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.

the elevator reached the floor, and I walked out with an expressionless face. faintly

as the door was about to

decisively, and in an instant, I was

live here?”

chilling, a coldness enveloping him.

we’d shared

said, ‘Old customers get a $30

us corporate drones, every penny

wasn’t happy with my answer, sneering. “On

the newly rearranged interior, retorting,

Chapter 2

replaced by a lively

away, furrowed his brows, and after a two–second pause,

Hogan was still

slept in and lived in were long gone, and besides,

up my confusion, “Cecilia lives upstairs.”

explained

a small world.

into each other; he

great lengths to avoid any

glanced at the apartment’s dated fixtures and suggested,

afford a swanky high–rise suite in the CBD with a view of the city lights

an issue for

“I don’t want her to be misunderstood.”

have never imagined the aloof Hogan could

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

university area, cheap, with a subway line