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.

a “ding.” the elevator reached the floor, and I walked out with an expressionless face.

about to close, Hogan suddenly barged

legs encroached decisively, and in an instant, I was trapped in

live

a coldness enveloping

apartment we’d shared

‘Old

for us corporate drones,

clearly wasn’t happy with my

newly rearranged

Chapter 2

by

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

was still hung up about.

those corners we’d slept in and lived in were long gone, and besides, he

cleared up my confusion, “Cecilia

explained it.

about a small

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

great lengths to avoid any misunderstandings

glanced at the apartment’s dated fixtures and suggested,

in the CBD with a view of the city lights at

never an

“I don’t want her

witnessed it, I’d have

moment, I calmly responded,

was near the university area, cheap, with a subway line directly to the office – very