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.

dark look on his face, said, “Xaviera, you

and it took a

end, I didn’t bother

any of those to get in touch, no need to go crawling back just because of a word or two from

to hear his

spent the night tossing and turning

all self–righteous, threatening to pull his investment, and I

I went to the office

11:42

Chapter 29

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

croissants to everyone, one by one.

greeted me with a smile, “Your black coffee,

ago, so naturally, I couldn’t just grab any coffee, but

“Thanks.”

Zora’s excited voice, “Wow,

the rose

suited her, making her wrist look even more

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

shyly replying, “It’ll happen for you.

my desk, only to hear Zora say, “Mr. Zade is so romantic, not just giving you a love token but also

words “matching avatars” made me

sitting down, I couldn’t help but stealthily check

bow tie,

looked quite the pair.

had treated everyone to coffee two days in a row, and I got a piece

just confirmed her itinerary, saying she’d be back tomorrow