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?

on bringing me along,

enough, I got my

in like a

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

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Cacter 31

even Hilary knew I was out of

still dragged me

steak. “Mr. Zade and Ms. Irwin are treating, I couldn’t

cooled down, asked the waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and whether

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

off the fork, clashing with the

was clenching the knife and fork

Pretty awkward.

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

of

and grateful, “Hogan, I can manage it

glanced

a startled little bunny.

back to the first time

a buffet

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

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

even smelled like crayfish.

for a “pretty clever” from

while, Hogan just sat across, silently

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

a bit too much?” Hilary couldn’t stand it. “She’s

she said this, Hogan was passing a napkin

replied without batting an eye, “You

speechless, storm clouds

17-18

Chapter 31

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

saw the deboned cod pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera knows best, not like some young ladies, with no tact at all.”

meal was like a roller coaster ride.