The manor was brightly lit at night. After dinner, the guests were led to their abode, situated behind the manor. Legend had it that this was a castle passed down through generations, but lackluster management and the family's declining fortunes eventually forced its sale. The castle was then refurbished and expanded into a hotel. The entrance was supported by gigantic pillars, their immaculate patterns finely engraved. Guests were first greeted by a row of wooden fences and the clock tower atop the brownish-red roof. A grassy field lay outside the entrance, surrounded by roses and vines. It looked exotic, romantic, and solemn all at once.
Luna stopped and looked around. Turning back, she whispered to Abigail, “The renovation must have cost at least a few dozen million.”
“I heard the Grahams bought this place. The Stewarts partnered with them to run it, but it wasn't open to the public before.”
“No wonder I haven't seen this beauty before. Did they acquire it just for this show?”
Even before they opened the door, Abigail and Luna heard murmuring from within. The models were whispering to each other, praising the spectacular location.
Luna and Abigail entered the room the production team had arranged. Everyone else shared regular rooms, but as special guests, they had been given a suite on the top floor of the castle. Only three doors lined the entire corridor; the other two were locked.
“We can’t be the only ones on this floor, can we?” Luna stared at the dimly lit corridor, her jaw dropping. She was starting to imagine ghosts. “Spooky castles. Yeah, this is 100% a horror movie set.”
“Maybe everyone else is out?” Abigail shrugged. It had been a long day, and she just wanted to rest. She had no time for anything else.
The suite contained two bedrooms with Simmons Bedding Company silk bedding, a tearoom, and a bathroom. The refrigerator was stocked with various drinks.
Luna happily locked the door, tossed her luggage aside, and sank into the plump couch. “Hey, I heard the girls. This place belongs to that filthy rich husband of yours?” She looked around the resplendent room and touched the oil painting above the couch.
“No idea. He never tells me about his business,” Abigail replied, unpacking her luggage. They had to stay for a while, after all. She added dismissively, “We’re getting divorced soon anyway. This place has nothing to do with me.”
Luna sank deeper into the couch, sighing contentedly. She muttered, “Yeah, I know, but it's shared property if the lease is renewed during your marriage. I can’t believe you can ignore him using your money to spend on Joan.”
“So? What's not mine can never be mine. Come on, get ready to sleep. Shooting starts tomorrow.” Abigail gave her friend a resigned look but helped make the bed.
The women freshened up and went to the living room, sorting through items needed for the next day's shoot. Then they heard the elevator ding from the far end of the corridor.
The sound of heels clicking on the wooden floorboards was jarring, especially at night. Before Luna could identify the person, they had entered their room and closed the door. “They’re late. Maybe they’re up to something,” Luna said, crouching to peek through the peephole, but she heard nothing.
“It’s probably a crew member. Stop messing around. There are cameras everywhere, and if they catch you doing something you shouldn't, you're getting canceled.” Abigail didn't bother to investigate and finished sorting files, then dragged Luna back to their bedroom.