Fire And Flame

"Why would a third party get involved in this scam? No one would dare to do something like this to Maple." Lily thought Laura was being silly.

"We will come to know about this," Laura carefully read all the stock charts which were being displayed by the news channel.

"Go to sleep now, Laura… It's late. I will sleep with you." Lily immediately slept on the left side of the bed without giving Laura a chance to speak.

"Are you roomless?" Laura scoffed.

"No, I am not. But, as my friend is afraid of darkness, my presence is much needed." Lily lazily spoke.

"I-I am not afraid of the dark. Y-you may leave." Laura stammered while saying this.

"Oh, is it? Then why so you always switch on the light next to the wardrobe? Let me switch it off and leave you alone to sleep on your huge bed." Lily was about to get up to leave when suddenly Laura held her hand.

"No no. It's fine. You can sleep here tonight." Laura smiled wide just to please her best friend. She was indeed afraid of darkness.

"Sleep! We have to attend the auction tomorrow." Lily yawned loudly before turning to her left to sleep.

"But I don't want to go there. You go, I have some important meetings to attend." Laura lied as she buried her face into the pillow so that she doesn't have to face Lily.

"Oh really? Being you assistant, I have rescheduled all your meetings. Stop making excuses."

"WHAT!? But why?" Laura was shocked. She hated going to social gatherings.

"Yes, now sleep." Lily pulled the blanket to cover herself up and went into deep slumber.

Next morning, Laura reached office early in order to get some files signed and attend one meeting before heading to the auction later at evening.

"Lily, can you pass the GreenStock file to me?" Laura was busy reading a file.

"Here," Lily handed over the file. She was also busy rescheduling all the meetings that were scheduled this week.

"The company's previous employees were hard working. But due to the loss of the company, many capable employees left the company." Laura spoke as she went through the company's employees' details.

"Do one thing, send mails to these people offering them jobs in our company. Mention that the pay-scale will be high too. We will go for an interview as well." Laura circled a few names on the paper and pushed the file to Lily.

"Okay," Lily noted down all the names and quickly sent a mail to all the candidates.

"We will leave the office in fifteen minutes. Do you know where to buy dresses for us?" Laura hated shopping the most.

"Yes, we'll go the Paul's. Their collection is amazing. Simple and classy, the way you like it." Lily stood up kept the pen in the penstand.

"Let us go," she carried a few files along with her. There were still a few important paper works which needed to be settled.

Kelvin drove them to them to the Paul's.

"We will be back in an hour, Uncle K. Will you stay here?" Laura asked before stepping down the car.

"Yes, why not? I will be here. I have no work," Kelvin smiled. Laura and Lily were like his own children. He won't mind waiting for them.

"I will be in the cafeteria nearby. Give me a call before you step out of the shop," he smiled and drove to the nearest cafe.

Laura and Lily went inside the shop. Both were greeted by the staff. They were quite happy to see the CEO of Hollen Consultancy Services pay a visit here. Laura was beautiful from inside which reflected in her face. With no makeup, she managed to attract eyes towards her. And so was Lily.

"We are here to select two gowns for us. We're attending a social gathering today. Keep it simple and classy," Lily, being the secretary of Laura Williams, spoke professionally.

"Sure. Luckily, we got our new collection this week. Please follow me," the manager looked at both the beauties and turned around to guide them to a different room.

The room was big compared to the previous one. It was almost filled with its new collection.

The manager took them to a section where there were simple gowns but classy ones. Having seen Laura before in magazines and news headlines, the manager had an idea about her choice.

A golden color satin gown with a few stones fixed on its neckline, that looked like a necklace, caught Laura's interest. It was a long flowing simple U neck shaped gown, not too deep, enough for her to feel comfortable wearing it. It had a few dazzling stones on the bottom which sparkled against light. It was simple yet classy.

"This will look good on you, Miss." the manager saw how Laura looked at that piece of gown.

"We have something for you, Miss. Hope you'll like it." he then looked at Lily who was busy looking at the dresses. He picked up a baby pink color U shaped neck dress, similar to Laura's. It had embroidery all over the neckline.

"It's nice." Lily was happy seeing the beautiful gown.

"Where are the trial rooms?" Laura smiled.

"I will take you there," the manager guided them way to the trial rooms and walked back to the room.

After stepping out of their respective trial rooms, both were satisfied looking at their reflections on the huge wall sized mirror.

"You look beautiful, Lily." Laura smiled looking at how beautiful her best friend was looking.

"Thank you, Boss. You look more beautiful." Lily also admired how beautiful her best friend was looking.

"Would you like us to help you both with makeup? You both look so beautiful. We have our best makeup artists." the manager was speechless looking at the two beauties in front of him. It took him a long time to think of what to say at the moment.

"Keep it simple." Laura smiled back at him.

After getting ready completely, Kelvin drove them off to the venue.

"You both look so beautiful. I hope you both find someone today," Kelvin teased.

"UNCLE K!" both Laura and Lily spoke at the same time.

"What?" he laughed looking at the fl.u.s.tered faces. They were cute.

"Have fun. Call me when the auction gets over,"

"Take care, Uncle K." Laura smiled and Lily waved her hand saying goodbye.

All the cameras immediately focused on the two beauties.

"I think I will go blind because of all those flashes. My poor eyes." Lily spoke in a low voice, low enough for Laura to hear. She smiled while speaking which looked like she was talking about something very interesting.

"Yes, I think so..." Laura also smiled as both entered the main hall.

There were many guests.

All the eyes focused on Laura and Lily the moment they stepped in.

Far away, a man in black tuxedo kept looking at Laura.