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.

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

seen that avatar in the company group; it was Cecilia.

realized Hogan’s ‘on my way‘ was

pampered princess just happened to live right

of my hand and silently got

just a dream.

my palm rang again, I steadied myself and answered.

rare impatience came through, “Xaviera, are you

stunned, “I’m fine, what’s up?”

you’ve been pulling all-nighters these

Darren to join the

1/2

11:38

I thought he was probably worried I’d work

message he sent during dinner and the handbag he’d given me earlier,

to have such a friend looking out for

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

“Huh?”

I felt it was a bit abrupt and corrected myself, “Another day is fine

too.”

said eagerly, “finish up and send

at the studio as

embossed crew neck sweatshirt, dark brown casual pants,

was also carrying a shopping bag.

he confidently headed to