Rowan Cortez
A week after Lemi and Aiden’s engagement party, I found myself standing outside Victor Diaz’s office, gathering my thoughts before knocking on the door. Asking if Tina could move in with me was a bold move, but I felt like it was the next step for us. Tina and I were solid, and it just made sense to live together. Or at least, that’s how I saw it.
The door opened, and there he was, Mr. Victor Diaz, seated at his desk with the same stern look that seemed permanently etched onto his face whenever I was around. I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. This was going to be... tense, to say the least.
“Rowan,” he greeted in his usual tone. Not cold, but certainly not warm. “What brings you to my office?”
I cleared my throat, deciding to cut to the chase. “I wanted to talk to you about Tina. I think it’s time for us to move in together.”
He raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair as if considering the absurdity of my request. His silence stretched on for a beat longer than comfortable before he finally spoke.
“And why exactly do you think that’s a good idea?” His tone was casual, but I could sense the disapproval building.
“I think we’re ready,” I replied confidently. “We’re serious about each other, and it just feels like the right time.”
Victor crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing slightly. “Let me get this straight. You think moving in together—giving you two more freedom to... indulge in your relationship—is what’s best for my daughter?”
Here we go, I thought.
“With all due respect, sir,” I began, trying to keep my voice steady, “it’s not just about that. It’s about building a life together, getting to know each other more, sharing responsibilities. It’s a natural progression.”
He let out a scoff, shaking his head. “Progression, huh? Or are you just trying to have more ‘alone time’ with her? Because let's be honest here, Rowan, I know exactly what you’re talking about. You want the freedom to make love to my daughter whenever you please, and I’m not blind to the fact that you’ve already been doing things I’d rather not imagine.”
I could feel the heat rising in my neck, but I kept my cool. “It’s not just about that,” I insisted. “Yes, we’re in love, and yes, that’s part of any relationship, but this is about more than just physical stuff. I love Tina, and I want to be with her.”
Victor leaned forward, placing his hands on his desk. “Rowan, you think I don’t know what young men like you are after? I’ve been around long enough to recognize when someone’s trying to take advantage of a situation. Moving in together before marriage is not going to happen. Not with my daughter.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but he cut me off. “You think I’m just going to stand by while you make out with her under my roof or your roof, with no commitment? Do you really believe I’ll be okay with you having your way with her whenever you want?”
His words hit hard, but I stood my ground. “I’m not asking for your permission to ‘have my way’ with Tina. I’m asking you to trust that I love her enough to do right by her. I would never hurt her.”
Victor’s eyes narrowed even more, his disapproval almost tangible. “Hurt her? No. But this—this freedom you’re asking for—will lead to things you can’t take back. Things you’ll regret later, and it’ll hurt her in the long run. You think you’re mature enough for this, but living together without being married is a recipe for disaster.”
I swallowed hard. This wasn’t going the way I’d hoped.
“I’m not going to lie to you, Mr. Diaz. Yes, I want to be with Tina in every way, but I also want to build a future with her. Marriage, kids, everything. I’m serious about her. Moving in together is just one step toward that.”
Victor sat in silence for a moment, his fingers steepled as he considered my words. Then, with a sigh, he leaned back in his chair.
“Rowan, I get that you love her. But if you think I’m going to allow you to take this step without making a real commitment—without putting a ring on her finger first—then you’re out of your mind. You can date her, you can love her, but moving in together? Not a chance.”
I exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of his words. “So, what do I need to do to prove to you that I’m serious?”
Victor’s eyes locked onto mine, his expression softening just slightly. “You want to prove something to me? Take care of her. Be there for her through thick and thin, and maybe—just maybe—I’ll consider the idea of you two moving in together. But until then, she’s staying under my roof.”
I nodded, realizing that this conversation wasn’t going to change his mind today. But it wasn’t a total loss. He hadn’t outright dismissed me, and maybe, just maybe, this was a step toward earning his trust.
As I stood to leave, Victor’s voice stopped me. “And Rowan,” he said, his tone low and firm, “if you break her heart, I swear, I’ll break your face.”
I met his gaze, unflinching. “I won’t, sir. I love her too much to ever hurt her.”
With that, I left his office, knowing I had a long way to go—but I’d fight for Tina every step of the way.
YOU ARE READING
Rivals Redemption
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