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.

reached the floor, and I walked out with an expressionless face. faintly aware of his gâze that seemed to follow me.

apartment, but as the door was about to close, Hogan suddenly barged in, pinning me

in an instant, I

live here?”

chilling, a coldness enveloping

same apartment we’d

told him the truth, “The landlord said, ‘Old customers get a

bucks, for us corporate

clearly wasn’t happy with my answer,

the newly rearranged interior, retorting, “Does it look like

Chapter 2

minimalist style had been replaced by a lively design, completely the

pause, said, “You need to

Hogan was still hung

were long gone, and besides, he wasn’t coming

next second, Hogan cleared up my confusion, “Cecilia lives upstairs.”

that explained it.

a small

he must have just seen

to avoid

fixtures and suggested, “You could

suite in the CBD with a view of the city lights at

was never an issue for

my suggestion, refusing, “I don’t want her to be

I not witnessed it, I’d have never imagined the aloof Hogan could be so considerate of someone.

and after a moment, I

with a subway line directly to the office – very convenient.