Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 29

Talking about that, I just realized what got Hogan’s goat was me axing him from my friends‘

list.

That was ancient history, happened days ago.

He just found out today?

But the dude was an investor, so I couldn’t exactly give it to him straight, can I?

That would make me look petty.

I had to save face and say, “Oops, sorry Mr. Zade, my friends list is crazy long, must’ve been a mistake.”

Right after I finished, Hogan couldn’t help but let out a snort, “Xaviera, can’t you come up with a better excuse? It’s just a WhatsApp friend, what’s eating you?”

Hogan had his usual confident tone when he said that.

That kind of confidence that says he’s seen right through me.

Suddenly, his confidence hit me hard, and I locked eyes with him and shot back, “Yeah, just a WhatsApp friend, what’s it to you, Mr. Zade?”

Hogan was clearly taken aback, speechless for a moment.

There we were, standing at the entrance of the corridor like a couple of loons, staring each other down without another word.

My fingertips were digging into my palm.

My heart was trembling, bittersweet.

look on his face, said, “Xaviera, you think too highly of yourself!” and then vanished

the wall, I took a deep breath and it took a while before I

the end, I didn’t bother adding Hogan back.

really had something work–related, he could use any of those to get in touch, no need to go crawling back just because of a word or two

need to hear

spent the night tossing and turning like a loser.

self–righteous, threatening to pull his investment, and I woke up in a cold sweat, sleep

I went to the office with

11:42

Chapter 29

downbeat vibe, Cecilia was all smiles, looking like the

was handing out coffee and croissants to everyone,

with

had a bout of gastritis a couple of days ago, so naturally, I couldn’t just grab any

“Thanks.”

the coffee and then heard Zora’s excited voice, “Wow, a Cartier Love bracelet with diamonds, so pretty!”

Zora’s gaze, I immediately spotted the rose

look even more delicate and fair.

generous,” Zora said enviously. “If I had a domineering CEO like him pick me

replying, “It’ll happen for you.

to my desk, only to hear Zora say, “Mr. Zade is so

me

I couldn’t help but

to a cat with a bow tie, matching Cecilia’s avatar of a cat

looked quite

coffee two days in a row, and I

itinerary, saying she’d be back