Chapter 5 S

Two months had passed since Ashley landed the Smith Corporation project, and the day of the annual gala had finally arrived. Ashley, as the event planner, was busy overseeing the finishing touches on the decorations. She stood in the grand ballroom, surveying the scene before her. The room was transformed into a luxurious oasis, with crystal chandeliers, elegant candelabras, and intricate flower arrangements. "Okay, guys, let's get the lighting just right," Ashley called out to her team.

"I want it to be warm and inviting, but not too harsh." Her team scrambled to adjust the lighting, while Ashley checked the seating arrangements and the placement of the auction items. Everything had to be perfect for this high-profile event. As the evening wore on, Ashley's team finished up the decorations, and the room looked stunning. Ashley took a deep breath, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "It's done," she said to her team, beaming with pride. "You guys have outdone yourselves. Let's take a break and get ready for the guests to arrive." Ashley pulled out her phone and dialed Rachel's number. Her friend answered on the first ring. "Hey, girl! What's up?" Rachel asked, sounding excited. "Hey, Rach! I'm just finishing up the decorations for the gala. It's going to be amazing," Ashley said, barely containing her enthusiasm. "That sounds incredible! I'm so proud of you, Ash. You're going to knock this out of the park," Rachel said, her voice filled with encouragement. "Thanks, Rach. I couldn't have done it without your support. Now, I need your help with something else," Ashley said, a sly tone creeping into her voice. "What's that?" Rachel asked, curiosity getting the better of her. "I need you to come over to my place so we can get ready together. I have a feeling tonight is going to be epic," Ashley said, her excitement infectious. Rachel squealed with delight. "Ooh, that sounds like so much fun! I'll be right there. What time were you thinking?" "How about 5 pm? That will give us plenty of time to get glammed up and make it to the gala by 7 pm," Ashley suggested. "Sounds perfect. I'll see you soon!" Rachel said, hanging up the phone. Ashley couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Tonight was going to be a night to remember, and she was thrilled to have Rachel by her side. Ashley walked out of the grand ballroom, satisfied with the evening's preparations. She slipped into her car and began the short drive home, her mind still racing with last-minute details. As she pulled into her driveway, Ashley felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was ready to kick off her heels and relax for a bit before getting ready for the gala. She stepped inside her cozy home, dropping her purse onto the entryway table. Ashley took a deep breath, feeling the tension melt away as she slipped into her comfortable living room. Thirty minutes passed, and Ashley heard the doorbell ring. She smiled, knowing it was Rachel arriving for their pre-gala pampering session. "Ash, I'm so sorry I'm late!" Rachel exclaimed, rushing into the living room with a big smile. "No worries, Rach! I just got here myself," Ashley replied, laughing as the two friends hugged. "Okay, let's get started! We have a lot to do before the gala," Rachel said, eyes sparkling with excitement. The two friends made their way to Ashley's bedroom, where they began rummaging through Ashley's extensive wardrobe. "What do you think I should wear?" Ashley asked, holding up a stunning red gown. "Ooh, that's gorgeous! But I think you should wear something a bit more...neutral," Rachel suggested, pulling out a sleek black dress. "Why neutral?" Ashley asked, curiosity piqued. "Because you want to blend in with the other guests, but still stand out as the amazing event planner that you are," Rachel explained, winking. Ashley chuckled, nodding in agreement. "You're right, as always." The two friends spent the next hour trying on dresses, debating accessories, and discussing makeup options. "Should I go for a bold lip color or something more natural?" Ashley asked, holding up two different lipsticks. "Hmm, that's a tough one. What do you think, Rach?" Ashley asked, passing the lipsticks to Rachel. Rachel examined the options carefully before responding, "I think you should go for the bold lip color. It'll add a pop of color to your overall look." Ashley grinned, nodding in agreement. "You're right, Rach. I'll go for the bold lip." With their outfits and makeup looks decided, the two friends moved on to hair styling. "What do you think, Rach? Should I wear my hair up or down?" Ashley asked, holding up her hair. "Ooh, that's a tough one. But I think you should wear it down. It'll add a touch of elegance to your overall look," Rachel suggested. Ashley nodded, smiling as she began styling her hair. As they finished up their pampering session, Ashley and Rachel stepped back to admire their handiwork. "We look amazing!" Rachel exclaimed, beaming with pride. Ashley grinned, nodding in agreement. "We certainly do, Rach. Now, let's go knock 'em dead at that gala!" ******************** Sophia stood in front of the mirror, scrutinizing her reflection as her stylist, Maria, worked on her hair. "Maria, this isn't right. I wanted a sleek, low bun, not some messy, undone look," Sophia complained, her voice dripping with disdain. Maria hesitated, "I apologize, Miss Sophia. I thought you wanted a more relaxed, effortless look for the gala tonight." Sophia rolled her eyes. "Relaxed? Effortless? This is the Smith Corporation's annual gala, not some casual dinner party. I need to look polished and perfect." Maria nodded, trying to placate Sophia. "Yes, of course, Miss Sophia. I'll try again." As Maria worked on Sophia's hair, Sophia's mother, Catherine, entered the room. "Sophia, darling, how's it going? You look lovely, but we need to hurry. We don't want to be late for the gala," Catherine said, smiling warmly at her daughter. Sophia turned to her mother, her expression softening slightly. "Hi, Mother. I'm almost ready. Maria's just finishing up my hair." Catherine nodded, walking over to examine Sophia's hair. "Ah, Maria, you're doing a wonderful job, as always." Maria smiled, looking relieved. "Thank you, Mrs. Smith." Catherine turned to Sophia. "You know, darling, I remember when you were a little girl, you would always get so excited about dressing up for special occasions. You would spin around in front of the mirror, twirling your dress and laughing." Sophia smiled, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "I remember, Mother. You would help me get ready, and we would listen to music together." Catherine's eyes sparkled with warmth. "Those were special moments, darling. And tonight, I want you to enjoy yourself, just like you did when you were a little girl." Sophia nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her mother. "I will, Mother. Thank you." Catherine glanced at her watch. "We should get going, darling. Your father is waiting for us downstairs." Sophia nodded, taking one last look in the mirror. "I'm ready, Mother." As they left the room, Maria breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally," she whispered to herself. Meanwhile, Sophia and her mother made their way downstairs, where Sophia's father, James, was waiting for them. "Sophia, you look stunning, darling," James said, smiling proudly at his daughter. Sophia smiled, feeling a sense of pride and gratitude towards her parents. "Thank you, Father." As they prepared to leave for the gala, Sophia felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. Tonight was going to be a night to remember.