The air in the living room was thick with anticipation as Simi paced back and forth, her mind racing with thoughts about the wedding. The preparations felt overwhelming, and her heart was heavy with the weight of expectations. She had spent the last few weeks caught in a whirlwind of fabric swatches, floral arrangements, and family discussions about the upcoming ceremony. Yet, despite all the excitement surrounding her, a sense of dread loomed just beneath the surface. Dami arrived at the house that afternoon, his presence bringing a welcome distraction from the chaos. He had been a constant source of support for Simi throughout her tumultuous journey, always ready with a smile or a listening ear. But today, as he entered the room, Simi noticed something different in his demeanour—a tension that hinted at an unspoken urgency."Hey," he greeted her softly, his eyes searching hers for signs of distress."Hey," Simi replied, forcing a smile despite the turmoil within her. "What's up?"Dami hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "Can we talk? I need to discuss something important with you."Simi's heart raced at his serious tone. "Sure," she said cautiously, leading him to a quieter corner of the room where they could speak without interruption. Once they were seated on the couch, Dami took a deep breath, his expression earnest. "Simi, I've been thinking a lot about everything that's happening—the wedding and your future."Simi felt a knot tighten in her stomach. "I know it's a lot," she said quietly. "But I have to do this. It's what's expected of me."I can't watch you throw your life away," Dami said earnestly,
his gaze intense as he held her eyes.
"You deserve more than an arranged marriage based on obligation."Simi felt her breath catch in her throat at his words. "Dami, it's not that simple," she replied,
her voice trembling slightly.
"This is about my family and their expectations."It shouldn't be about them!" Dami exclaimed,
leaning forward as if trying to bridge the emotional distance between them.
"You deserve to choose who you want to be with—not just settle for someone because it's convenient."Simi felt torn between her loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for Dami. She had always valued their friendship, but now it felt like something deeper was bubbling beneath the surface—something that both excited and terrified her."I appreciate your concern," she said softly,
fighting against tears threatening to spill over.
"But I can't just walk away from my responsibilities."Dami reached out and took her hand,
his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her. "What if I told you that I love you?"The words hung in the air like an unexpected thunderclap, reverberating through Simi's heart. She stared at him in shock, unable to process what she had just heard."You… love me?" she repeated slowly,
her voice barely above a whisper."Yes," Dami said firmly,
his eyes never leaving hers.
"I've loved you for a long time now. I can't stand by and watch you marry someone who doesn't truly appreciate you."Simi felt a whirlwind of emotions crash over her—joy, fear, confusion—all colliding within her heart. She had always cared for Dami deeply; he understood her in ways that few others did. But could she allow herself to entertain this feeling when so much was at stake?"But what about Gbolahan?" Simi asked,
her voice trembling as she fought against the tide of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.
"He's my father's choice."Is that what you want?" Dami pressed,
his tone urgent but gentle.
"To marry someone just because it's expected? What about your happiness?"Simi looked down at their joined hands,
a mix of warmth and anxiety flooding through her.
"I don't know what I want anymore," she admitted softly. Dami squeezed her hand gently,
a gesture meant to comfort but also to encourage.
"You have to think about what makes you happy. You deserve love—real love—not just an arrangement."As Simi considered his words,
sorrowful memories flooded back—moments spent with Gbolahan where she felt more like an obligation than a partner.
She thought about how often she had pushed aside her desires in favour of family expectations."I can't just abandon everything," Simi said quietly,
fighting against tears threatening to spill over.
"What will everyone think?"Dami leaned closer,
a fierce determination shining in his eyes.
"They'll think you chose happiness over duty. And isn't that what we should all strive for?"A silence fell between them as Simi wrestled with conflicting emotions; part of her longed to embrace this new possibility while another part clung desperately to tradition and familial loyalty."I wish things were different," she finally said,
a hint of sadness lacing her tone.
"I wish I could follow my heart without feeling guilty."You don't have to feel guilty," Dami replied softly,
a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice.
"If you choose love—if you choose us—it doesn't mean you're abandoning your family; it means you're choosing to create your happiness."Simi felt tears welling up in her eyes as she considered his words; perhaps there was truth in what he said—a chance for liberation from expectations that had held her captive for so long. Just then, Temi burst into the room,
a bright smile on her face as she held up another drawing—this time depicting a bright sun shining down on flowers blooming in vibrant colours."Look what I made!" Temi exclaimed excitedly,
a beaming smile on her face. Simi couldn't help but smile back at Temi's enthusiasm; it was infectious and reminded her of the joy that still existed amidst all the chaos surrounding them."That's beautiful!" Simi praised,
bending down to admire Temi's work.
"You're such a talented artist."Temi giggled excitedly; it was clear that despite any underlying tensions or fears surrounding their family dynamics—love still thrived within their little unit. As Temi continued chattering about her drawing,
Simi felt a renewed sense of determination rising within herself; perhaps there was still hope for their family amidst all these changes. Dami watched them both with admiration; he could see how much Temi looked up to Simi and how deeply connected they were despite external pressures threatening their bond."I think we should celebrate this moment," Dami suggested suddenly,
a smile breaking through as he turned toward Temi.
"How about we have an art party? Just us three!"Temi's eyes lit up at the idea. "Yes! Can we make cupcakes too?"Simi chuckled at Temi's enthusiasm; it was contagious and reminded her why family mattered so much. "Of course! We can make cupcakes and draw together."As they began planning their impromptu art party,
Simi felt lighter than she had all day; perhaps there was still time for them both to find common ground amidst their differences. Later that evening, as they gathered supplies from the kitchen and set up on the porch,
Simi glanced at Dami out of the corner of her eye; he caught her gaze and smiled warmly back at her. In that moment,
Simi realized how much she valued his presence in her life—not just as a friend but potentially as something more.
Could she allow herself to explore this connection while navigating everything else? As they decorated cupcakes with sprinkles and icing together,
Simi knew there would still be challenges ahead—confronting Gbolahan would not be easy—but now she felt empowered by their conversation. Temi giggled as she smeared icing all over one cupcake, creating an abstract masterpiece that made everyone laugh. In this joyful moment, Simi found solace amidst uncertainty; perhaps together they could navigate whatever storm lay ahead—if only they were willing to confront their fears head-on.