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 third

enough, I got my answer.

in like a force of

her angry face clearly flickered with

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Cacter 31

I was

Hogan still dragged me

and

of cutlery, and whether deliberately or not. sat

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

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

knife and fork so tightly her

Pretty awkward.

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

of

and

glanced

like a startled little bunny.

back to the first time I

had a

she wasn’t as bossy as now, but her attitude wasn’t much better towards

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

fingernails even smelled like crayfish.

a “pretty clever” from

just sat across, silently

scenario, but he was cutting steak for Cecilia right in front of Hilary.

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

Hogan was passing

an eye, “You wouldn’t understand.”

storm clouds gathering on her

17-18

Chapter 31

subject, “Mrs.

cod pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera

meal was like a roller coaster ride.