The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Simi's bedroom. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. The wedding was just days away, and despite the excitement that surrounded her, a sense of dread loomed larger than ever. Simi had spent countless hours contemplating her future, weighing the expectations of her family against her desires. The conversations with Dami echoed in her mind, his earnest plea for her to choose happiness over obligation. "I won't be forced into this," she had declared firmly during their last discussion, but now those words felt both empowering and terrifying. Simi swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat up, taking a deep breath. Today was the day she would confront Gbolahan one last time about the marriage arrangement. She could no longer ignore the growing unrest within her; it was time to assert herself and reclaim her voice. After showering and dressing in a simple yet elegant outfit, Simi felt a flicker of determination ignite within her. She looked at herself in the mirror, straightening her shoulders and reminding herself of the strength she possessed. "You can do this," she whispered to herself. As she made her way downstairs, Simi could hear the sounds of bustling activity in the kitchen. Abosede was preparing breakfast while Temi played with her toys nearby, laughter filling the air. The warmth of family life contrasted sharply with Simi's internal turmoil."Good morning, sweetheart!" Abosede called out cheerfully as Simi entered the kitchen."Morning, Mom," Simi replied, forcing a smile despite the weight on her heart."Are you excited for the wedding?" Abosede asked as she whisked eggs in a bowl. Simi hesitated, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I guess so," she said slowly,
her voice lacking conviction. Abosede paused and turned to face her daughter, concern etched on her face. "You don't sound very excited. Is everything alright?"Simi took a deep breath,
her resolve strengthening as she prepared to share her feelings. "Mom, I need to talk to you about something important."Abosede set down the whisk and wiped her hands on a towel, giving Simi her full attention. "What is it?"I've been thinking a lot about the wedding," Simi began,
her heart racing as she gathered her thoughts.
"And I feel like I need to confront Gbolahan about this marriage arrangement."Abosede's expression shifted from concern to alarm. "Simi… are you sure? You know how your father can be."I know," Simi replied firmly,
the determination in her voice surprised even herself.
"But I can't go through with this if it means sacrificing who I am."Simi," Abosede said gently,
her voice filled with maternal worry,
"Your father has worked so hard for this family's future. He believes this is what's best for you."But what about what's best for me?" Simi countered,
fighting against frustration bubbling within herself.
"I want to choose my path—one that reflects my values and desires."Abosede sighed deeply,
a mixture of pride and fear crossing her features.
"I understand that you want to assert yourself, but you must tread carefully."I will," Simi promised,
a flicker of hope igniting within her.
"I just need to be honest with him one last time."With that resolve settled in her heart,
Simi kissed Temi on the forehead before heading toward the door.
"I'll be back soon."As she stepped outside into the crisp morning air,
Simi felt a surge of adrenaline course through her veins; today was pivotal.
She walked toward Gbolahan's study,
her heart pounding with each step. When she reached his door,
Simi paused for a moment,
taking a deep breath to steady herself before knocking softly."Come in!" Gbolahan called from inside. Simi opened the door and stepped into his study,
the familiar scent of polished wood and leather filling her senses.
Gbolahan looked up from his desk,
a stack of papers spread out before him."Ah, Simi! Just in time; I was about to go over some final details for your dress fitting," he said cheerfully."Dad," Simi interrupted,
her voice steady despite the fluttering in her stomach.
"I need to talk to you about something important."Gbolahan raised an eyebrow,
his expression shifting from casual interest to concern.
"What is it?"Simi took a deep breath,
feeling every ounce of courage welling up inside her.
"It's about the wedding."Gbolahan leaned back in his chair,
fingers steepled together as he regarded her thoughtfully.
"What about it?"I don't want an arranged marriage," Simi declared firmly,
the words spilling out before she could second-guess herself. Gbolahan's expression hardened slightly; he leaned forward, concern etched across his face. "What do you mean? This is what we've planned for months! It's important for our family."I understand that," Simi replied passionately,
fighting against every instinct telling her to back down.
"But I can't go through with it if it means sacrificing who I am."Sacrifice?" Gbolahan echoed incredulously.
"This is about building a future! You'll have stability and security."But at what cost?" Simi countered,
fighting against frustration bubbling within herself once more.
"I want love—I want partnership—not just a business arrangement!"Gbolahan stood up abruptly,
a flash of anger crossing his features.
"You think this is easy for me? I'm trying to protect our family's legacy!"Simi felt tears prick at her eyes; frustration mixed with sadness threatened to overwhelm her once more. "But what about my happiness? What about Temi's happiness?"Gbolahan paused at the mention of Temi's name; his expression softened slightly as he considered his daughter's words. "I want what's best for both of you," he admitted quietly."And what if what's best for me is not marrying someone I don't love?" Simi pressed on,
fighting against vulnerability creeping into her voice once more. Gbolahan ran a hand through his hair again,
a sign of his growing frustration mixed with confusion.
"Simi… I thought you understood why we're doing this.""I thought so too," Simi said softly,
a hint of sadness lacing her tone.
"But now I realize that I need to make my own choices—choices that reflect who I am."Gbolahan looked at his daughter, uncertainty flickering across his face as he processed what she was saying. "And what if those choices lead you away from us?"They won't!" Simi insisted passionately.
"But I can't live my life according to someone else's expectations."Silence enveloped them as they faced each other; tension crackled in the air like static electricity. Finally, Gbolahan sighed deeply,
a hint of defeat creeping into his posture.
"I never wanted you to feel trapped."Simi felt hope flicker within herself; perhaps there was still time for them both to find common ground amidst their differences."If we're going to move forward as a family," Gbolahan said slowly,
his tone softening,
"We need honesty—no more secrets or hidden agendas."Simi nodded slowly; this was exactly what she wanted—a chance for open communication without fear or judgment they stood there facing each other,
Simi realized how fragile their relationship had become under the weight of unspoken truths and unmet expectations."I love you, Dad," she said quietly,
fighting against tears threatening to spill over her cheeks once again, feeling overwhelmed by everything happening around them all right now."And I love you too," Gbolahan replied softly,
a flicker of understanding crossing his features once more. As they embraced tightly together amidst uncertainty surrounding them both now—Simi knew there would still be challenges ahead—but now she felt empowered by their conversation. They could navigate whatever storm lay ahead—if only they were willing to confront their fears head-on.