49. A Meaningful Advice

Starla stood frozen in place, staring in disbelief at the woman before her. Miss Eve was a vision of beauty and elegance, her presence commanding the room with an effortless grace. Her youthful appearance, seemingly in her late twenties, set her apart from other women her age. She had flawless porcelain skin, striking green eyes that sparkled with intelligence, and long, lustrous black hair that cascaded down her back in perfect waves. Her tailored, cream-colored dress accentuated her slender figure, while her poised demeanor exuded confidence and sophistication.

What shocked Starla the most was the realization that Miss Eve was the woman she had seen talking to Ha-neul the day before. Her mind raced, trying to piece together the significance of this unexpected connection. The memory of seeing them together in the lobby of her apartment building replayed in her mind. She recalled the way Ha-neul had smiled at Miss Eve, a smile that now seemed laden with hidden meanings. The sight had stirred a mix of emotions within her, feelings that she couldn't explain but which now threatened to overwhelm her as she stood face-to-face with Miss Eve.

The room around her seemed to blur as her focus remained locked on Miss Eve. The elegance and poise of the woman before her contrasted sharply with the turmoil of thoughts swirling in her head. Why was Ha-neul talking to Miss Eve? What was their relationship? The questions seemed to echo in the silence of the room.

Miss Eve, noticing Starla's frozen stance, offered a warm, inviting smile. Her voice was soft, melodic, yet it carried an undeniable authority. "Why are you still standing there, Starla?"

Startled, Starla snapped out of her daze and noticed that William had already taken a seat across from Miss Eve. Feeling embarrassed, she managed an awkward smile and quickly walked over to the chair next to William, sitting down.

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she adjusted herself in the seat, trying to regain her composure. She stole a glance at Miss Eve, who was observing her with a keen interest. The air in the room felt charged with tension, and Starla couldn't shake off the unease that gripped her. She wondered if Miss Eve could sense her confusion, her mind still grappling with the recent revelation about Ha-neul and this mysterious woman.

Miss Eve's gaze remained fixed on Starla, her eyes observing her intently. The intensity of her stare made Starla feel as if Miss Eve could see right through her, reading every thought and emotion. After a moment, Miss Eve's lips curled into a gentle smile, then she remarked, her tone sincere yet disarming. "You’re even more beautiful up close, Starla."

William looked puzzled at this comment, knowing that, as far as he was aware, Starla and Miss Eve had never met before. He glanced at Starla, searching for any sign of recognition or understanding. Starla, still processing Miss Eve's words, met William's gaze.

Their shared bewilderment hung in the air, creating a moment of tension that Miss Eve seemed to observe with a calm demeanor. Sensing their need for clarification, she spoke again, her voice gentle yet authoritative.

"I understand your confusion," Miss Eve began, her gaze shifting between William and Starla. "I saw Starla from a distance yesterday but never had the chance to speak to her. Isn't that right, Starla?"

Starla nodded awkwardly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes."

Sitting beside William, she tried to focus on the present conversation with Miss Eve and William, but her mind kept wandering back to Ha-neul, her thoughts drifting back to the previous day when she had seen Ha-neul and Miss Eve talking in the lobby of her apartment. Questions swirled in her mind: What was the relationship between Ha-neul and Miss Eve? Could Miss Eve be Ha-neul's girlfriend? These unsettling thoughts gnawed at her, leaving her feeling uneasy. She stole glances at Miss Eve, trying to decipher any clues from her demeanor or expressions. However, Miss Eve remained composed.

Noticing Starla’s discomfort, William took the initiative to break the silence. He turned to Miss Eve and politely asked, "May I ask why you wanted to meet with us, Miss Eve?"

Miss Eve shifted her attention briefly to William before returning her focus to Starla. Her smile was gentle, almost reassuring, then she explained, her tone measured and deliberate, "I wanted to discuss something important regarding your upcoming novel competition."

Starla's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected the conversation to veer towards her writing career so soon. The competition was a beacon of opportunity, a chance to reclaim her status as a successful novelist after a series of setbacks.

"I understand that you're aware of the competition," Miss Eve continued, her voice carrying a hint of concern. "But I must advise against participating."

Both Starla and William were taken aback, exchanging quick, surprised glances. They hadn’t expected such a direct discouragement, especially considering how pivotal the competition could be for Starla's career.

Starla’s mind raced as she processed Miss Eve’s words. She knew the novel competition was her chance to regain the momentum she had lost in recent years. It was her opportunity to prove herself again after her last few novels hadn’t performed as well as her earlier bestsellers. The thought of withdrawing from the competition sent a wave of uncertainty through her.

William, always composed, spoke up first, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern. "Could you please elaborate on why you think Starla shouldn’t enter the competition?"

"I've been observing Starla's literary journey closely." Miss Eve leaned back in her chair, her demeanor composed yet earnest, then she began, her gaze alternating between Starla and William. "Her earlier novels were remarkable successes, but recent ones haven't resonated as strongly with readers. The competition's guidelines may inadvertently stifle her creative freedom, potentially hindering her chances of re-establishing her presence in the market."

Starla listened intently, her mind conflicted. On one hand, she understood Miss Eve's rationale—protecting her from potential setbacks. On the other hand, the competition represented an opportunity to prove herself again after a series of disappointing outcomes. She bit her lip nervously, uncertain of how to voice her thoughts.

William, sensing Starla's inner turmoil, interjected with a diplomatic tone, then he said respectfully, "I appreciate your concern, Miss Eve. Yet, the competition could also serve as a platform for Starla to showcase her resilience and talent. It might be the catalyst she needs to regain her momentum."

Miss Eve regarded William thoughtfully, nodding slightly in acknowledgment. She admitted, her expression softening. "You raise a valid point, but unfortunately now is not the right time. As Starla's editor, your role in nurturing her confidence and guiding her career journey is critical. If Starla loses, it will be harder for her to get back on her feet."

Sitting there, amidst the weighty silence that followed Miss Eve's advice, William contemplated deeply. He understood the risks involved in the upcoming novel competition. For Starla, it wasn't just about participating; it was about reclaiming her reputation as a successful author after a series of setbacks. Her earlier works had garnered widespread acclaim, but recent endeavors had struggled to capture the same magic. This competition could either reignite her career or potentially deal a fatal blow.

Glancing at Starla, who sat beside him, lost in her own thoughts, William felt a surge of protectiveness. He knew how much this opportunity meant to her, how it could be a turning point in her journey as a writer. Yet, he couldn't ignore Miss Eve's warnings. As her editor, he had a responsibility to guide her towards decisions that would benefit her career in the long term.

After a while William nodded, his confidence in Starla unwavering. "I'll continue to support and encourage her."

Miss Eve's gaze shifted back to Starla, a genuine warmth in her eyes, then she confessed, her voice sincere. "I, too, want to see Starla rise to her full potential again. I made a promise to a dear friend that I would help Starla find her way back."

Starla's curiosity peaked at Miss Eve's cryptic statement. "Who is this friend?" she blurted out, unable to contain her curiosity.

A knowing smile played on Miss Eve's lips, then she replied enigmatically, leaving Starla to ponder the mystery. "Someone who believes deeply in your talent and wishes to see you succeed."

Miss Eve didn’t answer clearly. The silence that followed was pregnant with curiosity and unspoken questions. Starla's emotions were a whirlwind as she sat in the office. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of everything that had transpired in the past few minutes. The cryptic mention of a friend who believed in her, Miss Eve's subtle warnings about the competition, and the supportive presence of William—all these elements tugged at different strings of her thoughts and feelings.

She felt a mixture of gratitude and unease towards Miss Eve. Gratitude for the genuine concern she seemed to have for her career and future success, yet unease at the layers of mystery surrounding her involvement. Who was this friend? Why did they believe in her so strongly? And why did they choose to approach Miss Eve?

As Starla pondered these questions, she couldn't help but glance at William, whose calm demeanor and unwavering support provided a reassuring anchor amidst the uncertainty. His belief in her abilities gave her a sense of strength and determination, urging her to push forward despite the doubts clouding her mind.