Yesterday's Future 2✔️

32. The last thing she needed.

8:13pm,
The Coker's estate,
Ibadan

Left to her own devices, Simi felt a surge of unease wash over her, her heart pounding and her footsteps echoing against the polished marble floor as she ascended the grand staircase of the opulent mansion of the Coker's, desperately searching for her friend, Ada...and an escape from the suffocating atmosphere. Her steps were cautious yet determined, the delicate fabric of her dress swirling around her with each step, lending an air of elegance to her presence as she made her way through the bustling foyer.

As the night wore on, the once-lively atmosphere of the grand wedding party was gradually calming down. Guests scattered throughout the halls and corners of the spacious house, preparing to depart and bid their farewells. The music that had filled the air with infectious beats and melodies, now softened to a mellow rhythm, creating a backdrop for the final moments of the gathering. Empty glasses and half-eaten plates were scattered across the tables, remnants of the delectable feast that had been enjoyed throughout the evening.

Simi observed it all, a silent observer amidst the dispersing crowd. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now she found herself replaying the events in her mind like a vivid movie. From the moment she left Abuja and landed at the airport in the morning, rushed to the hotel for Tiara's wedding, to the unexpected reunion with Adam and the fleeting kiss they just shared, to Teng's abrupt departure—with Yara. She took a deep breath, fiddling with the keycard in her hand, glad that everything was slowly coming to an end.

Deep down, all she longed for was the solace of a private room. She craved the opportunity to be alone, shower, change into something more comfortable, and sink into a soft bed. Thoughts of the joint AY had left for her danced in her mind, tempting her with the promise of a much-needed escape. It had been two months since she last indulged, and tonight seemed like the perfect moment to release her thoughts in a cloud of smoke. Not even Ada could dissuade her from this personal retreat.

At that moment, she locked eyes on Ada's figure entering the house. A smile of relief finally graced Simi's face, knowing that Ada's presence would offer some semblance of familiarity and comfort.

But, Simi's smile abruptly vanished, and her eyebrows drew together as her attention was seized by the sudden sight of Shaffy emerging in the hallway, holding Adam tightly. Her mind scrambled to find an escape route, but it was too late. Shaffy had already spotted her and was making her way towards her, Adam in tow. Simi swallowed hard, her throat feeling dry, as she managed a smile to adorn her face.

She straightened her posture, bracing herself for the encounter, her features illuminated by the soft glow of the chandeliers above. In the midst of the tension, two  glamorously dressed girls darted past them in the hallway, their carefree laughter echoing through the air.

"I've been looking all over for you, Simi. Where have you been?" Shaffy exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.

Simi could feel Adam's inquisitive gaze fixed upon her as she approached them. The memory of their near-kiss during their dance flashed in her mind again, causing a flush to rise to her cheeks.

"Shaffy. Adam," Simi greeted them with a grin when they came to a halt. "I've been looking for you too auntie. I didn't get to say this earlier, but I want to thank you for everything, for helping me get here this morning. Yvonne told me everything. You're a life saver and I owe you big time," she embraced her.

"Oh dear, it's my pleasure, Simi. I'm just glad you made it here safely before the airlines started having technical issues." Shaffy responded warmly.

Simi's smile stretched across her face as she met Shaffy's gaze, her eyes briefly glancing towards Adam, who wore a puzzled expression. It was evident that he had numerous questions swirling in his mind, waiting to be asked.