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 wheel?

got my answer.

stormed in like a

face clearly flickered with

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Cacter 31

was out of

still dragged me

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

an extra set of cutlery, and whether deliberately or not. sat opposite

she started with a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia casually.

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

She was clenching the knife and fork so tightly her

Pretty awkward.

steak and naturally swapped it with the one in front of

epitome of

looking surprised and

glanced cautiously

like a startled little bunny.

back to the

had a buffet

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

crayfish season, and just because she mentioned she liked

smelled

that for a “pretty clever” from

while, Hogan just sat across, silently eating,

but he was cutting steak

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

when she said this, Hogan was passing a napkin

an

clouds gathering on

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Chapter 31

“Mrs. Hilary,

deboned cod pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera

was like a roller coaster