Modern Royalties

Chapter 1 (In the Beginning)

Once there was a girl who thinks that her life is well satisfying and problems are unlikely happening in her peaceful life. Why would she worry when she’s well-financed, got a perfect family, owned the campus’ good true circle of friends, and of course, contented in her wants and needs? What more to ask, anyway, Daphne thought while parking her ride on the VIP lot- the latest model of Ferrari. She took her Jimmy Cho bag and checked herself in the mirror for the last time. Gorgeous, she smiled pushing her long newly waxed coffee hair. She can’t help to feel the excitement filling in every step she takes for as at last, she’s finally in college.

The bumpy old car reminded Blake how cheap his parents are. He’s still covering his face from the shame done by the black smokes emitted by the junk when he parked it beside the street. The security guards are not in mood or maybe, they hate the idea of letting a ‘garbage truck’ get mixed up with all those fancy shiny cars inside the campus. He can’t blame them though ‘cause they’re just keeping the university’s reputation- high class and totally for-rich-only. Count me out, he thought bitterly trying to keep his mind straight. He’s supposed to feel the honor for enrolling in one of the top schools in the continent, but all he felt is some sort of disgust. How could her guardians let those devils get into his way even in college?

Daphne almost dropped her jaw after the announcement. She can’t believe it’s happening in her first day in school. “I hate it too, in case you want to know.” She heard the guy in faded shirt and stained jacket saying while lazily scanning his empty notebook and not meeting her eyes (she wished he won’t anyway).

“Perhaps there’s a misunderstanding, Sir Brooker?” she steadied her quavering voice. “I mean, seriously Sir, I don’t think this is a good idea to-“

“Mr. Blake Worthington will be your research partner Miss Daphne Sofia Carbury.” Her professor firmly said cutting her. “And I’m serious too. No buts-“He quickly said sensing her urge of complains, “Because you have nothing to do with it. Unless, of course,”he adjusted his rim of glasses and looking her directly into the eye, “You wish to drop sociology.”

That’s it, she thought swallowing her big lumps to clear the coast, I have nothing to do with it. Her college is ruined as soon as Mr. Snobbish Poor guy entered the room.

Is there any worse than this? He almost threw a fist against the wall after throwing the white envelope under his bed. He assumed there are plenty of thick envelopes joining the latest one. His day is what he expected it to be but it never crossed his mind that that Daphne princess will be his partner for the next 5 months. Of all the people, he thought grimly while wiping his exhausted face with his palms.

“Blake!” Mary called downstairs, probably in the kitchen. “Someone named Daphne is asking for you. What do you want me to say?” Her mom is used to his excuses, especially to girls, that’s why she ask first before confirming if he’s home or not.

“I’ll get it. Put it into my line.” He called back without any hesitation. But Mary did actually. He heard her wanting to ask why but thought better of it. After like ages, his phone clicked.

“I have the feeling that your secretary ran at your backyard to fetch you up from gardening, am I right?” Daphne said as soon as he heard him breathe from the other line. “Not that I’m being mean but guess I’m true in a way of-“

“Is this a pep talk or are you trying to annoy a busy man?” He snapped back easily like he had no idea who’s he talking to. And it made her want to shout back but kept her poise as well as attitude. Her mom will not be pleased when she’ll find out that her daughter is making an effort in scavenging a pathetic farmer.

She sighed composing herself upright. “How cool is that? Pep talk with the aristocrat’s daughter, eh? Is this some sort of a joke? How ambitious,” Again, she said it. Daphne uses her family reputation to keep the arrogant, or acting like one rather, type of person in which she found Blake one of them.

“You’re doing it already and I don’t care anyway. What do you want?” He asked unoffended. “I’m in hurry doing the ‘plowing’ and ‘throwing seeds’ in my garden.” He added with the hint of sarcasm. It’s night time. How will he do it?

Daphne fought the impulse of screaming back. “Whatever.” She said. “I got the websites for the research. I can send it to you and…” She trailed off. “Hey wait, do you have a laptop or something like-“

“Blake@gmail.com. Send it whenever you like for I’m tired.” He cut her off. “And stop calling. I gave to you my cellphone number so use it instead of disturbing the busy hands in my household.” Then he hung up.

Daphne gaped at what he just did. She can't stand him for the next few day.