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 were

was aloof,

buttering up the school officials for

waste of time.

in one go and made

the welcome party.” Cecilia said with a bashful softness

said, “Mr. Zade, having you here is an

who stood next to

chimed in, “Xaviera had wanted to invite you, Mr.

of white lies, spits them out

nervously twitched my mouth into a smile, only to meet

made me even more

11-37

Chapter 5

on my feet. I gave

party was officially kicking off.

the ice, and in just a few words, he had

mood.

a staple at

we’d split into three teams. Now with two more, we added

enough, Cecilia roped Hogan into the game.

could see it written all over her face.

drew lots for