I woke at five-thirty.

I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, heart racing. Today was opening day. I rolled out of bed, washed up, changed, and checked my makeup three times in the mirror before leaving the bedroom.

Anya was still asleep. I kissed her forehead. She mumbled and rolled over. I smiled, squeezed her cheek, and headed out. I'd already arranged with Amy to take Anya to school. Everything ready, I grabbed last night's leftover sandwich and my bag and slipped out quietly.

At six, I arrived to find the staff already there. We did final checks together, positioned promotional posters, and hung the "Grand Opening" banner out front.

"Ms. Windsor, samples are ready."

"Flyers went out."

"Activity materials are all here."

I nodded and glanced at the clock. Eight-fifty. Ten minutes.

I took a deep breath, walked to the door, and put my hand on the handle.

At nine sharp, I opened the door and flipped the "Open" sign.

Sunlight poured in, falling across the shelves and bottles. They gleamed softly in the light, as if waiting to be taken home.

The first customer arrived quickly—a young woman who hesitated at the door with her phone. "I saw your ad online. If I buy materials, I can make fragrance here for free?"