THE BILLIONAIRE IN LAGOS

Three years had passed since Aria Cole left the Romano mansion.

Three years of sleepless nights, endless sacrifices and fighting to give her children a better life.

She was no longer the frightened young woman who had once stood helplessly in the rain.

She was a mother now.

And everything she did was for Jayden and Brenna.

It was a Tuesday night when Jayden's fever began.

He lay on the sofa, his cheeks burning and his little forehead covered in sweat. Every few minutes, he murmured something about a dragon hiding inside his wardrobe.

Aria sat beside him, gently wiping his face with a cold towel.

"Mommy, the dragon is coming," he whispered.

She smiled weakly.

"There's no dragon, sweetheart. You're safe."

"But I saw it."

"Then Mommy will chase it away."

He gave a faint smile before closing his eyes.

Aria glanced at the clock.

Two in the morning.

She had tried everything she could, but his temperature wasn't coming down.

She quickly wrapped him in a blanket, picked up Brenna and hurried towards the nearest clinic.

She couldn't afford to take chances with her children's health.

---

The waiting room was almost empty when Aria arrived.

A nurse directed her to a chair while she checked Jayden's temperature.

"Please wait a moment, ma'am. The doctor will attend to him shortly."

Aria nodded.

She settled Jayden on her lap and gently rocked Brenna, who was beginning to fall asleep.

That was when she noticed a woman pacing nervously near the vending machine.

The woman wore an expensive coat and held her phone tightly against her ear.

Beside her sat a little girl who appeared to be struggling to breathe.

"She's turning blue!" the woman cried. "Where is the doctor? Somebody needs to help my daughter!"

Aria looked towards the child.

The little girl was wheezing, her chest rising and falling with difficulty.

Without thinking twice, Aria carefully placed Jayden on the chair and handed Brenna to a woman sitting nearby.

She hurried towards the frightened mother.

"Ma'am, please. Let her sit upright. Try to keep her calm."

The woman turned towards her.

"Who are you? Please, my daughter can't breathe!"

"I know you're frightened, but you need to stay calm. Help her sit comfortably while we get the nurse."

Aria knelt beside the little girl and spoke gently.

"Hello, sweetheart. What's your name?"

The girl struggled to answer.

"Emily."

"That's a beautiful name, Emily. Can you look at me?"

The child nodded weakly.

"Good girl. The nurse is coming to help you."

A nurse rushed into the room with medical equipment, and the child was immediately attended to.

Aria stepped back, allowing the medical team to take over.

Within minutes, the little girl's breathing began improving.

Her mother covered her mouth and started crying.

"Oh, my God. Thank you. Thank you so much."

Aria gave her a reassuring smile.

"She's in good hands now."

The woman wiped her tears.

"Please, what's your name?"

"Aria Cole."

The woman suddenly became still.

"Did you say Cole?"

Aria nodded.

"Yes."

"Are you the owner of Lyra Fashion House?"

Aria smiled.

"Yes, ma'am."

The woman stared at her before breaking into a surprised laugh.

"I can't believe this! I buy from your brand every season. My boutique was actually the first store on Allen Avenue to stock your collection."

Aria's eyebrows rose.

"Really?"

"Yes! I'm Flora Aiden, founder of Elegant Stitches."

Aria's mouth fell open.

"The Flora Aiden? The woman behind Elegant Stitches?"

Flora laughed.

"The very same."

For a moment, the two women simply stared at each other.

It was strange how life worked.

Aria had entered the clinic worried about her sick son, only to encounter someone who would become an important part of her journey.

---

They remained in the waiting room until morning.

Jayden's condition gradually improved, and Brenna fell asleep against Aria's shoulder.

Flora's daughter was also recovering.

Before leaving, Flora took out a small card and wrote her private number on the back.

"Call me whenever you need anything."

Aria accepted it.

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Flora studied her for a moment.

"There's something I've wanted to discuss with you for a long time."

"What is it?"

"I run a fashion development club. We train upcoming designers, provide professional guidance and connect talented people with opportunities in the fashion industry."

Aria's eyes brightened.

"That sounds wonderful."

"It is. I've been following your work, and I honestly think you have enormous potential."

Aria looked down shyly.

"Thank you."

Flora continued.

"But there's a registration f*e. Two million naira, plus another five hundred thousand for materials. The programme runs for eighteen months."

Aria swallowed.

Two million five hundred thousand naira.

That was a considerable amount of money.

She wanted to join more than anything, but she had two children to raise and a business to maintain.

Flora noticed her expression.

"Don't rush your decision. Think about it."

Aria nodded.

"I will."

Before they parted, Flora hugged her.

"And Aria?"

"Yes?"

"Don't underestimate yourself. Talent like yours deserves proper recognition."

---

Two months later, Aria stood in front of a biscuit tin inside her bedroom.

She had spent weeks saving money.

Every payment from a customer, every little profit from her business and every extra order had gone towards one goal.

Joining Flora's fashion programme.

But she was still short of the required amount.

She looked towards her wrist.

Her only valuable watch rested there.

It had belonged to her mother.

For a long time, she simply stared at it.

Then she removed it.

"I'm sorry, Mom," she whispered. "I promise I'll make you proud."

She sold the watch and added the money to her savings.

By the end of the week, she had the full amount.

She paid the registration f*e.

And just like that, another chapter of her life began.

---

Flora quickly noticed Aria's determination.

She was always among the first students to arrive and the last to leave.

While others complained about assignments, Aria spent her evenings studying fabrics, sketching designs and practising new techniques.

She wasn't interested in simply obtaining a certificate.

She wanted to become exceptional.

One afternoon, Flora walked around the classroom inspecting everyone's designs.

When she reached Aria's table, she stopped.

She picked up a sketch and examined it carefully.

The design was elegant, with a beautiful combination of traditional African patterns and modern tailoring.

Flora looked at Aria.

"Did you create this?"

"Yes, ma'am."

She studied the drawing again.

"Why haven't you shown me something like this before?"

Aria smiled nervously.

"I wasn't sure it was good enough."

Flora turned towards the other students.

"Everyone, come and look at this."

The students gathered around.

Flora held up the sketch.

"This is what happens when talent meets discipline. Look at the structure. Look at the details. Look at the thought behind the design."

She turned towards Aria.

"This is not the work of someone who is merely learning to sew."

Aria lowered her eyes.

Flora smiled.

"This is the work of a designer."

For the first time in a long while, Aria felt genuinely proud of herself.

---

Eighteen months passed.

The day of graduation finally arrived.

Aria carried her certificate home inside a cardboard tube.

When she entered the apartment, Mrs. Fortune was sitting in the living room.

"Ma!"

The elderly woman looked up.

"What's all this excitement?"

Aria placed the tube on the table and opened it.

Mrs. Fortune adjusted her glasses and leaned forward.

She read every line slowly.

Then she looked up.

"So, you did it."

Aria smiled.

"We did it, Ma. I couldn't have done this without you."

Mrs. Fortune shook her head.

"Stop. I'm too old to be praised in my own kitchen."

But her eyes were already filling with tears.

She pulled Aria into a warm embrace.

"You're a determined young woman. That's why I love you."

Aria rested her head against her shoulder.

"I love you too, Mom."

The word came naturally.

Neither woman said anything about it.

Mrs. Fortune had become the mother Aria had lost, and Aria had become the daughter she never expected to find.

---

That weekend, Aria bought a second-hand car.

It wasn't the most expensive vehicle, but it was reliable and spacious enough for the family.

She took Mrs. Fortune and the twins to the beach.

Jayden and Brenna ran across the sand, laughing as they built a crooked castle.

"Mommy! Look!"

Brenna raised her hands.

"We made a palace!"

Aria laughed.

"That's beautiful, princess."

Jayden pointed at Mrs. Fortune's feet.

"Grandma is trapped!"

Mrs. Fortune looked down at the sand covering her feet.

"Somebody rescue me!"

The children burst into laughter.

Aria watched them, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.

She had once believed that happiness was something other people were born with.

Now she understood that happiness could also be rebuilt.

Sometimes, from nothing.

---

Six months later, something happened that changed everything.

It was almost midnight when Aria's phone rang.

She was sitting in her bedroom reviewing some fashion designs.

The number was unfamiliar.

She answered.

"Hello?"

"Good evening. Am I speaking with Mrs. Aria Cole?"

"Yes. Who is this?"

"My name is Mr. Williams. I'm calling on behalf of a government procurement committee."

Aria sat up.

"How may I help you?"

"We've reviewed your company's previous work and would like to discuss a major contract with Lyra Fashion House."

Her eyebrows rose.

"A contract?"

"Yes. We require uniforms for four thousand personnel. The fabric will need to be sourced, and the complete delivery must be made within the agreed quarter."

Aria reached for her notebook.

"That's a substantial order. May I know the proposed budget?"

The man mentioned the figure.

Aria froze.

She lowered the phone slightly and stared at it.

"Excuse me?"

"Eighteen billion naira."

She blinked.

"Could you please repeat that?"

"Eighteen billion naira, Mrs. Cole."

For several seconds, Aria couldn't speak.

She had started with a dusty sewing machine and a stool outside a building.

Now a government institution was offering her a contract worth eighteen billion naira.

She took a deep breath.

"Thank you for considering Lyra Fashion House. We'll be happy to review the official documentation and discuss the terms."

After ending the call, she remained seated.

Her hands were trembling.

Then she covered her mouth.

"God, thank You."

---

That contract marked the beginning of a new era.

Lyra Fashion House moved from its small shop to a magnificent glass building on Victoria Island.

A golden sign bearing the company's name was installed above the entrance.

Aria hired forty professional tailors and brought in experienced managers to help oversee production.

She purchased a beautiful house with a spacious garden and ensured that the property documents carried her name.

The twins moved to a better school, one with a swimming pool, a large playground and excellent facilities.

Mrs. Fortune stood at the entrance of their new bedroom, looking around in disbelief.

"Aria, this room is bigger than my entire old apartment."

Aria laughed.

"Then take it, Ma. It's yours."

Mrs. Fortune turned towards her.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course. You deserve it."

The elderly woman shook her head, smiling.

Sometimes, she still couldn't believe how far the young woman she had found in the rain had come.

---

Five years after arriving in Lagos, Aria had become one of the most recognised names in the fashion industry.

On her twenty-fifth birthday, she stood on the cutting-room floor of her own atelier, wearing a perfectly tailored white suit.

Her employees were preparing the final collection for an international fashion show in New York.

A young seamstress approached her with an apologetic expression.

"Madam, I'm sorry. I think there's a small problem with this stitching."

Aria examined the fabric.

"Small problem?"

The seamstress swallowed.

"The line isn't perfectly straight."

Aria lifted the material towards the light.

"We're presenting this collection in New York next week. I won't have anything less than excellence leaving this building."

Her voice rose slightly.

"Please, correct it before the final inspection."

The seamstress nodded quickly.

"Yes, ma'am."

Aria turned towards the rest of the room.

"Everyone, let's get back to work. We have a reputation to protect."

Then something strange happened.

Her eyes flashed silver.

The entire room seemed to fall silent.

For half a second, her reflection in the glass looked unfamiliar.

She blinked.

Her eyes returned to their usual brown colour.

Nobody said anything.

But Aria knew what had happened.

Lyra.

---

Lyra had appeared after the twins were born.

At first, Aria thought she was losing her mind.

She would hear a voice in the quiet hours of the night, especially when the twins were asleep.

The voice was gentle but powerful.

It spoke of strength, survival and a world Aria had never truly understood.

Eventually, she realised it wasn't an illness.

It was her wolf.

A white wolf named Lyra.

Unlike the frightened Omega she had once believed herself to be, Aria possessed a strength she couldn't explain.

Lyra gave her courage when she felt weak, instincts when she needed to make difficult decisions and an unusual ability to recognise dishonesty.

Her senses became sharper.

Her old scars healed with remarkable speed.

Sometimes, when anger rose inside her, her eyes flashed silver.

She had stopped fighting the changes.

Lyra was part of her.

And Aria was beginning to understand that she had never been as powerless as the Romano family had made her believe.

---

The twins turned five in June.

Aria organised a beautiful birthday celebration.

There was a bouncy castle, a magician, several games and a magnificent two-tier cake.

One side was blue for Jayden, while the other was pink for Brenna.

The children were delighted.

The following morning, they ran into their mother's bedroom wearing matching pyjamas.

"Mommy!"

Aria opened her eyes.

"Good morning, my babies."

"Thank you for our birthday party!"

Brenna climbed onto the bed and kissed her cheek.

"We loved the toys!"

Jayden followed.

"And the cake!"

Aria pulled them both into her arms.

"You're welcome, my loves."

Brenna kissed her again.

"You're the best mommy in the whole world."

Aria smiled.

"And you're both the best children in the whole world. Now, go and brush your teeth."

They laughed and ran out of the room.

Aria watched them disappear.

They were her greatest achievement.

No amount of money could ever replace them.

---

That evening, a heavy black envelope arrived at the house.

It was embossed with silver lettering.

Aria opened it while standing at the kitchen counter.

Her eyes moved across the invitation.

BLACK CARD INVITATION

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

MAIN STAGE PRESENTATION

LYRA FASHION HOUSE HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE GLOBAL BREAKTHROUGH BRAND OF THE YEAR.

OUT OF 10,000 SUBMISSIONS, LYRA HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE WINNER.

Aria read the invitation again.

Then a third time.

Her fingers trembled slightly.

New York.

The Midnight Pack.

Dante.

Lyra stirred inside her, suddenly restless.

Aria placed the invitation on the counter.

"No," she whispered.

Mrs. Fortune looked up from the stove.

"What's wrong?"

Aria handed her the invitation.

The elderly woman read it carefully.

Then she looked at Aria.

"Well, this is wonderful news."

Aria shook her head.

"I don't want to go."

"Why?"

"I don't want him anywhere near my children."

Mrs. Fortune folded the invitation and placed it back on the counter.

"Aria, you're a successful woman now. You have built something remarkable. You cannot allow one man's actions to control every decision you make."

"But what if he recognises them?"

Mrs. Fortune looked towards the twins, who were arguing about a missing toy in the next room.

"Then perhaps he should finally see what he threw away."

Aria stared at her.

"Ma."

"I'm only telling you the truth."

She remained silent for a while.

Then she picked up the invitation.

"All right. We'll go."

Mrs. Fortune smiled.

"That's my girl."

Aria began making preparations immediately.

She arranged for the business to continue operating while she was away, booked their flights and prepared everything the twins would need.

She also made a list of important contacts and emergency numbers for Mrs. Fortune.

That night, however, she couldn't sleep.

She lay in bed with one hand resting against her chest.

Lyra was awake.

Restless.

Almost excited.

Aria closed her eyes.

"Whatever happens in New York, we will face it together."

---

Thousands of miles away, inside a tower of black glass, Dante Romano sat behind his enormous office desk.

He was turning a diamond ring between his fingers.

It was a beautiful ring, carefully selected and worth a fortune.

Yet he had been unable to give it to Serenna.

For weeks, he had kept finding reasons to postpone the moment.

His relationship with his wife had become increasingly complicated, and the mansion no longer felt like home.

A knock sounded.

"Come in."

Luca, his younger brother, entered without waiting for permission.

"Alpha, there's something you should know."

Dante slipped the ring into his palm.

"What is it?"

"Lagos has been making headlines in the fashion industry."

Dante glanced at him.

"And?"

"Lyra Fashion House has been selected for New York Fashion Week. They're receiving a major international award."

Dante returned his attention to the documents on his desk.

"Good for them."

Luca hesitated.

"There's something else."

Dante looked up.

"What?"

"The company's chief executive is anonymous. Nobody seems to know much about the owner."

Dante shrugged.

"Then perhaps they prefer privacy."

Luca nodded slowly.

"Just thought you should know."

He turned towards the door.

Dante returned to the ring in his hand.

He had no idea that the woman he had once thrown into the rain was preparing to walk back into his world.

And this time, she wouldn't be coming alone.