As wedding preparations began, the house was filled with frantic energy. Simi stood in her childhood home, surrounded by fabric samples, sketches, and voices. The excitement was palpable, but for Simi, it felt more like a storm brewing than a celebration. "Let us try this one next!" Itunu chirped, holding up a shimmering fabric that reflected the light perfectly. She had embraced the role of wedding planner wholeheartedly, paying attention to every detail with an enthusiasm that both impressed and irritated Simi. "Do we have to?" Simi replied reluctantly. She felt trapped in a whirlpool of expectations that threatened to consume her. "Simi, this is your wedding day!" "You should be delighted!" Itunu persisted, her smile unwavering as she wrapped the fabric around Simi's shoulders. Simi forced a smile, but deep down she was filled with despair. This was not what she had expected for herself. The wedding was supposed to be a celebration of love and commitment, but it felt more like a performance—a list of tasks she needed to complete. As Itunu continued to fuss over details, Simi looked around the room at the various family members who had gathered to help. Abosede was arranging flowers, while Gbolahan discussed logistics with a family friend. Everyone seemed so invested in making this day perfect, but Simi could only feel the weight of their expectations bear down on her. "Can we take a break?" Simi finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Itunu paused, her brow furrowed slightly. "But we are just getting started! "Try on another dress. "I know," Simi said, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "But I need some air." Itunu sighed but agreed, recognising the tension in Simi's voice. "Fine. Please refrain from taking too long. We have a schedule to follow!" Simi took deep breaths as she stepped outside into the garden, the fresh air calming her growing anxiety. The garden was in full bloom, with flowers bursting with colour and fragrance, but her anguish overshadowed the beauty. Sitting on a bench beneath a large mango tree, Simi closed her eyes and tried to gather her thoughts. She reflected on Dami and how helpful he had been throughout the process. He understood her passion for fashion and creativity, but he, too, seemed caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning. "This is not what I want!" she exclaimed, the words escaping her lips before she could stop them. "This is not how I envisioned my wedding day." The truth hung heavy in the air; she had always imagined a small, intimate ceremony in which she could freely express herself, rather than this grand occasion fraught with expectations from everyone around her. Her thoughts drifted back to her mentor, Aishak, who had taught her that true beauty was found in authenticity. "You must be true to yourself," Aishak had said. "Fashion is more than just clothes; it is about self-expression." Simi opened her eyes, holding back tears that threatened to spill over. She wanted to remember that lesson, but she was becoming increasingly lost in the chaos of her wedding plans. Abosede stepped outside with a concerned expression on her face, approaching Simi. "Are you alright, my dear?" she enquired gently. Simi tried to smile, but it did not reach her eyes. "Just feeling overwhelmed," she admitted softly. Abosede sat beside her, taking Simi's hand in hers. "I understand. "Weddings can be stressful," she explained calmly. "Remember, today is about you and Gbolahan." "But it feels like everyone else is making decisions for me," Simi said with a hint of desperation in her voice. "I want to create something beautiful that represents who I am, not what others expect." Abosede nodded thoughtfully, with a look of understanding on her face. "I have noticed how hard you have worked on these designs. Simi, you are so talented. "Your vision is important." Simi looked at her mother, fighting against a growing vulnerability in her heart. "But what if my vision does not align with what everyone else wants? What if Gbolahan does not understand?" "Your father loves you," Abosede remarked gently. "He might not always express it in the way you expect, but he wants you to be happy." Simi sighed deeply, feeling the weight of conflicting emotions within her. "I just wish I could express myself freely without feeling bad for disappointing him." Abosede tightly gripped Simi's hand, expressing solidarity in the face of uncertainty. "You deserve to celebrate your love in your own unique way. Do not let anyone else dictate how it should look." Simi took a deep breath, encouraged by Abosede's support, and the tension in her shoulders subsided slightly. "Perhaps I can incorporate my designs into the wedding," she said aloud. "That sounds like an excellent idea!" Abosede exclaimed, a smile breaking through as she noticed hope in Simi's eyes. "You could make something distinctive that reflects both your style and your affection for Gbolahan." As they sat under the mango tree, Simi began to imagine her dress in flowing fabrics that echoed traditional designs while incorporating modern elements. It was exciting to consider creating something that truly reflected who she was. However, just as hope began to bloom within her, the sound of footsteps approaching interrupted their moment. Itunu returned to the door, her face filled with anticipation. "What are you two planning out here?" Itunu enquired innocently, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. Simi exchanged glances with Abosede before speaking cautiously. "Just discussing some wedding ideas," she explained carefully. "Oh, seriously?" Itunu leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed casually. "What type of ideas?" Simi paused for a moment before agreeing to share. "I want to design my dress," she declared boldly, her newfound confidence driving her words. Itunu raised an eyebrow, pretending surprise. "What is your dress? "That sounds ambitious." Simi bristled slightly as her tone had an edge to it. "It is ambitious," Abosede said firmly, countering Itunu's dismissive tone. "And it is exactly what Simi needs—to express herself on this special occasion." Itunu shrugged nonchalantly, but a smirk formed on her lips. "So, good luck with that! Remember that Gbolahan may have his own ideas about how things should proceed." Simi's irritation flared up again with Itunu's insinuation, but she chose not to engage further. Instead, she returned to Abosede, bolstered by their earlier conversation. "I am going to make this work," Simi declared resolutely, a fire rekindling within her as determination took root deep inside. As they returned inside together, Simi knew there would be more challenges ahead—confronting Gbolahan about his expectations would be difficult—but she felt empowered by Abosede's support and clarity on what truly mattered: staying true to herself while honouring love.