Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 14

The ambiguity finally ended.

My heart pounding against my chest felt like an invisible slap across my face.

I snapped to my senses in a second.

“Your phone is ringing.”

I jolted, shifted slightly, and suddenly noticed something had slid to my feet. Looking down, I saw Hogan’s suit jacket.

I pretended not to notice, fixated on the flashing name on my phone.

It was a call from Darren.

“Aren’t you going to answer?” Hogan reminded me again, his tone neither warm nor cold, “It’s been ringing for a while.”

I gripped my phone tighter, looked out the window, and realized the car had stopped in front of my apartment building.

I said my thanks. “Thanks for tonight, Mr. Zade. Get some rest early.”

“No worries, just on my way.”

His voice was soft, betraying no emotion.

If not for the thunderous beating of my heart, I might have doubted that everything just now was merely my own illusion.

swept past Hogan, I saw him open a pink kitty avatar and ask with a tender tone. “Are

the company

was when I realized Hogan’s ‘on

to live right

and silently got out

was just a dream.

my palm rang again, I steadied myself

warm voice tinged with rare impatience came through, “Xaviera, are you

a bit stunned, “I’m fine, what’s up?”

pulling all-nighters these past days and haven’t been replying

was initially recommended by Darren to

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11:38

was probably worried I’d work

dinner and the handbag he’d given me earlier, my feelings

such a friend looking out for me

suggested. “Are you free tomorrow night? I’d like to

“Huh?”

left my mouth, I felt it was a bit abrupt and corrected myself, “Another day is

too.”

“finish up and send me a message, I’ll come

afternoon, Darren arrived at the studio

white embossed crew neck sweatshirt, dark brown casual

was also carrying

he confidently headed to the pantry with a box