The sun had barely begun to peek through the curtains when Emily stirred from her slumber. As she slowly opened her eyes, she noticed something was off. The room was filled with the sound of banging and clanging. Her ears ached with the whirring of machines, and the occasional shout of construction workers that filled her surroundings. It was as if the mansion was being torn apart from the inside out.

At first, Emily rubbed her eyes and tried to ignore the noise. But as it continued to grow louder, her irritation began to mount. She sat up in bed and glared at the window as if she could silence the noise with just a look. But of course, that was impossible.

With a deep sigh, she threw off the covers and stormed over to the window. She flung the drapes open and peered out, her eyes scanning the grounds of the estate. Sure enough, she could see workers swarming around the property, carrying tools and equipment, and generally making a racket.

One person in particular, who seemed to have swallowed a goose by how high pitch he yelled the word, "Hammer," made her narrow her eyes. It was Oliver. The young man donned an orange overall with a worker's helmet that looked too big for his head.

Emily clicked her tongue. She glanced at the grandfather clock - a thing that for a moment made her eyes wide and filled with appreciation - showed 4:30 AM.

"It's too damn early," she complained.

As the noise continued and seemingly increase by the second, her annoyance quickly turned to anger, and she began to mutter profanities under her breath.

As her frustration boiled over, she began to yell incoherently, her voice echoing off the walls of the room. It was as if she was trying to drown out the noise with her own anger. She stomped around the room, slamming drawers and doors, muttering curses all the while. How dare they disturb her peace like this?

But just as the words registered in her head, another set of profanities escaped her mouth as she remembered that she wasn't there for a vacation. She was there to work!

"Damn it," she muttered as she hurriedly made her way to the bathroom.

As Emily stepped inside the first thing that caught her eye was the intricate pattern of the tiles on the floor. They were made of marble, and each one had been carefully placed to create a stunning mosaic pattern.

She couldn't help but gasp. There wasn't a lot of luminance the night before and she was so tired that she hadn't had the opportunity to peruse the bathroom.

Letting her eyes linger on, her jaw almost dropped as every detail of the bathroom registered in her head and swelled her designer heart.

The walls were lined with white tiles, and the ceiling was painted a soft shade of blue with patches of white which Emily suspected was meant to serve as clouds.

As she moved forward, she noted that the bathroom was spacious. It has a large bathtub that sat in the center. A bathtub that had carvings of flowers on them. They looked like lilies. Emily with her eyes wide drowning in the magnificence of furniture walked over to the bathtub and ran her hand along the smooth marble surface. She marveled at the magnificence of the craftsmanship of its carvings. Then her eyes rested on the brass fixtures that adorned the bathtub, and a smile further spread across her face.

The fixtures were ornate, with intricate carvings and designs. They gave the bathtub an old-world charm, and Emily couldn't help but gape at their beauty. She turned on the tap and watched as the water flowed out, filling the tub with warm, steaming water.

As she waited for the tub to fill, Emily continued her perusal of the rest of the bathroom. The sink was made of the same marble as the floor, with a large mirror above it that was framed by a delicate gold border. The light fixtures were made of crystal, and they cast a soft glow around the room.

Emily smiled, then frowned. She glanced at the light fixtures again. Her eyes narrowed as confusion filled her head. She was sure the light above the bathroom when she used it the night before was a small light bulb. Was she mistaken? Emily wondered in confusion.

But after a while, she resorted to shaking her head and accepting that perhaps, she made a mistake. She was too tired that night and lacked sleep.

So she threw whatever confusion she had and then let her eyes roam the entirety of the bathroom again. She felt as though she had stepped back in time. This bathroom was a far cry from the modern, minimalist designs that were so popular these days. It was opulent and grand, with intricate details that spoke of a time when craftsmanship was highly valued.

After a few seconds, Emily finally stepped into the shower and ran her hands over the tiles. They were cool to the touch, and she couldn't help but admire the patterns that had been created. They were so intricate that it was almost as though the tiles themselves were a work of art.

The showerhead was a massive brass fixture that jutted out from the wall. It was ornate, with a delicate design that echoed the details on the bathtub fixtures.

Smiling, she turned on the water and watched as it cascaded down from the showerhead. As she stood there, enjoying the warm water and the beautiful surroundings, the woman couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such luxury.

Amid her occupied senses, Emily failed to notice the silent breeze that came in with her when she first entered the bathroom. The entity that swirled with the breeze smiled and couldn't help the pride that exuded within him as the woman gaped and appreciated his manor with all her heart. Many women had come and gone within the walls of Brice Manor but none had shown such great emotion, love, and understanding of every detail in their eyes.

As he watched her lather herself with soap, he couldn't help but feel excited. How will she react when she sees the rest of the house? Would she gape and stand in awe? Would there be more of those magnificent expressions on her face? Thousands of questions occupied his thoughts and soon, the woman he had set his eyes on stepped out of the shower.

If it was possible, he would have blushed. He had seen women's body parts but only in glimpses. Never had he been presented with a full and near view of it.

He knew he should look away, and he almost did. But then he remembered, she will never know. He can keep his eyes on her and she will never know.

So he let himself take in her entirety. He watched how she wiped her arms and torso with a fluffy blue towel, then gaped, when she bent to wipe her legs. Her rear was directly facing him. That was his limit. He turned away and focused on the mirror. She may not have had the consciousness that she was being watched but he did, and it didn't seem right. Despite his inner, hungry self reminding him that she will never know, he decided to keep his eyes away from her.

Emily couldn't remember the last time she felt this excited. As she hurriedly dressed herself the sound of the workers outside continued to increase. She opted to wear a short and a white tank that morning and then paired them with rubber shoes.

Pulling her hair up in a high ponytail she glanced at the clock and it showed 5:30 AM. Though there was light outside, Emily could tell that the sun hadn't fully risen. The workers here are too dedicated, she mused as another batch of instructions from a hoarse voice rang outside. I better hurry before I get reprimanded, she further thought as she took out a sketch pad and pencil from one of her suitcases.

After throwing a final glance at her visage in the vanity mirror, Emily headed for the bedroom door and pried it open.

As she stepped out of her room, Emily found herself in a narrow corridor that exuded a fragrance of lavender and roses. The scent was so strong that it immediately enveloped her senses, and she couldn't help but take a deep breath to fully take it in. The corridor itself was a sight to behold, with its ornate decorations and elegant design. It was a fitting addition to the magnificent manor that she was staying in.

The walls were adorned with paintings of all kinds, each one masterfully crafted and placed in a way that accentuated its beauty. The woman couldn't help but stop and admire each one as she made her way down the corridor. Some depicted lush landscapes, while others showed regal portraits of people from long ago. Each painting told a story, and she was captivated by them all.

Alongside the paintings were vases that were crafted to perfection. They were long ago antiques, each one unique in its design and style. Some were made of delicate porcelain, while others were fashioned out of intricate crystal. Each vase was placed carefully on a small table or pedestal, and they seemed almost like works of art themselves.

The ceiling above was a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship as well. Intricate patterns and motifs adorned the expanse of the ceiling, creating a mesmerizing visual display.

The patterns were precise, with every line and curve perfectly executed. It was as if the ceiling had been crafted by the most skilled artisans. The colors used were vibrant cream and pale magenta, adding to the overall beauty of the design.

As she continued down the corridor, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty that surrounded her. As she made it to a staircase, she threw a final glance at the corridor and then felt a pang of jealousy from whoever fixed and decorated it. There was mastery and pure talent exuding from it that for a moment she couldn't help but question if she could match. Who was it, she mused.

***

She wasn't just beautiful. She was adorable. He slithered from one painting to the next, his jaw droppin' as the woman's eyes exude love and heartfelt appreciation of her surroundings. The way her eyes shone as she perused one painting after the next. The way her lips formed a smile with every step she took stole his none existent breath away - if that even made sense.

She was everything he ever wanted. Her obvious love for art and appreciation of craftmantry was something he haven't seen in a long time.

She was perfection. A piece that would perfectly fit into his puzzling existence. Her appreciation made him want her more.

As he watched her descend the staircase, he wondered if she was any good. He heard from the others that she was a world-renowned interior designer. He must see it for himself.
Could she match his ability? If she can... He smiled and thought of the things that she and he could someday create.

"Let's test you, shall we?" He murmured to no one as he exploded into tiny particles, mixing with the air.

***

As she descended the grand staircase, her gaze fixed on the intricate details of the balustrade and the ornate carvings that adorned its edges, she couldn't help but appreciate the craftsmanship that had gone into creating such a beautiful piece of architecture again. It was a feast for the eye that her designer heart could hardly contain. Each step was a work of art, and she took her time, savoring the experience.

As she reached the bottom of the staircase, she walked towards a nearby door, her footsteps echoing through the empty hallway. But just as she was about to open the door, she heard voices on the other side. Curious, she paused and listened.

The voices grew louder, and she could make out snippets of conversation. She realized that there were people on the other side of the door, and she hesitated, unsure whether or not to proceed.

She stood there for a moment, her hand on the doorknob, listening intently to the conversation. She couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but the tone of their voices was hushed and urgent.

Finally, she made a decision and slowly opened the door, peering inside. The room beyond was dimly lit, but she could make out several figures scattered around the room, deep in conversation.

It was Aida - the cook - who first noticed her. The woman smiled and then beckoned for her to come in.

Emily bobbed her head, smiled, and with a deep breath, she stepped inside, ready to join them.

As she took a seat, the other door in the room, one she surmised to be an exit to the ground outside burst open.

"Damn, some of the new ones are too hard to handle. I mean, how hard could it be to pour concrete over the lawn? And I..." Oliver stopped his tirade and then gazed at Emily who had her eyebrow raised.

"Well, well. Sleeping Beauty decided to grace us with her presence huh," he said jokingly.

Emily only shook her head. She reached for a loaf of bread and started taking small bites, ignoring Oliver who was slowly approaching her.

The young man dropped his behind on the chair beside her with a thud, almost knocking himself and the chair back.

"Behave yourself, Oliver. Those chairs are far more expensive than everything in your closet combined," Aida chided.

"Let him be. We are all curious about the once-has-been renowned interior designer Emily Hudson." A cold voice somewhat laced with bitterness scolded Aida.

Emily glanced at the woman who spoke. She was seated near a window. She was perhaps close to her age. In her late twenties or early thirties. She was there when Emily stepped inside the room, surrounded by three other women. All of them didn't acknowledge her when she went in. She hadn't given their action malice. But now, as the woman glared at her, Emily felt that she held some sort of animosity toward her.

"Hey. Hey. Do I hear bitterness somewhere in there?" Oliver said with a grin.

The woman stood from her perch, eyes still on Emily. Her companion stood too. Their presence had Emily scooting back on the backrest of her chair. There was anger in their eyes. She met their gaze nonetheless but not with the same piercing glare but with curiosity. The woman who spoke looked familiar, however, Emily couldn't recall where she had seen her. Who was she?

As if on cue. The woman said, "My name is Clariss Del Monte. The now World-renowned interior designer. So if I were you, better spend your days in here with Aida because there's nothing in this manor that requires or needs your once-have-been, ass."

The minute she finished those words, Emily understood where the bitterness came from.

"Hey. That's enough!" Oliver said. His tone was no longer jolly. There was a seriousness in it that told Emily he saw a problem arising.

Clariss clicked her tongue, ignoring Oliver. She looked at her companions who didn't bother to introduce themselves and said, "This is an insult. I don't understand why a once-has-been was hired by the company. They already have the best. Me."

"I wouldn't carry myself that high Miss Del Monte." The voice was commanding and held authority. They all in unison glanced toward the door that Emily came from earlier. There Jasper stood with a phone clutched by his hand.

"But it is an insult. Why wasn't I told that she was..."

"May I remind you Miss Del Monte that like everyone in this room you are a worker hired and paid by the company. It matters not what you and who you are. You are dispensable just like everyone else in here. So behave yourself and don't question the management." Jasper looked to Emily for a moment then glanced back at Clariss and continued to say, "Unless you want a once-has-been to replace you entirely."

Emily couldn't hold the smile that tugged at her lips when Clariss's eyes turned wide as saucers. It further spread wider when Oliver added, "Yeah, stop bossing people, and don't walk around with a stick up your ass. Now get to work."

Emily watched, smiling as Clariss and her companions walked back to the window and sat themselves, eyes gazing into the lawn outside, finishing their meal.

"Now that we have that settled. Miss Hudson, I received communication from the executor of the estate that you will start your work on the third floor of this manor.

If a voice was capable of breaking glass majority of the utensils in the kitchen would have exploded when Clariss shouted, "What!"

Jasper sighed and shook his head. He knew this was going to happen. Even he was shocked when he received the call a few minutes ago. He held no animosity toward Emily and there's no doubt that she was a very talented designer. But he couldn't - for the life of him - figure out why the owner would give such a task to a previous alcoholic that is only working again, now.

"It was a command and we must adhere to it," was all Jasper could say.

"Oh, he'll no! I accepted this job because of the manor's third floor. This is unacceptable. I was promised the opportunity to work on it. There's prejudice here," Clariss yelled.

"Prejudice?" Jasper repeated. His face was now red and it was clear that he was holding himself back from lashing out at Clariss.

Emily at that moment only exchanged glances with Oliver and Aida. She had no idea what Jasper and Clariss were talking about. What the hell was so important about the third floor?"

Emily was startled out of her musing when her name was called in a high and bitter tone.

"Emily Hudson! Her name was repeated again. She looked at Clariss who was being held back by her companions. She seemed to be attempting to attack her.

Emily stood from her chair and walked toward the kitchen door. There was no hurriedness to her stride but it was obvious that she wanted to create a distance between her and Clariss.

"How dare you take the third floor from me!" Clariss yelled bitterly.

Emily wasn't a person who enjoyed confrontation. She was someone who'd rather ignore people whether good or bad and just go on with her life. She never found the need to engage in any conflict or anything of the sort. But at that moment she felt like she needed to say something. So she muttered, "It's just a floor. Find some other floor to work on."

"Oh, my God. Did you hear that?" Clariss yelled. Her gaze was directed at Jasper. "She has no idea. I don't think she even knows the history of Brice Manor or the importance of the third floor!"

Jasper sighed. Emily's answer was disappointing. He hadn't expected her to be in the same condition as she was before her alcohol addiction, but he at least believed that she had the mind to read about Brice Manor when she got hired. But it doesn't matter. The command has been given and he must execute it no matter what.

"That's enough, Clariss. Go start your work. Oliver, please assist Miss Del Monte outside," commanded Jasper.

Emily watched with confusion written on her face as Clariss, her companions and even Oliver walked out of the kitchen with a look of disappointment.

"You will meet with the owner this afternoon Miss Hudson and allow me to say this. Many designers, painters, and artists had longed to enter the third floor and work on it but none was given the opportunity. Work on it as if your life depends on it. It is an honor bestowed on you that others - like Clariss - would kill to have.

With those said, Jasper walked out of the kitchen too, leaving Emily confused and wondering, What the hell is on the third floor?"