Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 2

I glanced down, casually withdrew my gaze, and reached out to press the elevator button.

Neither of us spoke.

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over me, a strong reek of alcohol enveloped me, and I felt a tight grip around my waist as Hogan pulled me into his embrace.

His husky voice tickled my ear, “Xaviera, you still care about me, don’t you?”

As he spoke, Hogan gently nuzzled my neck, his tone laced with a hint of charm.

This was something I hadn’t experienced in the past six years.

I couldn’t help but think of how he’d been sweet–talking Ms. Irwin at the party an hour ago.

Care about him?

That was Cecilia’s thing.

The heavy scent of booze was a dead giveaway that he was plastered.

I lifted my head wearily and reminded him, “Sorry, I’m not Ms. Irwin.”

Hogan, still holding me, froze for a moment.

When our eyes met, I tactfully stepped aside, catching a glimpse of his stiff expression from the corner of my eye.

The atmosphere turned awkward for a second.

I walked out with an expressionless

as the door was about to close,

and in an instant, I was trapped

you live here?”

was chilling, a coldness

the same apartment we’d shared two

landlord said, ‘Old customers get a $30 discount

corporate drones, every penny counts.

with my answer,

and pointed to the newly rearranged interior, retorting,

Chapter 2

replaced by a lively design, completely the

his brows, and after a two–second pause, said, “You need to move

what Hogan was still

in and lived in were long gone, and besides, he wasn’t

second, Hogan cleared up my confusion,

that explained it.

a

we’d bumped into each other; he must have just seen Cecilia home.

great lengths to avoid any misunderstandings on her part.

fixtures and suggested,

CBD with a view of the city lights at night.

never an issue

ignored my suggestion, refusing, “I don’t want her

witnessed it, I’d have never

brushed my heart, and after a moment, I calmly responded, “Sorry, I don’t want

a subway line directly to the office