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

got

stormed in like a force

angry face clearly flickered with surprise, “Xaviera, you’re here too?”

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Cacter 31

knew I was out of

Hogan still dragged me into

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

of cutlery,

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

fork, clashing with the plate with an untimely screeching

clenching the knife and fork

Pretty awkward.

steak and naturally swapped it with the one in front

of

her long lashes, looking surprised and grateful,

that, she glanced cautiously at

startled

took me back to the

a buffet

wasn’t as bossy as now, but

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

even smelled

for a “pretty clever” from her.

just sat across, silently eating, not saying a word.

cutting steak for Cecilia right

babying her a bit too much?” Hilary couldn’t stand it. “She’s got hands, doesn’t she? Does she need you to cut

when she said this, Hogan was passing

batting an eye, “You

clouds gathering on her face.

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Chapter 31

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

pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera knows best, not like some

meal was like a