1 What calls for a celebration

In 5..... 4.... 3... 2.. 1!

*POOP!*

The sound of party poppers reverberated in the room, accompanied by the rain of colorful confetti.

It was a small 'Year-End party' organized by Elise and her two other friends to celebrate not only the beginning of another year but also to celebrate the success of their new business.

"Have you been to our newest shop?!"

Maxine asked with a big smile pasted on her face.

Up until that point, she still could not believe how they managed to secure a second branch of their bridal shop within just a year of effort!

"Of course I do! Geez! I never expected it to be that beautiful. It truly exceeded my expectation."

Lyra chirped in with the same level of enthusiasm as she looped her arms over Elise's shoulder.

"Hey, Elise! What's with the face? Aren't you happy to be with us?"

She added when she saw her good friend's expression.

"I am thankful to be with you guys, I really do. But I just feel sorry that you have to be with me on New Year's eve, instead of spending it together with your special someone."

Elise answered as she downed the contents of her wine glass.

"Don't be silly, girl! We love to be here. Besides, do you honestly think that we could enjoy someone's company while we knew for certain that you would be someplace, sulking by yourself?!"

This time, it was Maxine who butted in and she flicked Elise on her forehead to snap her out of her sullen state.

"Exactly! So stop being a Drama queen and let us just enjoy the night."

Lyra was quick to second Maxine, and while at that, she also started pouring wine at Elise and Maxine's glass.

"CHEEEERRRRRS!!!!"

The three girls cheered in unison, and they let their laughter get drowned by the sound of fireworks outside.

"Don't you think we have been way too lucky for this year? Securing a location at the Star City is no easy job, yet we still manage to do it just fine."

After a short while, they opened up another conversation to keep the night going.

"I could not agree more with that, Lyra. How did you do it?"

Maxine agreed right away and directed her question to Elise because apparently, it was the other party who did almost everything.

Star City was the fastest rising business district to watch. Every business enthusiast wanted to start a branch there but not anyone could get a chance to do it, even with money.

Not only that, their Dreamscapes Bridal Shop was not only located anywhere at the Star City but at the newest shopping center at that!

It was also located at the very heart of the city where business was booming.

Star Mall's management prided itself as the largest mall in the country and it just so happened that Elise became one of the many aspiring business partners that managed to get in.

"I guess, my life was getting compensation for not having too much luck in love."

Elise joked to humor her friend because if the truth would be told, she also did not have an idea how did she manage to do it.

"You should have checked the place, Elise. They did it perfectly. It has everything we need"

Lyra insinuated because despite being the busy head amongst all three of them, Elise was the only one who also had not yet seen the final look of their shop.

That was despite the fact, that their business would be moving in a week's time.

Star Mall would be having their soft opening in the first week of January so it only goes to say that they would also have to prepare the shop and made it appear to be at its best.

"It's because I don't want to spoil myself. I want to keep the element of surprise. Besides I heard that they have a plaza square in the center of the mall. I want to see them the first time together with the dancing fountain."

"Oh yes! I recall seeing one. Imagine having our very own gown displayed in that striking garden. We can just do a fashion show there with our bridal wears without the trouble of looking for a venue somewhere else."

The three business partners chatted with each other and it was obvious that they were all excited to tick another box from their friendship goal's list.

The new year was just about to start and they already have another business at the corner.