Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 15

By the time I realized what was happening, I hastily switched the camera.

Through the earpiece, Hilary’s voice had an unmistakable hint of disbelief, “Sorry about that, Xaviera. You see, I got carried away chatting your ear off. Let’s catch up some other time, shall we?”

Before I could even respond, Hilary had already hung up.

I awkwardly turned to Darren and said, “Sorry about that, Hogan’s mom might have…”

“Rough, huh?” Darren blurted out unexpectedly, with a touch of concern in his voice.

I looked up at him, unsure which kind of ‘rough‘ he was referring to.

Work, or dealing with my ex–boyfriend’s mother.

Seeing that I didn’t say anything. Darren handed me a blueberry, “For your eyes, they help with the fatigue. Have some more.”

I felt a bit off inside but changed the subject, “It’s about time for lunch, let’s go.”

Darren tactfully dropped the topic.

At the restaurant, I looked at the mountain of plates in front of me and sheepishly said, “Darren, it’s not often I treat someone, so please eat up.”

After speaking. I politely pushed the salmon his way.

Darren gave me a look and said, “Xaviera, you’re too skinny. Health is the real wealth, especially

if you want to conquer the business world. You can’t afford to be under the weather.”

And he pushed the salmon back to me.

couldn’t argue with him and said, “Alright, let’s eat it

actually quite enjoyable.

the server politely informed me that Darren had already taken care

you treat next time, is that

gentle and modest, and as he spoke, he refunded the

agree and suggested we go Dutch, to which Darren chuckled as if he had something

momentarily at a loss

was already 9 PM, and Darren insisted on walking me down to my

11-38

Chapter 15

and thin, but he showed no sign of leaving.. After a moment, he adjusted his silver–rimmed glasses and said,

to the hoop–throwing game he’d taken me to after

didn’t want to burst his bubble, so I went along, and it was clear he was having a

not really used to this kind of attention, so I just

and when to

off.

in early for a change, but as soon as

came to mind.

the night Hogan would formally introduce Cecilia to the Zade family.

been humble for six years, didn’t even know which way the Zade family’s front

contrast was

from two years ago, Hogan and I were

was something

interrupted

was totally

“It’s me.”

voice barely made it through the crack of the door before I

Hogan’s voice,

wasn’t he supposed to be at the family