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?

insist on bringing me

I got

stormed in like a

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

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Cacter 31

was out

dragged

“Mr. Zade and Ms. Irwin are treating,

of

with a snide tone,

hand slipped off the fork, clashing with the plate with an untimely screeching sound.

was clenching the knife and fork so

Pretty awkward.

and naturally swapped it

epitome of considerate.

and grateful, “Hogan,

that, she glanced

like a startled little

to the first time I

had a buffet

she wasn’t as bossy as now, but her attitude wasn’t

me fetching this and that. It was the crayfish season, and just because she

even smelled like crayfish.

for a “pretty clever”

all the while, Hogan just sat across, silently eating, not saying a word.

was cutting steak for

it. “She’s got hands, doesn’t she? Does she

this, Hogan was passing a

an eye, “You wouldn’t

speechless, storm clouds gathering

17-18

Chapter 31

be dragged Into their drama, I changed the subject, “Mrs.

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

like a