The new roommate

Aiden’s POV.

It didn’t even take five minutes before the room exploded into chaos.

My father’s voice was the first to rise. “He’s not staying here,” he said, pointing toward the woman like she carried a disease. “Find another place for your son.”

Her face twisted in disbelief. “Excuse me? We already paid for this room. I have the receipt. My son has every right to stay here.”

“You’ll get a refund,” my father barked. “But he’s not sharing a room with my son. Over my dead body.”

“Your problem isn’t my concern,” she snapped back. “This dorm was assigned through the school. You can’t just change it because of your ridiculous pride.”

“Ridiculous?” My father laughed bitterly. “You think I’ll allow my son to live under the same roof as your child? Never.”

My mother tugged at his sleeve. “Please, calm down—”

He shook her off. “No. I won’t calm down. Not when it’s her.”

The woman folded her arms. “You’ve been the same arrogant man since the first day we met. Nothing’s changed. Still acting like you own everything.”

“And you’re still shameless,” he said. “You probably begged the Dean for this room just to annoy me.”

She stepped forward, her tone sharp. “Don’t flatter yourself. My son deserves the best, and this dorm is the best.”

I stood there in the middle of it all, wishing the floor would swallow me. I didn’t want her son here either. Whoever he was, he was already trouble just by being hers. And if my father hated them this much, he was going to make my life hell watching every move I made.

The shouting drew attention. A crowd formed at the door, whispers spreading fast. Then one of the resident assistants hurried in, looking pale. “Please, everyone calm down! The Dean’s on his way!”

Oh, wonderful. I was wondering who my father was calling a few minutes ago. My dad was one of the parents that didn't hesitate to give money to the school— so it was pretty easy to get almost anyone to come over.

“Oh, wonderful,” the woman said sarcastically. “Maybe he can talk some sense into your husband.”

“The only one who needs some sense is you,” my step mom snapped back.

When the Dean finally arrived, he looked exhausted, like he’d already dealt with a hundred parents that day. “What’s going on here?” he asked, rubbing his temples.

Before anyone else could speak, my father started. “Dean, I’m telling you right now, her son is not staying with my boy. We’ll pay for another room, just move him somewhere else.”

The Dean sighed. “Mr. Miller, I understand your frustration, but we don’t have any spare rooms left. The dorms are full. Both students were assigned here according to policy.”

The woman held up her phone. “You see? I told you we paid in full.”

The Dean nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Lee, I’ve confirmed the payment. I’m afraid there’s no alternative.”

My father stepped closer. “Then find one. We’re not sharing a room with them.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” the Dean said, his tone firm now. “The only temporary solution is that your son and hers share this room until another opens up.”

“That’s not happening,” my father said coldly.

The Dean’s patience cracked. “Then your son can choose to live off campus, Mr. Miller. But as far as the university is concerned, this is the arrangement.”

My father froze. “Off campus? Absolutely not. You know what kind of students live out there? Party kids, drug users, delinquents.”

“Then this is your only option,” the Dean replied, clearly done with the discussion.

My father’s face went red. “Unbelievable.”

“Welcome to college life,” Mrs. Lee said with a satisfied smile. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, my son’s waiting outside.”

“Don’t you dare—” my father started, but she was already gone.

The Dean adjusted his tie. “Mr. Miller, I suggest you calm down. This is only temporary. A week at most. Please keep things civil.” Then he left too, leaving the room thick with tension.

My step mom tried to smooth things over. “Honey, maybe it’s just for a few days. Let’s not make it worse.”

He turned to me, his jaw tight. “You heard the man. Stay away from that boy. Don’t speak to him, don’t get involved in anything he does. Understood?”

I nodded slowly. “It’s just for a week, Dad. I’ll survive.”

He frowned. “You’d better. I don’t want any of his bad influence rubbing off on you.”

I forced a smile. “Relax. I’ll keep my distance. It’s just a roommate, not a disease.”

“Good,” he muttered. “We’ll come by later in the week to check on things.”

“Great,” I said under my breath, pretending to sound grateful. The last thing I needed was my father hovering around campus.

My parents kept staring at the door like wolves waiting for the sacrificial lamb to walk in. I didn't have the strength for another fight, so I decided to go back to my room and get some sleep.

I sat on my bed, running a hand through my hair. I didn’t even know this guy yet, but something in my gut said he was going to be trouble.

A few minutes passed before the door opened again. Mrs. Lee walked in, heels clicking against the floor.

“Aiden!” My father screamed.

I rolled my eyes and walked back to the center room. This guy wasn't even here and my father was already up my ass.

“Well,” she said, dusting her hands, “This will be fun.”

I tried not to look annoyed.

“You are going to regret this,” my father growled.

Mrs. Lee flipped her hair with a proud smile. “Trust me, I already regret this more than you do.”

My father turned to me with a glare as if I was the one that pissed him off.

“Anyway, let’s not dwell. My son’s coming in with the rest of his things,” she added, making way.

“I see,” I muttered. “Lucky me.”

Finally a young man in a black — from top to bottom— walked in. “Thanks mama,” he muttered.

“Well, meet my son, Ryder,” she introduced.

I looked up, ready to meet whoever was about to make my life harder.

And my heart nearly stopped.

He froze too, eyes widening as they met mine. The same man I never expected in a million years to see again was standing in front of me.

“Oh,” he said softly, almost smiling. “It’s you.”

I couldn’t move or speak. The universe had just decided to ruin me all over again.

My new roommate was Ryder. The man at the club.