Chapter 8 If I don't win - no , when I don't win , and I'm back in my two - bedroom apartment , sharing a bed with my little sister , I'll dream of the Ashford Mansion . And I'll feel utterly depressed by the undisputable knowledge that for as long as I live , I will never ever behold such magnificence again . My neck hurts from looking around so much , but I can't not look . The spacious grand entrance hall alone floors me . With its large crystal chandeliers casting a soft glow on the polished marble floors and the expensive art adorning the walls ... I wouldn't even need a bed ; I could just sleep there forever . But Easton , already used to all the luxury , doesn't let us pause to savor the amazing ambiance , quickly leading us through the first floor , explaining where's where . He shows us to the formal living room , which looks like something out of a magazine - not for sitting or touching but purely for viewing . Then he shows us to the dining room , where he informs us we will have meals every day , even though I don't think I could ever eat anything when I'm sitting on seats that look like thrones . He also shows us to the ballroom . You read that right - the Ashfords have an honest - to - goodness ballroom My favorite part , though , is the library . My breath is literally knocked clean out of my lungs as I behold the gigantic room that could give the Beast's library in Beauty and the Beast a run for its money - and win . Rows upon rows of books , both ancient and new , I feel like I could lose myself in the shelves and never want to leave . Too soon , however , Easton ushers us out . He leads us to the middle of a large hallway where ornate and sweeping staircases curve up each side , leading to the upper levels . " That , " he says , pointing to the staircase on the left , " leads to the west wing . " He turns around fully and shoots all of us what I now realize is his signature stern look . " It belongs to the Ashfords . Under no circumstances whatsoever is any of you to be found in the west wing . Ever . " I stare up at the winding staircase , imagining what it looks like - what Nathan's living quarters look like . Five minutes , April . Stop thinking about him for five minutes . Easton then leads us up the right staircase to the east wing . It leads to a large hallway with doors on opposite sides , like in a hotel . On the doors are girls ' names , and I search for mine as we walk , finally sighting my name on the last door in the hall . He informs us that all our personal belongings have already been deposited in our rooms . " These are your rooms , " Easton points out the obvious before leading us downstairs again . He leads us into a kitchen large enough to contain my apartment twice over . Waiting for us are women in the servant's uniforms lined up expectantly . I count twenty - five . " Each of you will have two maids , " Easton explains . " They will be your aids for the period you spend here , taking care of your needs as they arise . " " And this " -he points to a tall , slim woman at the head of the line- " is Anna , the head maid . " I've never really understood the expression ' looking down one's nose , ' but Anna provides an excellent visual aid . From the pure disdain and self - righteousness with which she eyes all of us , you would think she was the lady of the house and not a member of staff . Thankfully , Easton immediately begins to call out names , matching them with their maids . June tugs on my hand , drawing my attention . " I don't like her , " she whispers , eyeing Anna wearily . " She looks mean . " I squeeze her hand reassuringly , sharing my sister's sentiments . " It's okay , we'll just stay out of her way . " 1/2 י Chapter 8 " April Farrah . " Easton eyes me and June warily . " And apparently , June Farrah . You will be waited on by Jessica and Lucy , " Two maids peel off from the neat row and move towards us . Jessica is petite , with a dark brown braid over her shoulder and big brown eyes , while Lucy is slightly taller and curvier , with blonde hair like mine and blue eyes . Both of them bow slightly , but I don't miss the look they exchange , and I understand it as well as I would've if they'd tattooed the words to their foreheads . They are not happy to wait on me . Because I don't look like I belong here , not like the other girls . I look like I should be wearing a maid's uniform and standing next to them . " We've come to the end of the tour , " Easton announces . " If you have any further questions , ask your maids . " He shoots us his signature look before saying , " Mind yourselves . " And then he's gone . The room erupts in a frenzy of movement as the girls start talking to each other and their maids . I force a polite smile at Jessica and Lucy . " Um , hi . " " Anything we can help you with ? " Lucy asks . I shake my head . " No , that's okay . My sister and I will just go freshen up in our room if that's alright . " They exchange another glance . " You don't need our permission for anything , " Jessica says . I swallow . " Right . " I tug on June's hand . " Come on , Summer . " Grateful to be out of the stifling kitchen , I lead my sister back through the grand halls , almost losing my way on all the turns before finding the staircase to the upper level . I don't realize the direction I'm headed in until June pulls me back sharply . " Spring , " she hisses , her eyes wide . " We're not allowed in the west wing , remember ? " I stumble back , realizing where I was headed . I shoot my sister a sheepish smile . " Sorry , I zoned out a bit . " She smiles shyly . " Don't worry , you'll see the cute boys soon enough . " I laugh , nudging her shoulder as we head up the stairs to the east wing . " What do you know ? " " I know you think the one that caught you is dreamy , " June teases as we walk down the long hall . I roll my eyes as we stop in front of my door , and I open it . " Everyone thinks he's dreamy , he's- " My steps freeze when I behold the room . Not the size - which is huge . Or the décor - which is extravagant . But the man standing by the window , facing away from the door . My breath catches in my throat , and my voice is small and strangled when I ask tentatively , " Nathan ? " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!