Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 22

Hogan and Cecilia’s private room was right next door.

Talk about a crazy coincidence.

“It’s fate.” Darren said with his usual chill vibe, his voice gentle. “Hogan, mind if we have a drink. together?”

Hogan’s response came cool and distant, “Is that appropriate?”

There wasn’t any emotion in his voice.

Darren joked half–seriously, “Mr. Zade, are you giving me the cold shoulder?”

After that, he called them over to sit down.

The head of the table.

Cecilia had just taken her seat when her eyes suddenly landed on Darren’s camera bag. She exclaimed in surprise. “Wow, the camera bag Xaviera was so choosy about turned out to be a gift for Mr. Yearwood.”

Darren paused. “Choosy?”

Cecilia, ever the social butterfly, said in her sweet, soft voice, “Yeah, in the middle of broad daylight, Xaviera ran off to the mall. The sales lady said she took ages to decide.”

After Darren heard this, he glanced my way, a twinkle in his eye.

me feel kinda embarrassed.

all, it was a return gift: too expensive or too cheap

painting it this way, it seemed like I’d gone

the meal over with and clear

Jack’s reminder came, “Xaviera, you’re sitting over

earnestly pointed to the

buddy of Darren’s, didn’t know the backstory between Hogan

all eyes, as if

seats open, but if I stubbornly refused to go over, it would be a bit

a scene and quietly took

my eye, I felt a gaze brushing past me,

11:40

utensils

were only made for holding a pen were now tainted with the scent of everyday life, all because of

drinks were served, and after toasting the birthday star, everyone started drinking

and focused on my meal, getting to about sixty percent full when Cecilia’s sweet voice floated over from two guys away, “Xaviera, Mr. Yearwood, thanks to you both, I’ve had a

filled with

put extra emphasis on

lingered in my chest all night suddenly spread

was about to

on it and spoke calmly, “Ms. Irwin, you are mistaken. Xaviera and I are