Chapter 3. The Idols

Daniel’s POV

I wind down my car window and stare with displeasure at the gate of the university I will be spending the rest of my education in — all thanks to my father.

He had insisted that I needed a transfer from Newark University in New York City to Royal Empire University and had even worked the transfer himself despite my pleas.

According to him, I was lazing around being a model that I lost focus in business administration which I was supposed to be focused in. He insisted I needed a change of environment and school so I could be more focused. Though he said that, I was sure that wasn’t the reason for my transfer.

Few weeks ago, my parents had traveled down to Sacramento for a business meeting and while at the meeting, they had met with an old friend Mr. Johns Caden who happened to be the owner of Royal Empire University. While talking about the old times and all, my parents got to know he had a daughter a few years younger than me and so Dad had suggested that their daughter be married to me in order to strengthen the bond between the two families; how ridiculous and annoying that sounds.

Of course, Mr. Johns Caden had welcomed the idea happily. When they got back from their trip, Dad had told me about the transfer and I was so disappointed. After much pestering from me, Mom had opened up and told me the plan.

I was highly disappointed and annoyed. My life, my career, my friends... How was I ever supposed to cope without them? Dad also said I would be in charge of the chains of hotels he had here in Sacramento but that wasn’t enough to comfort me. I insisted on leaving New York only if my best friends Jay and Roe would come with me and Dad agreed.

I looked at the gate once more. It was beautiful and had a gold engraving of the campus name above the pillars. Maybe I will learn to love this campus as I loved Newark, but definitely not the girl. Girls are evil and deceptive. Don’t ask me why.

“Get us in,” I said to the driver. Soon the convoy that escorted me drove Into the vast and enormous surroundings of the campus.

Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Daniel Roberts, popularly known as Dan though. I’m the first child and only son of Edward and Andrea Roberts. My father is the CEO of The Kings Industries. The number one most successful business Industry in America. I’m 24 years old. I have two lovely kid sisters. I used to be among the first 5 most successful models in America before Dad sent me to study business administration in Sacramento. I’ve got crazy and amazing friends Jay and Roe. Like me, they are models too. Jay’s father owns the modeling agency we work with. And Roe is the second son of King Steven of England, one of my father’s acquaintances.

My mom and Jay’s mom are friends also. The only relief I have in this new environment is the fact that my friends will be with me. Dad said I should say hi to Mr. Johns. I will do that only for his sake but I don’t want to have anything to do with his so-called daughter. What did Mom say her name was again? Ehm... Luciana. Probably another sly bitch.

I breath in exhausted from the trip.

“Give me my phone, Mark.” I said to my personal bodyguard.

“Yes, Sir.” He responded. He handed me the phone quickly.

“Okay, let’s take a look at IG.” I said out loud as I began to scroll lazily, on my Instagram’s account.

Girls!!! see them drooling stupidly like they can’t hurt a fly over the Instagram post I uploaded yesterday. I scrolled through the comments bemusedly.

Oh my! Just look at all these flirting comments from girls from this campus. I was so occupied with my phone that I didn’t notice the car had stopped.

“We are here, Sir.” The Driver said.

I looked out and discovered the convoy had stopped. The guards came down quickly from the cars armed and ready as if for defense. This was all Dad’s idea. He said he was sending me off in the most comfortable manner ever. Did I ask to be treated like the president’s son? My father and his ridiculous ways.

I tossed my phone over to Mark at the passenger seat just as a guard opened my car door for me to step out. Once out, I breathe in a relief of fresh air and take in my surroundings. The dormitory for the wealthiest guys on campus.

It was a marvelous work of architecture. I could see students moving in and out of the building while some just hung around. Mark opened the booth of my car and brought out my few belongings. I can’t stress myself picking out clothes and stuff. I will get some more clothes in a Mall later. Mark and another guard took my belongings to my room while I walked with hands in my pockets behind. The remaining guards waited outside for them. Of course, they must return back to New York today. I wouldn’t have any of them stay with me thirty minutes more except Mark. He would be staying in Sacramento at one of dad’s hotels. I had instructed him to keep an eye on the activities going on there.

Soon enough, the elevator we took brought me to my destination. Mark and Sam took my belongings into the room I will be sharing with my friends. I decided to take a look at my surroundings.

The room alongside some others was on the 4th floor of the dormitory. It was neat and well organized. The 4th floor had a common room for only the occupants. Likewise the other floors of the building.

Mark and Sam were just coming out of my room as I returned from my short walk.

“Sir, your friend Jay is in.” Mark informed on getting to me.

“Oh really, that was quick” I said

“Have a nice stay Sir” Sam greeted.

“Thanks Sam I will. Mark, don't forget what I asked you to do. Make sure the guys return to New York. Sam, report to my father I reached successfully and extend my regards to my little sisters”. I instructed

“Yes Sir” they obliged with a little bow.

“Good. Mark, did you drop my phone in for me?”

“Sure Sir.” he replied

“Alright. You guys can leave. Take care of yourselves.”

“Bye Sir”. They bowed and left.

I opened the room door and stepped in.

***

Jay sat on the couch humming a song and playing softly on his lead guitar. I didn’t say this earlier but Jay is a musician. He writes his own songs. His father had helped him in establishing his own record label. Aside from modeling, one thing Jay loves so much is his music. It’s his greatest passion. He got the gift so it suits him well. Just listening to him play and sing is marvelous. He’s a Casanova too. He doesn’t take love as anything serious. Well I won’t blame him. Probably seeing what I went through cause of love made his resolution stronger. Also he has never been in love. Jay thinks being a playboy is best for him.

I smiled as I watched him. He stopped playing and flipped his blond hair behind his right ear. He raised his head up and flashed me that sexy smile of his that sent girls melting and bowing for him.

“Don’t do that with me Jay,” I laughed walking closer.

“For how long have you been standing there bro?” he asked, smiling and placing the guitar on the couch.

“Uhmmm, for about five minutes I guess.” I replied smilingly. He laughed.

“Come here.” He stood up and we engaged in a brief embrace.

“I’m so glad you came. Thanks for not leaving me alone.” I said almost tearily. He laughed and disengaged from the hug.

“You know we wouldn’t do that to you. Remember Best...”

“Friends Forever” I completed the sentence.

“Great. Now have you heard from Roe?” he asked.

“Yes. His private jet left England some hours ago. You know he went to get his parents approval first.” He nodded understandingly, and I continued

“So in a few hours’ time he’s gonna be here. Speaking of arrival, I wasn’t expecting you here so quickly. When did you leave New York?” I asked him. We sat down on the couch and he replied.

“About a few hours ago. My flight arrived around 10:00 this morning. The difference between my arrival and yours is barely three hours.” He explained.

“Yeah, that’s true. How’s Mom and Dad?”

“I just talked to Dad an hour ago so I believe they are fine. I know yours are too.”

“Yes. Have you had anything to eat?” I asked

“Sure, there’s a cafeteria on the first floor. But there’s a complete brunch set and some pizza pies in the refrigerator.”

“Oh that’s great cause I’m so famished but first, I need to sort out my stuff in the bedroom, have a nice bath then I’ll eat.” I said picking up my phone from the sitting room table. That’s why our dorm is super expensive. It isn’t like other dorms where they only have a bedroom. Ours was better equipped. We had a living room, mini kitchen and bathroom for the occupants of that room.

“Ok bro. Let’s get this working in our bid.” Jay said, picking up his guitar.

“Roger that bro,” I said as I stood up and walked to the bedroom.