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.

as the door was about to close,

instant, I was trapped in

live here?”

chilling, a

we’d shared two years ago.

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

us corporate drones, every penny

happy with my answer, sneering.

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

Chapter 2

had been replaced by a lively design, completely

two–second pause, said, “You need

sure what Hogan was still

lived in were long gone,

up my confusion,

explained

about a small

each other; he must have just seen

to great lengths to avoid

pretty simple,” I glanced at the apartment’s dated fixtures and suggested, “You could get Ms.

in the CBD with a view of the

never an issue for him.

don’t want her to

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

sting of pain brushed my heart, and after a moment, I calmly responded, “Sorry, I don’t want to

was near the university area, cheap, with a subway