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.

on his face, said, “Xaviera, you think too highly of yourself!” and then vanished into the chilly night.

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

end, I didn’t bother adding Hogan back.

work group chats, phone calls if Hogan really had something work–related, he could use any of those to get

to hear his

that, I still spent the night tossing and turning like a

was all self–righteous, threatening to pull his investment, and I woke up in a

to the office with bags under

11:42

Chapter 29

vibe, Cecilia was all smiles, looking like the cat that got the cream.

handing out coffee and croissants to everyone, one by

in, she greeted me with a smile, “Your black

of gastritis a couple of days ago, so naturally, I

“Thanks.”

voice, “Wow, a Cartier Love bracelet with

spotted the rose gold bracelet shining

look even more

CEO like him pick me up in

blushed, shyly replying, “It’ll happen for you.

only to hear Zora say, “Mr. Zade is so romantic, not just giving you a love token but also matching avatars, how are we single folks supposed

words “matching avatars” made me pause for a moment.

couldn’t help but stealthily check the work

cat with a bow tie,

quite

row, and

her itinerary, saying she’d be