The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the family home as Simi paced back and forth in her bedroom. The walls felt like they were closing in on her, a suffocating reminder of the expectations that hung over her like a black cloud. Today was the day she would confront Gbolahan about the marriage arrangement for the last time. She could no longer ignore the internal turmoil. Simi felt a combination of determination and fear as she took each step. She would spend countless nights battling her thoughts, torn between love and duty, obligation and desire. Dami's words resounded in her mind: "You deserve more than an arranged marriage based on obligation." They fuelled her determination while also increasing her anxiety about what lay ahead. She took a deep breath and looked in the mirror. The reflection staring back at her was of a woman torn between two worlds: one in which she was expected to conform to family traditions and another in which she craved authenticity and love. "I can do this," she told herself, attempting to muster the courage she required. After what seemed like an eternity, Simi made her way downstairs. The sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air as family members milled about, getting ready for the wedding. Abosede was in the kitchen, smiling as she arranged flowers, while Temi played nearby, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing within Simi."Mom," Simi said calmly, despite the fluttering in her stomach."Yes, sweetheart?" Abosede responded, looking up from her task."I need to speak with Dad," Simi said firmly.
Her heart raced as she prepared to face Gbolahan. Abosede's expression changed from cheerful to concerned. "Is everything okay?"Simi hesitated for a moment before responding. "I need to discuss the wedding plans with him."Just be careful," Abosede warned gently.
Her motherly instincts kicked in. "You know how he can be."I know," Simi replied,
fighting against doubt creeping into her mind.
"But I can't keep quiet anymore."With that resolve settled in her heart,
Simi 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."Simi! Just the person I wanted to see," he said cheerfully, but there was an edge to his voice that made Simi tense. "Dad," Simi started.
Her voice was steady but filled with urgency.
"We need to talk."Gbolahan's expression shifted from casual interest to concern. "What is it?"It's about the wedding," Simi said,
her heart racing as she gathered her thoughts.
"I can not go through with it if it means losing who I am."Gbolahan leant back in his chair.
He clasped his fingers together and looked at her thoughtfully.
"I understand," Simi said passionately.
The words spilling out before she could second-guess herself. Gbolahan's expression hardened slightly, and he leaned forward, concern etched on his face. "What do you mean? This is what we have been planning for months! It is important for our family."I understand that," Simi said 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."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 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. But then something shifted in Gbolahan's demeanour; he straightened up suddenly, a look of determination crossing his face. "But if you choose not to go through with this marriage…"Simi felt a chill run down her spine as she sensed where this was heading. "What are you saying?"I'm saying that if you refuse this arrangement," Gbolahan continued firmly,
his voice rising slightly,
"you'll be disowned."The words struck Simi like a physical blow. "You can't be serious!" she exclaimed, disbelief flooding through her veins."It's not just about you anymore!" he shouted back, desperation evident in his tone. "This affects our entire family! You're making this personal!"Simi felt tears welling up in her eyes as she processed his ultimatum; how could he threaten their relationship over something so deeply personal? "You're putting me in an impossible position!"You have a choice!" Gbolahan insisted,
his voice rising further as emotions boiled over.
"Marry as planned or face the consequences."Simi shook her head vehemently; anger surged within her as she realized just how much control he wielded over every aspect of her life. "This isn't fair!"It's not about fairness!" Gbolahan retorted sharply.
"It's about duty! About honour! You have responsibilities that go beyond your desires!"But what about my happiness?" Simi cried out desperately,
fighting against every instinct telling her to back down.
"What kind of life is that?"Gbolahan paused at that question; uncertainty flickered across his face as he considered what he was asking of his daughter. But then he hardened again, resolved to return as he crossed his arms defiantly."If you choose not to marry him," he said coldly,
"you will no longer be welcome here."Simi felt tears streaming down her cheeks now; betrayal cut deep into her heart as she realized just how far Gbolahan was willing to go to maintain control over their lives."You're willing to throw away our relationship over this?" she asked incredulously."It's not just about us!" Gbolahan shouted back angrily.
"This is about our family legacy! You are part of something bigger than yourself!"At that moment, everything came crashing down around Simi; all those years spent trying to please him—trying to be the perfect daughter—felt meaningless now. She had sacrificed so much already; how could he expect her to continue doing so? As they stood there locked in confrontation,
Simi knew she had reached a breaking point—she could no longer allow herself to be controlled by someone else's expectations."I won't be forced into this," she declared firmly,
a newfound strength surging through her veins.
"I refuse to live my life according to someone else's plan!"With those words hanging heavily in the air between them,
Simi turned on her heel and walked out of the study,
her heart pounding fiercely against her chest. As she stepped outside into the fresh air once more,
Simi felt liberated yet terrified all at once; perhaps this was what it meant to fight for herself—to stand up against those who sought control over every aspect of her life. She knew there would still be challenges ahead—confronting Gbolahan would not be easy—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.