Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 5

The financial crisis was barely averted, and the whole studio breathed a sigh of relief.

To show her importance, on Cecilia’s first day at work, Wallis threw her a welcome party.

They upgraded the team–building venue from a budget KTV to the swanky Fragrance Hotel

All eight of us from the company showed up, waiting for her.

Out of boredom, Wallis crammed a dessert into his mouth and said, “She’s the pampered little princess after all even had to go change her outfit, tsk.”

“That’s the cash cow right there,” I stated the obvious.

“It’s like she’s here to be worshiped, not to work.”

I had a nagging bad feeling.

Lost in thought, a commotion from the hall snapped me back to reality. Following everyone’s gaze, I saw Cecilia, clad in a tender pink tulle dress, on Hogan’s arm, looking every bit the princess, a real showstopper.

Wallis quipped, “The real cash cow has arrived.”

I didn’t expect Hogan to come.

I always thought he wasn’t into social scenes.

in the department, even if the heads of the school

was aloof, even

then, I was the one buttering up the school officials for him. Looking back,

waste of time.

glass in one go and made a beeline towards them.

escorting me to the welcome party.” Cecilia said with a bashful softness that could

having you here is an honor for

all, these days, anyone who stood next to Hogan was either rich

wanted to invite you, Mr.

queen of white lies, spits them

into a smile, only to meet Hogan’s probing

me even more nervous.

11-37

Chapter 5

on my feet. I gave the host a meaningful look.

party was officially kicking

in just a few words, he had everyone in

mood.

a staple at

excluding Wallis who played referee, we’d split

Cecilia roped Hogan into the game.

to jump in, you could

lots