Devination |hongbin [completed]

1. Entry

With my suitcases packed and my optimism on high, I set out to Cha Manor, awaiting my new job experience. I was never one for a spontaneous application to a random ad pinned to our university's notice board, but now that I was done with my fashion major, I needed some sort of experience before getting into the industry. I had researched Mr. Cha for a while now and he has attended almost all major fashion events in Korea, and even a few in Europe. He also did a seminar once when I was in my first year, all the girls went crazy over him, and the possibility of being able to work with him was a 1 in a million opportunity. I was now that one. 

I checked the GPS a few times to make sure I was going in the right direction. The area behind me became deserted, the only sign of life was a strange woman sitting outside what looked like the driveway of the manor. 

I rolled down my window and smiled at the woman, as she slowly rose from her rocking chair and made her way over to me. 

"Hi, im uhm...is this Cha Manor ?" I asked politely.

"Yes it is, and you should not be around here young lady" she sharply replied, as she noticed my bags in the backseat. "This is no place for you to be." 

"Im actually an employee here" I reassured her as she wrinkled her nose and glared down at me.

"Ive worked here ten years and Ive never seen you around here" she snorted, honestly pissing me off. If she worked here like she said she does, I would be avoiding her as best as I could. 

"Well im new, and thanks for all the help" I forced a smile, rolling up my window and began to make my way through the driveway. I looked into my rear view window and noticed her screaming after me, she was clearly off her head. 

I gawked at the image in front of me. It felt as if I were driving through wonderland. The road stretched on for miles and miles ahead, and on either side of me the trees were perfectly aligned with each other, as if the road led to a palace. 

Palace could of been the right word if this specific king lived in the old Gothic century. I pulled up to the most beautiful mansion I had ever seen in my life. The stone walls were decorated by vines, which twisted and turned all the way  to the top of the manor, like a real fairy-tale home. Outside were a row of fancy cars, all equipped with the name "CHA" written on the number plate. Well its good to know this is how the better side of the world lives. 

I slotted my car into a parking lot beside the house and exhaled deeply. I had to make a good impression. I couldn't let this opportunity go I told myself. I began to drag my bags out of the car when I felt someone tap my shoulder, making me jump. 

"What the---"

"Sorry to have startled you ma'am, im Rem, the butler, Master is waiting inside for you" he said in a monotone voice, that gave me the creeps. "I will take your bags to your room." 

I nodded nervously as he pointed to the front door and attended to my luggage. I began making my way up the stone cobbled stairs when the huge doors flung open and I was greeted by Mr. Cha....I mean Hakyeon.

"Oh you are finally here!" he exclaimed, his sudden cheerfulness catching me offguard. I gave him my best smile as he led me into his beautiful home, which was just as extravagant as the outside.

Every inch of the manor was decorated with sculptures, paintings and other extremely valuable items. I felt the need to hold my breath and tuck my hands into my coat, scared that my clumsy existence will break something on the first day of my job. 

"Please make my home yours, I dont want you to feel uncomfortable at all" He hummed, as he led me through to the kitchen, and the library. Truth is I was already uncomfortable thanks to the crazy old lady and Rem, but I tried to keep my composure. 

"Do you have a lot of employees working here at the moment ?" I asked, not being able to see a single soul walking around this huge manor. 

Hakyeon let out a chuckle and led me down yet another hallway, "No, most of them are busy with fashion week, I will be working with them at the studio. You are here as an intern for a private business venture" he replied.

His words made me seem skeptical but I didnt want to come off as an annoying newbie. I just didnt understand why he needed just me. Somebody with no experience, to work with him on one of his private projects. A lot just didnt add up, but Mr. Cha was known to be a bit off the radar.

We finally reached the end of the hallway and Hakyeon reached into his pocket and pulled out a huge set of keys. I watched as he carefully scanned each one, and finally found the one he was looking for, and slid it into the keyhole.

"Time to introduce you to my most prized possessions, my figurines" he grinned, as I swallowed hard and entered the completely blackened room.