Chapter 1 INLOVE WITH SOMEONE FROM A DIFFERENT BACKGROUND.

IN THE MORNING

REYNA'S POV

"Ugh!" I groaned softly, woken by the blaring sound of my alarm clock.

I turned it off and stretched with a long yawn before getting off my mattress. After a quick shower, I returned to my room, applied Vaseline to my skin, and slipped into my green Pizza Club uniform shirt-where I work-along with a pair of jeans and my black sandals.

I tied my hair into a ponytail, wore a green facecap, and added some lip gloss. Slinging my long-strapped black purse over my shoulder, I headed out of my bedroom.

I really didn't want to go to school today. Not because I hated it-I actually love school. I'm a complete book freak. But after what happened last semester...

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MEANWHILE, IN BENJAMIN'S MANSION

NATASHA'S POV

I woke up smiling, sat up straight, stretched my arms, and stepped out of my big, cozy, luxurious bed. After a 20-minute bath in our gleaming jacuzzi, I sat at my pink dressing table and applied shiny lotions to my already glowing skin.

Then came the makeup-foundation, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, and a bold deep red lipstick. I looked hot. I slipped into my crisp school uniform, paired it with white Versace socks, black flat Gucci shoes, and grabbed my pink fluffy Chanel backpack.

Walking out of my pink-themed bedroom, I catwalked elegantly down the staircase.

I'm Natasha Benjamin-16, the only child of Reynard and Sasha Benjamin, CEOs and power couple. My mom comes from old money; my dad is a self-made billionaire. Together, they made me a super-rich girl.

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REYNA'S POV

Thank God that was the last day of exams. Yes, I passed, but now I had to figure out how to leave that school. And I had my reasons.

I walked to the small dining area, which also doubled as the kitchen. Mom was already serving food on our plain wooden dining table. She wore her green Pizza Club shirt and a black flared skirt.

I smiled. "Morning, Mom." I hugged her from behind.

"Morning, sweetie," she said, touching my hand and kissing it.

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NATASHA'S POV

"Good morning, Mommy and Daddy," I greeted as I walked into our grand, luxurious dining room.

They were already having breakfast and lit up at the sight of me.

"Good morning, darling."

"How was your night, princess?"

"Precious, just like you two," I said, hugging them both.

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REYNA'S POV

I pulled back. "Can I help you in the kitchen?"

She frowned. "Don't you have school today? It's your first day back after spring break-and why are you in your work shirt?"

I froze. I didn't know how to tell her. I really didn't want to go back there. I didn't know how to face them.

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NATASHA'S POV

I sat down to a breakfast of waffles topped with fruit and chocolate drizzle, along with sausage, scrambled eggs, and orange juice.

"So, Mommy, Daddy, in two weeks it's our school's annual pep rally. I want to look my best-especially since I'm the cheer captain."

"What is it, sweetie?" Mom asked.

I held up my pink iPhone 16. "I want these sneakers."

"Fifteen thousand dollars?" Dad scoffed. "That's a bit much, darling."

I shrugged. "Well, not too much for us."

"Yes, baby, we'll get them for you next week," Mom said with a smile.

"Thanks, Mommy!" I beamed, finishing my breakfast, kissed them goodbye, and headed to the garage. I got into my GLE AMG 63 Coupé and let the driver take off.

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REYNA'S POV

"Reyna," Mom snapped me out of my thoughts. "Cat got your tongue? What's going on?"

I looked down. "Mom..."

Her phone beeped, thankfully cutting the moment short.

She read the message and gasped. "Oh no..."

"What's wrong?" I asked quickly.

"It's your principal."

"What about him?"

"He says that if I don't finish paying your fees from last semester, you shouldn't come to school anymore."

"Oh God..." I gasped, feigning sadness-though deep inside, I felt relieved. Still, a part of me felt bad. That school, even being the cheapest we could afford, had become unbearable.

"What should we do?" I asked.

"I don't know, sweetie... I'm so sorry." Her voice was heavy.

I hugged her. "It's okay, Mom. We'll find a better school. I didn't even want to go back there."

Oops-that slipped out.

"Why not?" she asked.

I couldn't tell her the truth. That Zeke and Kate-my ex and my best friend-stabbed me in the back, humiliated me in front of everyone. I knew she'd yell if she found out I was dating.

"I just feel like working today," I lied.

I was heartbroken, betrayed, humiliated. I didn't want to talk about it, not now, not in front of my mom. She's not strict, just... always worried.

"Are you sure there's no other reason?"

I shook my head. "No, Mom. Nothing else."

"Okay, baby. Let's eat and get going. We're gonna be late."

We sat down to vegetable salad and coffee, then left the house. Mom took a taxi-she had to stop by a friend's place before work.

Yeah, my mom's a waitress, and I work as a delivery girl at the same restaurant-Pizza Club.

I got on the brown bicycle the company gave me and pedaled off.

Hi, I'm Reyna Davis, 16 years old. I live with my mom. I never knew my dad-she says he disappeared the day I was born. Dead? Run away? Kidnapped? In a coma? No idea.

No grandparents, no aunts or uncles, no cousins. Just Mom.

I've only dated once. For a month. He dumped me last semester... for my best friend.

I don't want to think about it.

"Ow!" I cried as a white, expensive car hit my bike and sent me crashing to the ground.

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NATASHA'S POV

"Urgh!!! Who's that idiot trying to ruin my car?" I screeched.

I jumped out, furious. "Are you blind?! Do you want to ruin my car?!"

The poor, scruffy girl stood up, adjusting her dented bicycle. "I'm so sorry... I got distracted."

Did she just apologize? I hit her, and she said sorry? This could be fun.

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REYNA'S POV

She kicked my bike out of my hand-it clattered to the ground.

"Next time you try that, I'll ruin you, got it?"

I lowered my head, trembling. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

She shoved me aside and drove off. I gulped, picked up my bike-it was a bit broken, but still rideable-and rode away.

I had to stop overthinking.

I arrived at Pizza Club and walked into the kitchen. The team was already busy.

"Good morning."

"Good morning," some replied as I went to the counter to sign the attendance book.

"Miss Davis," Mr. Francis, my boss, barked.

I jumped and dropped the pen. "Good morning, sir."

"You're late."

"I'm sorry, sir," I mumbled, head down.

That stupid accident had delayed me.

"No time for sorry. Deliver these: 3 pizzas to Rain Street, Number 50. 2 to Frank Street, Number 8. And 6 to Hive Street, Number 65. Got it?"

"Yes, sir." I nodded as Gina and I loaded the pizzas into the delivery bike and tied them down securely.

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A FEW MINUTES LATER

I got to Hive Street, Number 65, grabbed the last 6 boxes, and rang the bell.

"What?!" came a woman's angry voice.

"Pizza delivery!" I replied.

She opened the door, looking like a clown-green facial mask, multi-colored curlers, and a red-green polka dot robe.

"Oh." She grabbed the pizzas, paid, took the change, and slammed the door in my face before I could say, "Thank you."

"Rude," I muttered, walking back to my bike.

As much as I was glad to leave Scottville High, the pain from Zeke and Kate's betrayal wouldn't leave me.

I was such an idiot for believing them.

If I ever see them again, I swear I'll-

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"Hey! Watch out!!"

A loud horn blared. I looked up and swerved as a Bugatti nearly hit me. I crashed into a bush.

"Not again!" I groaned.

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TYLER'S POV

"Oh my God!" I jumped out of my car and ran toward the bush. That was my fault-I drove too fast again. Overthinking always does this to me.

"Ugh..." a small, delicate voice whimpered. I spotted the girl's bike upside down.

"Grab my hand," I said.

She took it. As I pulled her out, my breath hitched.

She was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen-golden-brown messy hair, round dark eyes, pink lips, a blushy round face...

"Um..." She blinked up at me. "I... I must go." She reached for her bike.

"Let me help." I fixed the bike.

"Thanks. Bye." She ran off, pushing the bike.

She didn't even let me speak. Shy, maybe?

I chuckled and returned to my car.

I hope I see her again.

I'm Tyler Terrence, 17 years old. Son of the top CEO of Scottville, who also owns Grand Lake Academy and several other schools.

I'm just mad about what happened at home. I greeted my parents-they ignored me. Yesterday I won a basketball game... no one showed up. No one asked. Isn't that enough to be upset?

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REYNA'S POV

Oh my God, that guy was so cute. His soft curly black hair, smooth skin, pink lips, killer style, deep voice, muscular build, tall frame...

But he's out of my league. Rich. Handsome.

And me? Just a nerdy, broke, nobody.