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.

events in the department, even if the heads of the school were involved, Hogan

was aloof,

the one buttering up the school officials for him. Looking back, it was such

waste of time.

go and made a beeline

me to the welcome party.” Cecilia said

having you here is an honor for

all, these days, anyone who stood next to

my words, Wallis chimed in, “Xaviera had wanted to invite you, Mr. Zade,

queen of white lies, spits them out

twitched my mouth into a smile,

made me even

11-37

Chapter 5

feet. I gave the host a meaningful

was

ice, and in just a few words,

mood.

we play Pictionary, a staple at every company

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

roped Hogan into the

was eager to jump in, you could see it written all over her face.

drew lots for teams.