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. faintly aware

walked briskly into my apartment, but as the door was about to close, Hogan

legs encroached decisively, and in an instant, I

live

was chilling, a coldness enveloping

same apartment we’d shared two

“The landlord said, ‘Old customers get a $30 discount

for us corporate drones, every penny

my answer,

newly rearranged interior, retorting, “Does it

Chapter 2

minimalist style had been replaced by a lively design,

pause, said, “You need to move out, I’ll cover the

what Hogan was still

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

cleared up my confusion, “Cecilia lives upstairs.”

explained

about a small world.

wonder we’d bumped into each other; he must have just seen

gone to great lengths to avoid any misunderstandings

apartment’s dated fixtures and suggested, “You

the CBD with a view

never an

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

tone was firm, and had I not witnessed it, I’d have never

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

was near the university area, cheap, with a subway