Romances de Ugochukwu Collins

Rowan continued pacing around his office.“What’s this?” Aiden asked, arching a brow. “You searched for… who’s Rida Rage?”“That’s him,” Rowan said, suddenly turning to face Aiden, his shoes tapping restlessly against the floor.“So?” Aiden rose to his feet. “I see you aren’t ready to talk now. Call me when you are.”“No, wait, man. I called you here to…” Rowan paused, breathing heavily.“…to speak to you. I wanted to show you his online account, how ruthless and dangerous he is, but suddenly…” Rowan staggered toward his chair and sank into it, clenching his fist at his side.“Suddenly what?” Aiden asked, sitting down as well.“All his accounts are gone! There’s no record of him, not even a trace!” Rowan slammed his hand on the desk, making the files, laptop, and computer tremble.“Easy!” Aiden exclaimed, grabbing the laptop before it could fall.“How could he erase everything?” Rowan muttered, more to himself than to Aiden, before meeting his gaze.“As I said earlier, I believe you,

Kai and Aiden stepped forward to begin the presentation of the canvas, unveiling the canvas with quiet confidence. The room fell into a contemplative silence as the design came into full view.The Rodriguezs began whispering among themselves, exchanging subtle gestures before one of the three men finally rose to speak.“Well, in as much as this is far better than the previous collection…” He paused deliberately, then lifted his gaze to meet Mrs. Hale’s.“I’m sorry. We can’t proceed.” He delivered the verdict like a quiet explosion.Mrs. Hale rose immediately to her feet.“Gentlemen, with due respect,” she began smoothly, her tone controlled yet persuasive, “what you see before you isn’t just fabric on canvas. It is vision. It is direction. This collection speaks to modern luxury while honoring timeless craftsmanship.”The second Rodriguez folded his arms. “It’s bold. Too bold. Our clientele prefers something safer.”“Safe does not create legacy,” Mrs. Hale countered calmly. “Your bran

“What’s it?” Mrs. Hale asked, curious.“It’s about the meeting with the Rodriguezs,” Aiden began, his voice shaking.“What about them?”“Th-them… um… they…” Aiden stuttered.“We lied to you. The Rodriguezs rejected our new collection,” Aiden finally revealed as Mrs. Hale’s jaw tightened immediately.“What do you mean they rejected it? How are the designs?” Mrs. Hale pressed, her voice laced with disappointment.She turned to Rowan. “Both of you can’t work and bring out a unique design?” She spat at him, standing up as she stared at them with dissatisfaction.“Since you can’t handle such a little task with the Rodriguezs, how do you plan on becoming CEOs?” She turned to leave, but then Aiden’s voice stopped her.“Mum.”He swallowed. “We promise to make this right… we’ll present Kai’s canvas to them.” She turned back slowly.“Do whatever you can,” she said, sniffing. “Dinner is served on the dining table.” She added, with that she left for her room.“We only made things worse by lying

“Hey, Rowan!” Aiden called, running toward him.Rowan spun, driving his fist forward, but Aiden rushed in at the same time. The punch landed on his face instead, and he dropped instantly.Kai froze, then knelt beside him, tapping his cheek to revive him as Rowan stared in confusion. He had meant to hit Kai, not his brother.“It’s all your fault,” Rowan spat, striding toward them, but before he could reach them, Kai bolted for the door.“You better run, you bastard,” Rowan scoffed after him, then he turned back to Aiden.“Wake up!” Rowan muttered, tapping Aiden’s face while scanning the room. His gaze landed on a glass plant.He grabbed it, pulled out the flowers, and lifted the water, ready to pour it over Aiden.“Don’t!” Aiden groaned, his eyes still shut.“Nice acting,” Rowan said, setting the plant back.Aiden slowly sat up, rubbing his already reddening cheek. “How could you try to punch him that hard? Have you lost it?” “How could you watch him use my belongings? And why isn’t

“Mum is calling,” Aiden announced to Rowan.“What the hell?” Rowan exhaled, brushing a hand through his hair.Aiden took a deep breath before answering the call.“Aiden, have you both reached?” Mrs. Hale asked.Aiden swallowed hard, torn between telling the truth or lying.“Yes… we just got in,” he finally said.“Oh God, I totally forgot the meeting with the Rodriguezs was today. I need you both to do a great job as usual, and I’ll be expecting to hear great news,” she added.Aiden stayed silent.“I'll let you prepare. See you soon,” she added before the line went dead.“She hasn’t heard the news,” Aiden said as they walked into the company.Heads turned as voices greeted them, but their minds were too far away to listen. They reached the elevator as Anna ran to join them, the door slid open with a soft ding, and they stepped in. The elevator began to rise. Aiden's jaw stayed clenched while Rowan stared at the glowing numbers above the door, each passing floor ticking like a countdow

“Bridge College?” Aiden asked, arching a brow.“Yes.” Rowan nodded.They had gone to different schools in college. Aiden remained at Crossville College, while Rowan was determined to attend Bridge College. In the end, Mrs. Hale enrolled both of them in their preferred schools“He was the most feared and notorious guy in school,” Rowan said as Aiden folded his arms, listening, but suddenly, Rowan went quiet.“Go on,” Aiden urged.Rowan stared at him, then collapsed onto his bed, brushing his hands over his face.“You won’t understand,” Rowan said, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.“Tell me first. I promise I will,” Aiden said, crossing his heart. They’d always done this to show seriousness, and each time it worked.Rowan sat up, he opened his mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come out.“I’m sorry, I can’t,” Rowan said at last, his voice cold, leaving no room for argument.Aiden watched Rowan, worry and fear written all over his face. Rowan wanted to open up; he could see it, but it f