48. Unexpected Call

Starla stood by the entrance of her apartment, her expression softening with relief as Luna appeared at the doorway. Luna looked composed, dressed in a casual yet put-together outfit that hinted she was ready to leave. Her handbag, large and slung over her shoulder, suggested she had packed for an extended stay or had other errands to attend to.

Starla took a moment to silently appreciate Luna's presence. It was reassuring to have her friend there, especially after the recent turmoil and uncertainty. Luna's calm demeanor often had a grounding effect on Starla, helping to dispel the lingering unease that had settled in her mind.

"Are you heading home now?" Starla asked, her voice filled with concern as Luna stood by the doorway, a large bag slung over her shoulder.

Luna nodded, a small smile of relief playing on her lips. "Yes, Brad is waiting for me downstairs in the lobby. I should get going," she replied, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and readiness to leave. "By the way, I heard that awful guy has been arrested by the police."

Starla's smile widened with reassurance. "Don't worry, Luna. He's in police custody now," she said, her tone firm yet comforting.

Luna visibly relaxed at the news, a weight visibly lifting off her shoulders. "That's a relief to hear," she admitted, her voice tinged with lingering unease. "Well, I better get going. Brad's waiting."

With a nod, Starla stepped forward and embraced Luna briefly. "Take care, okay? And don't hesitate to call if you need anything," she said sincerely.

Luna returned the hug warmly. "Thank you, Starla. I really appreciate everything," she murmured gratefully.

Starla nodded and walked into her unit with Luna, closing the door behind them. As they entered the apartment, she closed the door gently behind them, the click of the deadbolt echoing softly in the hallway. His mind was still on Luna's departure and the conversation they had just had. The weight of what had just happened hung in the air-a mixture of relief that the threat was gone, yet unease that there were still emotions stirred up by Ha-neul and the mysterious woman, as well as Luna's departure.

Taking a deep breath, Starla tried to shake off her lingering unease. Turning away from the window, Starla decided to distract herself. Perhaps tomorrow would bring new challenges. With a sigh, Starla walked to her room, feeling the weight of the day settling on her shoulders.

...

The next morning, the atmosphere in Starla's bedroom was filled with the sounds of London waking up—a distant hum of traffic that echoed through the city streets, the occasional chirping of birds perched on nearby trees, and the soft rustling of leaves as a gentle breeze swept through the open window. The city was beginning its daily routine, each sound blending into a harmonious symphony that greeted the new day.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting warm golden hues across the room and illuminating the simple elegance of Starla's decor—a cozy reading nook by the window, a neatly made bed adorned with a patterned quilt, and shelves filled with books that stood as silent sentinels of stories waiting to be explored.

Starla blinked, slowly regaining consciousness. However, she hesitated to get out of bed. Her thoughts drifting between the events of yesterday and the uncertainties of today. Despite the comforting sounds of the awakening city outside, a sense of unease lingered within her. The image of Ha-neul with the mysterious woman kept replaying in her mind, stirring emotions she couldn't quite articulate—jealousy, insecurity, and a tinge of sadness.

She sighed softly, feeling the weight of her emotions settle around her like a heavy blanket. Slowly, she pushed herself up, propping pillows behind her as she leaned back against the headboard. Her gaze wandered to the window, where the world outside seemed to beckon with possibilities and challenges alike.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed. With a long exhale, Starla swung her legs over the edge of the bed and reached for her cell phone on the nightstand. The screen lit up with various notifications. She hesitated for a moment, her thumb hovering over the screen, before opening it.

William: Starla, hurry to our publisher's office.

Starla replied hesitantly.

Starla: I just woke up. Can't it wait until this afternoon?

Shortly after, William responded.

William: No. Miss Eve is waiting for us now.

Starla was taken aback by the message, then replied.

Starla: Why does the CEO want to meet with a novelist like me?

A moment later, William's reply came.

William: I don't know. Just come so we can find out.

Starla sighed and replied.

Starla: Okay, I'll be there soon.

Locking her phone screen. The gravity of the meeting began to sink in as she moved with purpose, retrieving her clothes from the wardrobe with a mix of nervous anticipation and determination.

In the bathroom, she took a moment to collect herself. The cool water from the faucet refreshed her face, momentarily clearing her mind. She changed quickly into a simple yet presentable outfit, opting for a comfortable blouse and trousers that conveyed professionalism without sacrificing comfort.

As she glanced at herself in the mirror, adjusting her hair with a sigh, Starla reflected on the path that had led her to this pivotal moment. Her journey as a novelist had been filled with highs and lows, moments of creative inspiration intertwined with bouts of self-doubt and perseverance. Meeting with Miss Eve represented a potential turning point, one that could shape her future as an author in ways she had yet to imagine.

With a final deep breath to steady her nerves, Starla exited the bathroom, her resolve firm. She grabbed her bag, ensuring she had everything she needed, and headed out of her apartment, locking the door behind her with a decisive click. Each step down the corridor felt purposeful, a silent affirmation of her readiness to face whatever awaited her in the publisher's office.

...

An hour had passed since Starla and William had arrived at the publisher's office, and they now sat nervously outside the CEO's office. The corridor leading to Miss Eve's domain exuded an aura of authority and refinement. It was adorned with sleek, modern artwork that hung in perfect alignment along the walls, juxtaposed against the timeless elegance of wooden doors embellished with brass fittings. Soft lighting bathed the corridor in a warm, inviting glow, adding to the atmosphere of subdued grandeur that permeated the space.

Starla fidgeted slightly in her chair, her mind racing with thoughts about why Miss Eve had summoned them. Her novels had been published by this prestigious publishing house for years, but she had never been called to meet with the CEO personally. The unexpectedness of the meeting and the unknown purpose behind it left her apprehensive yet curious.

William, seated next to her, mirrored her unease. He glanced at his watch for what seemed like the tenth time, each tick of the second hand heightening their anticipation. Despite his attempts to appear composed, his tapping foot betrayed his nervous energy.

The silence in the corridor was palpable, broken only by the occasional sound of footsteps passing by and the distant murmur of voices from nearby offices. Starla stole a glance at William, who offered a faint smile of reassurance, though it did little to quell her growing anxiety.

The minutes stretched on, each one feeling longer than the last, until finally, the door to Miss Eve's office swung open. Out stepped Jean, the CEO's efficient and composed personal secretary. Her crisp attire and brisk demeanor suggested a person accustomed to managing high-stakes meetings and important agendas.

"Miss Eve will see you now," Jean announced in a professional tone, gesturing for Starla and William to enter the CEO's inner sanctum.

Starla's heart skipped a beat as she exchanged a quick glance with William. They rose from their seats, their steps measured as they followed Jean down the corridor toward the office that held answers to the mysteries that had weighed on their minds since that morning. Each footfall echoed softly against the polished floor, the sound a steady cadence that mirrored the rhythm of their racing hearts.

As they approached the imposing wooden doors marked with the CEO's name, Starla felt a surge of adrenaline mixed with a touch of disbelief. Jean paused before the doors, her hand resting lightly on the ornate handle. She turned to Starla and William, giving them a brief nod of encouragement, her expression a blend of professionalism and warmth. Without a word spoken, her actions conveyed the gravity of the moment, indicating that what lay beyond those doors was significant. Jean's hand turned the handle decisively, and the doors swung open with a quiet creak.

The office beyond was a blend of modern functionality and classic elegance, with tasteful decor that spoke of authority and sophistication. A large desk dominated the room, meticulously organized with stacks of papers and a few strategically placed awards and mementos. At the desk sat a woman who commanded attention effortlessly. Starla was surprised, because it turned out that the woman's face was familiar to her.