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

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

in an instant, I was

you live here?”

chilling, a coldness enveloping him.

was the same apartment we’d shared two years ago.

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

bucks, for us corporate drones, every

wasn’t happy with my answer, sneering.

the light and pointed to the newly

Chapter 2

been replaced by a lively design, completely

his brows, and after a two–second pause, said, “You need to

what Hogan was

those corners we’d slept in and lived in were long gone, and besides, he wasn’t coming back was he?

Hogan cleared up my confusion, “Cecilia

explained it.

about a

he must have just

avoid any

fixtures and suggested, “You could get

swanky high–rise suite in the CBD with a view of the city lights at night.

never an issue for him.

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

and had I not witnessed it, I’d have never imagined the aloof Hogan could be so considerate

moment, I calmly responded, “Sorry,

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