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.

elevator reached the floor, and I walked out with an expressionless face. faintly aware of his gâze

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

an instant, I was

you live

voice was chilling, a coldness

same apartment we’d shared two years

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

for us corporate drones, every penny

with my answer,

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

Chapter 2

been replaced by a lively design, completely the opposite.

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

Hogan was still hung

in were long gone, and besides, he wasn’t coming back was he?

second, Hogan cleared up my confusion, “Cecilia lives

explained

a small

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

lengths to avoid any

I glanced at the apartment’s dated fixtures

swanky high–rise suite in the CBD with a view

was never an issue for

ignored my suggestion, refusing, “I don’t want

had I not witnessed it, I’d have never imagined the

my heart, and after a moment, I calmly responded, “Sorry,

a