Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 31

I thought I heard it wrong.

But seeing Cecilia hemming and hawing, I knew Hogan’s Invite was legit.

Or was it just lip service?

I didn’t want to be a pain in the neck, so I politely declined, “Thanks for the kind offer, Mr. Zade, but I’ve got work to tackle. I’ll treat you next time.”

Hogan wouldn’t take no for an answer, “You’ve got to eat no matter how busy, right?”

His voice oddly pitched a notch higher, made me feel like I was too dumb to appreciate his goodwill.

Cecilia stood there with her head hanging low, murmuring, “Hogan, maybe Xaviera really has

her reasons.”

Look at that, his baby girl had an opinion.

I stood there, waiting to see how Hogan would handle the situation.

After a moment, he said with strained patience, “Cecilia’s been at your company for over al month now, Ms. March. She must have caused you some trouble, so I ought to give a proper

thanks.”

I immediately read between the lines of Hogan’s implication.

Turns out, he was settling a debt for Cecilia.

Cecilia caught on, too, her pale face finally breaking into a small smile, “Hogan Is so thoughtful, Xaviera, maybe you shouldn’t refuse?”

Full of sincerity.

I felt a bit miffed inside, but face–saving is still a thing.

So, I ended up hitting the restaurant with Hogan and Cecilia.

The place had class, and there was even someone tickling the Ivories in the corner. The plano music helped ease the blockage in my heart a bit.

But one thing I couldn’t figure out: in such a romantic restaurant, wouldn’t it be better for Hogan to enjoy a cozy world for two with Cecilia?

on bringing me along, the third wheel?

got

like a

she saw me, her angry face clearly flickered with surprise, “Xaviera, you’re

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knew I was out of place

dragged me into

casually chewed on my steak. “Mr. Zade and Ms. Irwin

down, asked the waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and whether

with a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia casually.

a “zing“. Cecilia’s hand slipped off the fork, clashing with the plate with an untimely

colors. She was clenching the knife and

Pretty awkward.

a freshly cut steak and naturally swapped it with the one in

epitome of

and grateful, “Hogan, I can manage it myself.”

glanced cautiously at

startled little bunny.

to the first time I met Hilary.

a buffet together.

but her attitude wasn’t much better towards me.

crayfish season, and just because she mentioned she liked them, I ended up peeling crayfish

smelled

a “pretty clever” from her.

just sat across, silently eating,

was cutting steak for Cecilia right in

a bit too much?” Hilary couldn’t stand it. “She’s got hands, doesn’t she? Does

when she said this, Hogan was passing a napkin to

batting an eye, “You

left speechless, storm clouds

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Chapter 31

be dragged Into their drama, I changed the subject, “Mrs. Hilary, the pan–seared cod here

saw the deboned cod pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera knows best, not

a roller coaster