Fiona Gallagher is a woman who never squandered time. As soon as she decided, she pursued what she required. This time, she required a robust legal ally for their operations in Nigeria.
Following breakfast, she grabbed her phone and dialed an old friend in Lisburn.
"Hi, Fiona," said the voice on the other end in a jovial tone.
"Hello, darling." Quick question—do you still recall that Nigeria-based law firm that garnered attention in the UK? "The one you mentioned to me a while back?"
"Certainly!" UreNma Legal Group Ltd. That business is excellent. The proprietor is brilliant—youthful, bold, and at her peak. "You will adore her."
Fiona didn't take the time to finish the conversation correctly. She was in the process of entering the company's name into her browser. In just a few minutes, she had reviewed their website, social media profiles, and news reports. The more she read, the more awed she became. They possessed a location in Ikoyi, Lagos—and she decided to go see them right away.
The company's office structure was difficult to overlook. It rose high and neat, encircled by manicured bushes and orderly security personnel. Every detail of it radiated sophistication and high quality. The interior of the reception area was serene, refreshing, and elegantly styled. Fiona didn't have to say a lot. Just the mention of her name held significance.
"Hello, Miss Gallagher," the secretary greeted with a friendly smile. "Barrister Urenna is awaiting your arrival."
Fiona was directed immediately into a secluded office. The workspace was cheerful, but inviting, with gentle jazz music playing softly in the background. The woman at the desk got up and moved ahead to welcome her.
"Good afternoon." "I am Urenna Nwankwo, the managing partner at UreNma Legal."
Fiona grinned and grasped her hand with confidence. "Nice to meet you, Miss Nwankwo." "I've heard excellent remarks."
"Similarly, Miss Gallagher."
"Let's have a seat and converse."
Their conversation started off well. Fiona detailed their shipping activities, their plans for expansion throughout West Africa, and the type of legal assistance they required. She included the problems they had experienced before with contracts, local regulations, and betrayals. She emphasized that they could not afford to make those mistakes again.
Urenna paid close attention, nodding while Fiona talked.
"I recognize your worries," Urenna stated serenely. "We have collaborated with global companies in the past." However, to ensure our contract is secure, we will require a local beneficiary—someone trustworthy, who can serve as a referee and represent your company's interests.
Fiona's eyes brightened. "Flawless." "I have the perfect person in mind."
She took out her phone and swiftly tapped on her contacts. She phoned Chidinma and asked her to come to the office right away.
While waiting, Urenna requested her secretary to fetch some coffee. She reclined in her chair, feeling at ease. As she didn't have any upcoming meetings, she leisurely opened her Facebook app and started browsing.
She reviewed her notifications and then tapped on the friend request area. Her fingers paused in the middle of scrolling. Her eyes grew larger. Then there was a sharp intake of breath.
Fiona gazed upward, taken aback. "Is all good?"
Urenna was momentarily speechless. Her hands were trembling slightly. A friend request from Chidinma Okafor appeared on her screen. Her complete name, obvious as daylight. The photographs were up-to-date. Initially, selfies. Next, clips of her alongside another female.
The identical woman seated just a short distance away from her in reality.
Urenna looked at Fiona, yet her thoughts were still attempting to piece everything together. She murmured to herself, "Where have you been, Nma? "We're getting together right before you vanish once more…"
There was a knock on the door.
"Enter," Urenna replied.
The door swung open, and Chidinma entered elegantly. However, once her gaze connected with Urenna's, time stood still. Her jaw dropped. Her bag fell to the ground.
Urenna got up so quickly that her chair tipped over. "Nma?!"
Chidinma's hand shot up to cover her mouth. "Ure?!"
Fiona glanced from one woman to the next. "Hold on, do you both know one another?"
However, neither replied. They stood motionless, their gazes fixed on each other. After a lengthy moment, they rushed into each other's embrace. Tears flowed unreservedly. They embraced firmly, as if fearing to release one another.
Fiona blinked her eyes slowly. "Alright... what's happening?"
While still in an embrace, Urenna started to laugh even as tears streamed down her face. "This is my best friend from childhood." We were raised together. "I believed I would never see her again."
Chidinma took a small step back, gently placing her hands on Urenna's face. "You are living." You are performing admirably. "Take a look at yourself, Ure."
"I missed you dearly," Urenna remarked, her voice shaking.
They both cleaned their faces while continuing to hold hands. Only then did Urenna truly gaze at Fiona once more—and the complete bond struck her.
"You're the person in her photos," she said gradually. "I spotted you on Facebook." "That's the reason I inhaled sharply before."
Fiona glanced back and forth at them, now laughing. "Impressive." "Little world."
The remainder of the meeting was touching yet full of happiness. They returned to their legal debates, but something was different. A flicker of the past had been rekindled. The day that started with work had evolved into a long-anticipated gathering.
Urenna Nwankwo had recently reunited with her long-estranged best friend.
For Fiona, it seemed like the start of something far more significant than merely contracts and legal documents.