One Lucky Night

Chapter 7

Scylla was in the lobby when Stella spotted her. The place was alive with quiet footsteps, muffled conversations, and the faint fragrance of polished wood and fresh flowers from the reception desk. A few people passed by, paying them no attention, but for Scylla, the entire world seemed to pause.

"You," Stella said, her voice sharp but trembling as her eyes swept over Scylla from head to toe.

No wonder Zach did not forget her. Scylla was breathtaking. Even without extravagant clothes or jewelry, her presence radiated. Her long hair framed her face softly, and her simple dress only emphasized the natural beauty she carried. She looked like someone who had walked straight out of a memory, untouchable, timeless.

Scylla shifted uncomfortably under the intensity of Stella’s stare.

"Hi." She greeted timidly, her voice gentle and uncertain.

"Why did you come back?" Stella asked, her arms folding tightly as though bracing herself.

Scylla’s lips parted, but no words came. Her chest tightened. She could feel the other woman’s pain, the weight behind her question.

"Why?" Stella repeated, her tone cracking. Her eyes were no longer fierce; they were clouded with sadness. The truth pressed down on her. Scylla’s return meant she would be pushed aside. She had always known it in the back of her mind, but now she had to face it.

"Stella." Scylla’s voice was quiet, uncertain. She didn’t even know this woman well. Earlier, she had thought of her as nothing but spoiled and entitled, but looking at her now, she saw something different. She was human, vulnerable, and hurting.

"Why did you come back after five, long years?" Stella’s question pierced the silence.

Scylla exhaled slowly. She felt the sting of guilt but kept her tone steady. "Stella, I think I don’t owe any explanation to you. I’m sorry, but I don’t know you."

"I am the woman who doesn’t leave, the one who will stay for the person she loves even if…" Stella stopped mid-sentence, her lips trembling as her courage faltered.

Even if he doesn’t notice you.

The words hung unspoken, but Scylla felt them. They pierced her like a blade.

Scylla stared at her. She saw a broken woman standing in front of her, someone who had given her heart to Zach and yet received nothing in return.

"I’m sorry," Scylla whispered, guilt weighing heavily on her chest. She was partly the reason for Stella’s pain.

For years, she had envied Stella. Stella had stayed with him. She had been present while Scylla had chosen to walk away. She had imagined Stella at his side, laughing with him, supporting him, holding him through difficult days. Scylla had no right to resent her, yet her heart had burned with jealousy. Now, looking into Stella’s eyes, she understood the other side of the story. It had been unfair for both of them.

"I don’t know, Scylla. You seem good. You are far from what I imagined of you." Stella admitted, her shoulders sagging slightly. "I guess you have a good and valid reason, five years ago. I just can’t accept the fact that he didn’t stop loving you. I waited in vain, and now this day has come. You came back, and where do I put myself now? I want to scream and slap you, but how can I, when you are just like me?"

"Stella."

"You still love him, don’t you? I wish you didn’t leave him. I wish I wasn’t in this situation right now." Stella’s voice cracked, and her eyes shimmered with tears.

Scylla swallowed hard, her throat tight. "I’m sorry, Stella."

The only words she could offer felt empty, but they were all she had.

If only she had been stronger back then. If only she had fought for Zach instead of surrendering. If only she had not let fear and threats take control of her. Too many ifs haunted her, and none of them could erase the years of pain. Too many ifs, and still Stella was the one left carrying the scars.

"I have only one wish, Scylla," Stella said suddenly, her voice steady this time.

Scylla straightened, her heart thundering in her chest. What wish would this woman make? Would she demand she leave again? Would she try to take Zach back, no matter the cost?

Her hands curled into fists at her sides. She wasn’t sure she could survive losing him a second time.

"Fight for him, this time. Fight for your love." Stella’s words fell heavy into the space between them. She looked at Scylla with a mixture of resignation and strength.

Before Scylla could respond, Stella turned away, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she began to leave.

"Stella, wait!" Scylla called, her voice desperate, echoing faintly in the grand lobby.

But Stella didn’t stop. She kept walking, her figure growing smaller with each step.

Scylla stood frozen, her heart racing. Stella’s words were the opposite of what she had expected. Instead of demanding her departure, she had given her something else. A challenge, a command, almost a plea. She was telling her not to repeat the past.

Stella was letting go. She had carried her hope for five long years, waiting for Zach to notice her, waiting for him to move on. But now, she has accepted the truth. Their love belonged to someone else, and it was not hers to claim.

"Scylla, I mean it. Or else I will take him away from you." Stella’s voice trembled as she gave one last warning before stepping out of the building. Her silhouette disappeared through the glass doors, leaving only the echo of her footsteps behind.

Scylla stood rooted in place. Her chest rose and fell in uneven breaths. She had never expected to feel sympathy for Stella, but she did. Stella wasn’t her enemy. She was simply a woman who had loved the wrong man with all her heart.

The lobby returned to its usual rhythm around her, but for Scylla, the silence was deafening. Stella’s words kept circling in her mind. Fight for him. Don’t leave again. Don’t give up.

She closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her chest. For the first time in years, she felt both hope and fear clash violently within her. If she stayed, she would have to fight, not just for Zach’s love, but against the shadows of the past, against the guilt, and against the people who had once torn them apart.

Her lips curved into the faintest, trembling smile. Stella had given her a gift without realizing it.

Permission.

Permission to love Zach openly, permission to stay by his side, permission to fight.

This time, she would not falter. This time, she would hold on.

Scylla opened her eyes and lifted her chin. Whatever storms lay ahead, she was ready to face them.