Chapter One

I joined Park Entertainment because I've always wanted to work in the music world.

But if you ask my best friend, Bella, she'll tell you I joined the company because of the CEO.

That's total bull.

I mean...yeah, sure, Park Hyun Bin is the youngest, hottest CEO in the industry right now. But joining a company because of that doesn't sound like a wise career move to me.

Park Entertainment simply happened to offer me a job as a designer after I applied to five other comapnies unsuccessfully. And they are paying well. 

The fact that I'm lusting after the CEO is a meaningless detail. Besides, it's not as if I think I have a chance with him. Please.

Park Hyun Bin, with all his money, looks, and influence, is the type of man who only dates expensive women. Gorgeous supermodels, actresses, and songstresses. Not a 25-year average person with only student loans and unpaid bills to her name. 

The company building is two blocks from where I get off the bus. It's twenty past seven. I was supposed to be at the reception by eight but I'm not taking any chances. I've heard that Mr. Park is a super active CEO who keeps everyone on their toes. I definitely don't want to get on his bad books on the first day.

Despite what Bella said last night...

"Get on his bad books, it might be your ticket to his bed."

Ever since I bagged my new job, the only thing the girl talks about is how I can manage to get Mr. Park's attention. Sadly for her, I'm not a natural flirt.

I walk into the building and head to the reception desk, where I introduce myself and inform the receptionist that it's my first day.

The receptionist is about my height and her name tag reads Luna. 

"Welcome to Park Entertainment, Ms. Tsindoli. It's a pleasure."

I can't help but beam when she blesses me with a wide smile.

"Would you mind waiting over there for a while?" she asks, pointing towards a seating area adjacent to her desk. "Naomi from HR is supposed to show you to your office but she's not here yet."

"Sure," I reply, well aware that I'm about thirty minutes early.

My sitting position allows me to see who goes in and out of the building. If I'm lucky, I might just catch a glimpse of Mr. Park on my first day.

But, to be honest, Mr. Park is not the only person of interest in this company for me. Park Entertainment is a new comapny in the industry, barely two years old. In the time they've been in operation, they've debuted two groups. First came Phix, their boy group. Six members, with four vocalists and two rappers. Six months later came Diamonds, a 5-member girl group. I'm a fan of both groups and working with them is unbelievable. 

All I need to do is keep my cool when they appear and not act like a crazy fan.

A tall woman walks towards the reception area twenty minutes later. She comes straight to me, a smile on her face.

"Emma Tsindoli, right?"

I shoot to my feet and shake her hand. "That's me."

"I'm Naomi. I'll be your guide today."

"Thank you, it's nice to meet you."

Naomi exchanges greetings with Luna, then leads me towards the check-in area. We get through and head for the elevators.

"I saw your portfolio," she says once the elevator opens and we step in. "You're amazing. I'm glad we managed to snag you before some competitor could."

"Really?" I blurt due to my disbelief. I quickly school my expression. "I mean... I'm happy you liked it. Some of them did turn me down."

Naomi looks at me, brow raised. "Are you serious?"

I nod.

She waves a hand in dismissal. "That's the difference between us and them. Mr. Park has an eye for talent. He's never made a bad choice."

"Mr. Park?" I mumble, hoping for further explanation.

She nods.

"Mr. Park likes taking part in all the important decisions in the company. As a designer, you'll be working directly with the artists. It was a given he would take part in the selection process. Actually, he was disatisfied with all of the applications until he came across your work."

As Naomi explains, a feeling of pride swells in my chest... Or maybe that's just the butterflies in my stomach.

Mr. Park personally evaluated and loved my portfolio. Any worries I had about my capabilities as a designer fade into nothing.

The elevators open on the fourth floor and we step out. We're in a large office area with spacious cubicles. 

"This is where you'll spend time cooking up brilliant design ideas in that pretty skull of yours," Naomi jokes, then starts down the aisle. "Let me show you to your cubicle."

                        ***

First day at work goes well. Naomi showed me my work area and explained the entire designing process at the company. I also got to meet my teammates.

It's a small team of five people, with me being the fifth one. They looked happy enough to have me there, and it made me relax. 

I set up my workstation, and in the afternoon, Naomi showed me around the rest of the building. I saw the practice rooms, studios, and a glimpse of the CEO's office on the highest floor.

I don't get to see any of the artists, but I figure it won't be long before I do.

In the evening, I'm gathering my stuff to leave when Naomi shows up at my cubicle. "Tomorrow, you have a meeting with Mr. Park at 8.00 am. It's the only free time he has tomorrow, so don't be late."

I stare at her in disbelief.

"I have a meeting with Mr. Park?"

She nods. "Yes, the CEO. Don't fret. I already told you he loved your work, right?"

Okay, yes, but... Why does he want to see me? 

"Don't be nervous. It's something he does with every new essential member of the staff. Wants to make sure you understand the vision of the company so you can actively contribute to its realization."

I gulp.

First, he took part in my selection, and now, he's going to give me a sort of private orientation.

In all my years as a working adult, never has that involved a CEO.

I'm starting to get the idea that he's a CEO who expects nothing short of perfection from his employees. One who watches them like a hawk. And roots out the ones he deems inefficient.

I don't know whether to be excited or terrified about tomorrow.