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.

an expressionless face. faintly aware of

but as the door was about to

in an instant, I was trapped in

live

a coldness

the same apartment we’d shared

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

corporate drones, every

with my answer,

on the light and pointed to the newly rearranged interior, retorting,

Chapter 2

style had been replaced by a lively design,

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

wasn’t sure what Hogan was still hung up

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

next second, Hogan cleared up my confusion,

explained it.

about a small world.

each other; he must have just seen

to avoid any misunderstandings on her

the apartment’s dated fixtures and suggested, “You could

could easily afford a swanky high–rise suite in the CBD with a

an issue for

“I don’t

have never

moment, I

a subway line directly