Paper Dolls

Chapter 28

The Blue Diamond spa building is surprisingly tiny, situated in the outskirts of Seoul. But the acres of land that surround it are never ending. I keep staring out at the beautiful green landscape, occasionally peppered with flowery bushes. 

The security at the gate scans both our faces before we drive in and it feels like we are driving forever as Hyeon takes the long winding road that leads to one of the most exclusive parlours in the city. 

"How did you manage an appointment here again?" My fingers traverse the smooth pass on the lanyard given to us and I stare into the rearview mirror, meeting Hyeon's gaze. 

He's dressed as my driver today and I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips the moment I saw him in the formal suit and matching hat that celebritie's chauffeurs usually wear. 

"Easy, I said the up and coming celebrity King Jina needed some work on her back." He's teasing me but I know for certain that that could not have been enough to get us an appointment here. 

I shoot him a look and he finally admits that he had to fork out quite a bit of money for this outing but apparently my name did help in securing a place. 

Who would have thought?

"It's tiny," I say, pressing my forehead to the glass window as we reach the foyer to Blue Diamond. 

"I see Loona's car," Hyeon nods to the bright red convertible parked by the entrance. "She's here already." 

A buzz of excitement and apprehension shoots down my spine. I can't believe we're here doing this and the fact that Hyeon had to pay for it puts more pressure on me to deliver. I doubt Loona would be willing to confide in me of all people so I'm going to have to try another angle. 

Maybe get her on the defensive and pray she will slip up? 

My brain churns with ideas as an attendant dressed in a sea blue collared shirt and khaki pants opens my door. 

"Welcome Ms Kang Jina. Your room is ready for you." He flashes me a megawatt smile and I turn to Hyeon, nodding before leaving. 

"Miss, just give me a call when you're done. I'll be on stand by." His words sound like a double meaning but I can't think too much about it as I'm whisked away by the bellboy. 

I register at the counter and peer at the registry while the receptionist registers my details. The small foyer is beautiful in an old fashioned kind of way. The floors are a cooling marble granite and the walls a turquoise green with gold light fittings. A single chandelier hangs low in the centre of the room casting a soft glow over the plush sofa seatings. 

Even the reception houses an old computer and the registry is a vintage looking book, which makes it so easy for me to spy the registered names before mine. Sure enough, three rows above mine reads Loona. 

"All done, Ms Jina. We will lead you to the changing rooms and then to your spa. Your attendant Ms Lin will be with you at all times. If you require any assistance or any refreshments she will assist with them." The receptionist gestures at a small sized girl who seems to have appeared by my side out of thin air. 

I nearly jump when I notice her standing next to me. 

"Would you like a mimosa?" She holds out a small steel tray with a tall glass of what looks like orange juice. 

"Does it have alcohol?" I take a tentative sip and she smiles. 

She's a small sized girl with a tired looking face and a really tight bun that looks like it is pulling her forehead away from her eyes but when she smiles, it lights up her entire face.