Yesterday's Future 2✔️

29. The "Wonder Woman"

11:23am,
D'Hôtel Royale,
Ibadan

Side by side, they made their way out of the hotel lobby. Simi couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as they approached the waiting yellow cab. Her nerves returned in full force, her fingers clutching tightly onto her purse when Teng held the door open for her with that smile of his. She knew that this was her chance to finally put the past behind her and move on with her life.

In a matter of minutes, they arrived at their destination and stepped out of the cab at 'Florence Park and Gardens.' As they strolled towards the garden where the wedding festivities were in full swing, Simi's heart began to race again, and her jaw dropped at the sudden sight of Shaffy standing just outside the entrance, exquisitely dressed and engaged in conversation with some ladies.

"Shaffy? Oh my God, it's really you!" she exclaimed, rushing over to give her a hug.

"Simi!" Shaffy replied, equally astonished. "What are you doing here?" The ladies excused them.

"I came for Tiara's wedding," Simi explained. "I had to come, I couldn't miss it. But, I didn't expect to see you here."

She pulled away, still in disbelief. "Is this...your family?" she asked, gesturing to the people around them and remembering the conversation they had that night during the weekend getaway at Lokoja, before the whole fire accident, when Shaffy casually mentioned that she was traveling for an important family occasion.

Shaffy nodded, smilingly. "Yes. Tiara is my step-niece. How...how are you here? Yvonne told me you called." She held Simi's hand in hers and they walked slowly.

It was hard to summarize but Simi eagerly explained how she had decided to come to Ibadan on a whim and how she had managed to make it just in time for the wedding reception, thanks to Yvonne. She then looked at Shaffy with a curious expression. "You're Adam's aunt?"

Shaffy chuckled. "Adam. Yes, apparently. That's my boy. Do you guys know each other?"

Simi hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. There was no way she could bring up her past with Adam but Shaffy's skeptical expression told her that she couldn't avoid the question. This was unbelievable. Shaffy, her godmother was Adam's aunt? It was hard to wrap her head around at the moment.

She shook her head, blinking her eyes repeatedly. "Yeah...we crossed paths in the past. Small world, right?"

Shaffy's smile lit up her face. "What a small world it is. I mean look at us here," she remarked as she took a moment to appreciate Simi's stunning satin dress, running her eyes up and down the outfit. "You look absolutely amazing, my dear!" she gushed, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration.

"Oh thank you. But, have you seen yourself Shaffy? You're killing me." They both laughed.

At that moment, Teng appeared by Simi's side. "Hey, who's this lovely lady?" he asked, grinning.

Simi smilingly made the introductions. "Oh, Teng, this is Aunt Shaffy. Shaffy,Teng."

Teng's countenance shifted with a hint of recognition. "Oh, it's you, Aunt Shaffy. I've heard nothing but great things about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, ma'am," he beamed courteously.

Shaffy extended her hand. "Nice to meet you too, Teng. Please, call me Shaffy. You must be Simi's 'cute' dance instructor," she smiled, "You see I've heard about you too."

Teng nodded, his eyes twinkling as he took her soft hand in his and kissed it. "That's me. And might I say, you are charming, Shaffy."

"Oh thank you." The corner of her mouth quirked into a dimpled smile.