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.

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

into my apartment, but as the door was about to close, Hogan suddenly barged in, pinning me against the foyer wall.

and in an instant, I was trapped in his little

live here?”

chilling, a coldness enveloping

was the same apartment we’d

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

corporate drones,

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

newly rearranged

Chapter 2

preferred minimalist style had been replaced by a lively design, completely

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

Hogan was

were long gone, and besides, he wasn’t

second, Hogan cleared up my confusion,

that explained it.

about a

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

avoid

simple,” I glanced at the apartment’s dated fixtures

swanky high–rise suite in the CBD with

an issue

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

tone was firm, and had I not witnessed it, I’d have

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

the university area, cheap, with a