The boutique was quiet when Sophie stepped in.
Bags were arranged neatly by color. Shoes lined the wall in clean rows. Wigs sat on mannequin heads, styled carefully. Dresses hung behind her, organized by collection.
Everything looked calm. Orderly.
Sophie walked around slowly, adjusting a bag slightly, straightening a hanger. She liked things looking intentional. It made the space feel complete.
The bell above the door chimed.
She looked up.
"Hi!" a familiar voice said.
Sophie's face brightened instantly.
"Tola?"
Tola rushed forward, smiling widely. Before Sophie could say anything else, Tola lifted her left hand.
The ring caught the light.
Sophie gasped.
"No way!"
Tola laughed loudly.
"Yes way!"
Sophie grabbed her hand.
"You're joking."
"I'm not!"
They both screamed, laughing as Sophie pulled her into a quick hug.
"When?"
Sophie asked, still holding her hand.
"Last night,"
Tola replied, her eyes shining.
Sophie examined the ring again.
"This is beautiful."
"I know," Tola said proudly.
Sophie shook her head in excitement.
"You didn't even tell me he was planning this."
"I didn't know," Tola replied.
"It was a surprise."
They moved toward the sitting area inside the boutique, still smiling.
"So when is the wedding?"
Sophie asked.
"Soon," Tola said.
"That's why I came here first."
Sophie raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"Yes. You're handling everything."
Sophie laughed.
"Everything?"
"Yes. My reception dress, after party dress, wigs, shoes… everything. I don't want stress."
Sophie smiled, amused.
"You've already planned my work for me."
"I trust you," Tola said simply.
Sophie leaned back slightly.
"Okay. We'll start sketching ideas. What kind of look are you thinking?"
"Elegant," Tola replied immediately.
"But not too heavy."
Sophie nodded. "That's doable."
"And I want two wigs," Tola added.
"One black, one blonde."
"You know me nau, don't playyy"
Sophie laughed.
"The latest bride in town."
"I've waited for this," Tola said emotionally.
They both laughed again.
After a moment, Tola leaned forward.
"What about you?"
Sophie blinked. "What about me?"
"You're always dressing brides. When is your own?"
Sophie sighed lightly.
"Here we go."
Tola smiled knowingly.
"You're too picky."
"I'm not picky."
"You are," Tola insisted.
"You find fault in everyone."
Sophie shook her head.
"I just want someone reasonable."
"Reasonable or perfect?"
Tola teased.
Sophie smiled faintly.
Tola leaned closer.
"You should just give someone a chance."
Sophie hesitated.
"Actually," she said slowly,
"I have a date today."
Tola's eyes widened.
"What?"
Sophie laughed.
"My parents set it up."
Tola clapped her hands excitedly.
"Finally!"
"It's just a meeting," Sophie added quickly.
"I don't care," Tola replied.
"It's progress."
Sophie smiled.
Tola stood up.
"Then I won't keep you. You need to go and get ready."
"I still have time," Sophie said.
"No no no no no," Tola insisted.
"You must not keep him waiting."
Sophie laughed softly.
"Okay, madam."
They hugged briefly.
"I'll send one of my girls to get your measurements later," Sophie said.
"Alright," Tola replied.
"And don't forget — I'm counting on you."
"I won't forget."
Tola waved and walked toward the door. The bell chimed again as she stepped outside.
The boutique became quiet once more.
Sophie stood still for a moment.
Then she walked back toward the mirror.
She picked up her phone and opened the message her mother had sent earlier.
The address.
She read it carefully.
Then she checked the phone number attached.
She frowned slightly.
He hadn't called.
Not even once.
She tilted her head.
"Strange."
"If he was serious, shouldn't he at least confirm?"
She locked the phone.
"One strike,"
she murmured.
She picked up a brush and touched up her makeup lightly. Nothing too heavy. Just enough.
She adjusted her hair, then stepped back to look at herself.
Simple. Clean. Confident.
"All done,"
she said to herself.
She grabbed her bag and turned off the lights before stepping out.
Outside, she headed toward her car. The afternoon sun had softened slightly, preparing for sunset and the street buzzed gently with movement.
She entered the car and started the engine.
Nancy sat on the edge of the bed, scrolling absentmindedly. Amaka was still lying beside her, half watching, half thinking.
Nancy's phone rang.
She glanced at the screen.
Unknown number.
She answered.
"Hello?"
"Good afternoon. I'm the driver sent to pick you."
Nancy straightened immediately.
"Okay."
"I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Alright. I'm ready."
She ended the call.
Amaka sat up quickly.
"He's here?"
"He's on his way," Nancy replied.
Amaka grinned.
Nancy stood up slowly.
She adjusted her outfit and picked up her bag.
Her expression was calm, but her eyes were focused.
"I'm waiting," she said to herself.