Joseon story

Chapter 16

On the night of Yemma's father's event, the maids and butlers were bustling around in worry. When Yemma stepped out of her room halfway ready, she was surprised to see the maids stop to acknowledge her but keep going to wherever they were heading.

At the other end of the hall, she saw a group of doctors leave her father's bedroom lead by the head butler. She watched them walk down the stairs as Mr. Lee ushered them out of the house.

"Is there something wrong with Papa?" She asked once they had left.

"Ah, Ms. Yemma, yes your father has become extremely sick." He bowed greeting her. "The doctors said he's been sick for some time now and he's been working anyway."

"What! And why was I not told about this!" Yemma screamed. "Why is everyone bustling about the house!"

"We didn't want to worry you, my lady. And your father told us this event was very important so you at least must attend. The staff is carrying out your father's work in the meantime so please return to your room and finish getting ready."

He snapped his fingers and two maids stood by his side.

"Please assist the young lady in finishing her preparations."

"Yes sir."

"Wait! Mr. Lee!" Yemma tried to protest but the maids dragged her away.

"I can't go to this thing alone." Yemma pouted, arms crossed, while the maids did her hair and makeup. "But I don't have anyone to go with."

"I know you dislike the Master's wife, but I'm sure she would not mind attending with you." One of the maids suggested.

"I'm sure she wouldn't." Yemma scoffed. "Despite her missing a shoot, she would love to take a chance at boosting her image with our family. No, I won't help her use us for her own fame."

"Then one of your friends?" The maid other maid suggested, and the first maid nudged her.

"I have no friends," Yemma mumbled.

"Sure you do, my lady." The first maid cooed. "What about that young man who walks you home?"

"Or that one who you talk to at that Cafe?" The other but in.

"Jin or Yoongi would be a good suggestion but they know nothing about this event.....someone from one of Papa's companies would be better." Yemma thought out loud before turning to one of the maids. "Send over some formal attire to this address, dorm 101. Also, send a stylist over and call him to let him know what's expected of him, have him be ready by the time I arrive."

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A while later Yemma was sitting in the back of her limousine scrolling through twitter outside the companies dorm building. It was an unusual sight and many locals stopped to look or to take a picture. It didn't matter to Yemma the windows were tinted and they couldn't see her inside anyway.

Soon the door to her left was opened and a man sat next to her clad in a fancy designer suit, shoes and his hair slicked back. Once the door was shut the driver took his seat and turned on the car. In the back, the man gave Yemma a wide heart-shaped smile and nodded his head in a semi bow.

"Thank you for coming to this with me," Yemma said once they had driven away. "I know it was sort of last minute, but I remember my dad talking about how he talks to you about all types of things that go on with the company. So assuming you know how things work, I figured you'd be the best person to attend with me."

"Of course." He was impressed with how she was dressed, much different from her traditional clothes he's known but still elegant.

"I'm sorry if this inconveniences you in any way."

"No, no, need to apologize." Hoseok waved his hands. "I'm glad I can help the boss in some way besides training. I'm just a little nervous that's all. Jimin and Jungkook were a bit jealous though."

"I had someone sent over to brief you on this situation, I can only assume you're as ready as you can be." Yemma shrugged and leaned back. "Papa said there will be supporters for many of our businesses there. I just hope they will look lightly on us despite my father's poor health."

As she looked out the window, a bad feeling grew in the pit of Hoseok's stomach.

It's the same as that time. He thought. When the king first fell sick.

The bad feeling didn't go away as the limo pulled up to their destination.