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.

out with an expressionless

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

long legs encroached decisively, and in an instant, I

you live

voice was chilling, a coldness enveloping

the same apartment we’d shared two years

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

corporate drones, every penny counts.

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

the light and pointed to the newly rearranged interior, retorting, “Does it look like

Chapter 2

preferred minimalist style had been replaced by a lively design, completely the opposite.

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

Hogan was still hung up about.

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

next second, Hogan cleared up my confusion, “Cecilia lives upstairs.”

explained

a small world.

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

lengths to avoid any misunderstandings on

the apartment’s dated fixtures

in the CBD with

was never an

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

have never imagined the aloof Hogan could be so

and after a moment, I calmly responded,

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