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?

me along, the

got my

stormed in like a force of nature.

her angry face clearly flickered with

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Cacter 31

knew I was out of place here.

still dragged

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

of cutlery, and whether deliberately or not.

she started with a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia casually. “are something else.”

fork, clashing with the plate

clenching the knife and fork

Pretty awkward.

as a cucumber, served up a freshly cut steak and naturally swapped it with the one in front of

of

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

that, she glanced cautiously at

like a startled

back to the first time I

had a buffet

but her attitude

fetching this and that. It was the crayfish season, and just because she mentioned she liked them, I

fingernails even smelled

for a “pretty clever” from

all the while, Hogan just sat across, silently

cutting steak for Cecilia right in front

Hilary couldn’t stand it. “She’s got hands,

this, Hogan was passing

man replied without batting an eye, “You

was left speechless, storm clouds gathering on her face.

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Chapter 31

the subject, “Mrs. Hilary, the pan–seared cod here is quite good, you should

this, Hilary looked down, saw the deboned cod pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera knows best, not like some young ladies,

a roller coaster ride.