29/05/2026
This is a banger, I hope you are also reading it
RUNWAY HEARTS
EPISODE 1
The morning heat in Lagos pressed heavily against the glass walls of Eclipse Media House, where preparations for the Lagos Fashion Week campaign were in full swing. Inside the sleek conference room, Sandra Cole sat quietly reviewing her notes, her mind focused, disciplined, and determined.
This was her moment.
After years of building her name in the fashion industry through persistence and sleepless nights, she had finally been appointed Creative Director for one of the most prestigious campaigns in Lagos Fashion Week.
She adjusted her blazer, took a deep breath, and reminded herself she had earned this.
The room gradually filled with sponsors, stylists, and executives. At the head of the table stood Mr. Adeyemi, the lead organizer, smiling proudly.
Sandra, you’ve done exceptional work to get here. This year’s campaign will define your career.
Sandra nodded with quiet confidence. Thank you, sir. I won’t disappoint.
Behind him, the campaign title glowed on the screen:
EKO THROUGH FASHION
Excitement buzzed in the room as concepts, runway ideas, celebrity appearances, and international collaborations were discussed.
Then Mr. Adeyemi cleared his throat.
And now, for the final piece of this project… our lead visual photographer has just returned from London.
The door opened.
Sandra didn’t look immediately. She was still flipping through her notes.
Then she heard the voice.
Tobi Gaius stepped in.
Time froze.
Tall. Calm. Sharply dressed. More mature, but still unmistakably the man she once loved.
Sandra slowly raised her eyes.
Their gazes locked.
The room went silent for her, even though everyone else continued reacting normally.
Tobi.
His voice came out lower than expected.
Sandra.
The name carried weight. History. Pain.
Mr. Adeyemi clapped lightly, breaking the tension.
Perfect! So you two already know each other. That’s even better for synergy.
A few people chuckled awkwardly, sensing the tension.
Sandra quickly composed herself, sitting straighter.
Yes… we know each other.
Tobi pulled out the chair opposite her, never looking away.
Long time.
Sandra gave a small, controlled smile.
Long enough.
But inside her chest, memories pressed violently against her thoughts.
Five years ago.
A betrayal.
Tobi had cheated on her with someone from their creative circle, a decision that shattered their relationship overnight. What hurt Sandra most wasn’t just the betrayal, but how quickly everything she believed in collapsed.
The love. The trust. The future they had built together.
Gone in one moment.
Mr. Adeyemi continued speaking, but Sandra heard almost nothing. Every word Tobi said in the meeting felt like echoes from a past she had tried hard to bury.
His voice was still the same. Calm. Certain. Confident.
But it didn’t belong to her anymore.
As the meeting progressed, they were assigned joint responsibility for overseeing visual direction and campaign storytelling.
Meaning they would have to work closely.
Very closely.
Sandra tightened her grip on her pen.
Of course.
Of all people.
When the meeting finally ended, chairs scraped and conversations filled the room as people began to leave.
Sandra immediately gathered her files, intent on escaping before any conversation could happen.
But just as she reached the door..
Sandra.
Tobi’s voice stopped her.
She paused but didn’t turn immediately.
What is it?
A brief silence.
I didn’t know you’d be here.
Sandra let out a dry laugh.
You didn’t check the project you were coming to work on?
Another pause.
That’s not what I mean.
She finally turned, her expression calm but guarded.
Then what do you mean, Tobi?
His jaw tightened slightly.
It’s been a long time.
Sandra’s eyes hardened.
Yes. Since you decided someone else was more important than what we had.
The room nearby quieted as people subtly pretended not to listen.
Tobi looked down for a moment, guilt flashing across his face.
It wasn’t like that..
Sandra raised a hand sharply.
Don’t. We’re not doing this here.
Her voice lowered, controlled but cutting.
We are colleagues. Nothing more.
Tobi nodded slowly, though the tension in his face didn’t ease.
Right. Colleagues.
Sandra turned away immediately and walked out before the emotions she had carefully buried for years could surface.
As she stepped into the hallway, her breath finally broke slightly, her composure cracking for just a second.
Behind her, Tobi remained in the conference room, staring at the empty space she had just left.
And for the first time since seeing her again…
He looked like a man who had lost something he never fully recovered from.
To be continued
Linda_ Chuks