The atmosphere at the Lagos Fashion Gala buzzed with excitement, a vibrant tapestry of colours, sounds, and scents that enveloped Simi as she entered the venue. The grand hall was adorned with shimmering lights and elegant decorations, creating an ambience that felt both exhilarating and overwhelming. Designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts mingled, their laughter and chatter filling the air like music. Simi took a moment to absorb the scene, her heart racing with anticipation. This was her world—a world where creativity thrived and dreams took flight. Yet, beneath the surface of her excitement lay a persistent anxiety about her family's expectations and the looming proposal for an arranged marriage. She pushed those thoughts aside as she stepped further into the event, determined to enjoy the night. As she navigated through the crowd, Simi spotted familiar faces—fellow designers and friends who greeted her with warm smiles and enthusiastic hugs. She exchanged pleasantries, but her mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of Gbolahan's insistence on her arranged marriage."Hey, Simi!" a voice called out from behind her. Turning around, Simi was met by the sight of Dami—a local designer known for his innovative designs and charismatic personality. He stood tall with an easy confidence that immediately drew attention. His dark hair was styled perfectly, and he wore a tailored suit that accentuated his athletic build."Dami!" Simi exclaimed, a genuine smile breaking through her earlier tension. "It's great to see you!"He approached with an infectious energy that made Simi feel lighter. "You look amazing! Your collection is going to blow everyone away tonight," he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm."Thank you! I hope so," Simi replied, feeling a flutter of warmth at his compliment. "I've been working hard on it."I can tell," Dami said as he gestured toward the runway where models were preparing for their walk. "I can't wait to see your pieces in action."As they stood together watching the preparations unfold, Simi felt an undeniable chemistry between them—a spark that ignited something deep within her. It was refreshing to be around someone who understood the industry and shared her passion for fashion without any ulterior motives."What are you working on these days?" Simi asked, genuinely interested in Dami's journey."I'm launching a new line inspired by traditional Nigerian textiles," he replied enthusiastically. "I want to blend cultural heritage with modern aesthetics."Simi nodded appreciatively; she admired his dedication to honouring their roots while pushing boundaries in design. "That sounds incredible! I'd love to see it."Dami leaned closer as if sharing a secret. "I'm showcasing it at next month's fashion week in Paris," he said with a hint of pride in his voice. "I'd be honored if you came to support me."Of course! I wouldn't miss it," Simi promised, feeling the excitement build at the thought of attending such an event. Just then, a loud voice cut through their conversation—Gbolahan had arrived at the gala with Abosede and Temi in tow. Simi's heart sank slightly at the sight of her father; she knew he would expect her to behave according to his standards."Ah! There's my daughter!" Gbolahan boomed as he approached them, his presence commanding attention."Dad," Simi greeted him with a forced smile while trying to suppress any signs of discomfort."And who is this?" Gbolahan asked, eyeing Dami critically as if assessing whether he was worthy of his daughter's time."This is Dami," Simi introduced him quickly,*
"He's a designer."Dami extended his hand confidently. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."Gbolahan shook Dami's hand but didn't seem impressed. "I hope you're treating my daughter well," he said flatly before turning back to Simi. "We need to discuss your future."Simi felt a wave of frustration wash over her; could they not have one evening without discussing her future? "Can we do that later?" she asked tersely. Gbolahan frowned but nodded curtly before moving on to greet other guests.*
Simi could feel Dami's eyes on her,
his expression filled with concern."Are you okay?" he asked quietly once Gbolahan was out of earshot."I will be," Simi replied, forcing herself to focus on the present rather than the storm brewing within her family dynamics. As they continued chatting about fashion trends and upcoming events,*
Simi found herself relaxing again,
the chemistry between them palpable.
Dami had an infectious passion that drew her in—his insights were refreshing compared to the rigid expectations she faced at home."You deserve someone who sees your worth," Dami said softly after a moment,*
his gaze steady and sincere. Simi felt a flutter in her chest at his words but quickly reminded herself of her obligations—her internal conflict evident in her hesitation.*
"I don't know if I can afford that right now."What do you mean?" Dami asked,*
his brow furrowing slightly in confusion."I mean… I have family obligations," Simi explained,*
her voice dropping lower as if afraid someone might overhear.
"My father has plans for me—arranged marriage plans."Dami's expression shifted from curiosity to concern.*
"That sounds… complicated."It is," Simi admitted,*
fighting back tears that threatened to spill over.
"I feel like I'm being pulled in two different directions."Dami nodded thoughtfully,*
his eyes filled with understanding.
"You deserve to make your own choices."Simi looked away,*
fighting against the emotions swirling within her.
"But what if those choices hurt my family?" That's not your responsibility," he replied firmly,*
his voice steady.
"You can't live your life for them."Simi felt torn between gratitude for Dami's support and guilt over wanting something different from what Gbolahan envisioned for her future.*
"It's just hard," she confessed softly."I get it," Dami said gently,*
taking a step closer as if trying to bridge the emotional distance between them.
"But you have to think about what makes you happy too."Before she could respond,*
a group of fashion influencers approached,
their laughter ringing out like music as they joined the conversation. Simi felt herself slip back into the role expected of her—smiling politely and engaging in small talk while internally grappling with everything swirling around inside.*Throughout the evening,*
Simi found herself stealing glances at Dami whenever they were apart from others; there was something magnetic about him that drew her in despite all that weighed heavily upon her heart. As they mingled among guests,*
Simi couldn't help but notice how effortlessly charming Dami was—his laughter infectious as he engaged everyone around him while still making time for brief moments shared between them, both filled with unspoken connection lingering beneath the surface, waiting patiently until the opportunity arose once more. Later in the evening,*
Simi found herself standing outside on the balcony once more,
taking deep breaths filled with fresh air hoping a clear mind would bring clarity amidst the chaos surrounding the dinner table earlier filled with unresolved conflicts waiting patiently beneath the surface waiting for opportunity to arise once more. Just then,*
a soft voice broke through the silence surrounding the night sky-filled sounds echoing from nearby streets bustling alive under stars twinkling overhead, illuminating the path ahead leading towards uncertain future waiting just beyond the horizon."Simi?" Temi called out softly from the doorway leading inside the house, where warmth radiated invitingly against the cool evening breeze, greeting warmly against the skin, reminding me how much life existed beyond the walls surrounding them al,l.*"Yes?" Simi their plied tu, turning towards daughter standing there looking the all yet brave beneath ath starlit sky above I, illuminating path an ahead leading to wards uncertain future e waiting just beyond the horizon.*"What are you thinking about?" Temi asked, innocently looking up into Simi's eyes with s filled w, wonderment reminding everyone present how important love remained amidst trials, as he ed along the journey ahead.*"I'm just thinking about how things can change so quickly," Simi admitted softly kneeling beside daughter offering comfort against uncertainties looming ahead knowing full well whatever lay before them would require strength and resilience built upon love shared between them both—an unbreakable bond forged through trials faced along journey ahead.*Temi nodded thoughtfully while clutching doll tightly against chest.*
Simi could see innocence radiating from the small frame, reminding everyone present how important love remained amidst trials faced along the journey ahead. As they stood together outside watching stars twinkle brightly above illuminating the path ahead leading towards an uncertain future waiting just beyond the horizon,*
Simi couldn't shake the feeling that whatever lay ahead would require strength and resilience built upon love shared between them both—an unbreakable bond forged through trials faced along the journey ahead.