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

enough, I got my answer.

like a force of

she saw me, her angry face clearly flickered with

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Cacter 31

I was

Hogan still dragged me into this.

“Mr. Zade and Ms. Irwin are treating, I

set of

a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia casually.

slipped off the fork, clashing with the plate with an untimely

knife and fork so tightly

Pretty awkward.

freshly cut steak and naturally swapped it with

of

lifted her long lashes, looking surprised and grateful, “Hogan,

that, she glanced

startled

to the first time

a

as bossy as now, but her attitude wasn’t

It was the crayfish season, and just because

fingernails even smelled like crayfish.

for a “pretty clever” from her.

Hogan just sat across,

he was cutting steak for Cecilia right in front of

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

she said this, Hogan was passing

without batting an eye,

left speechless, storm clouds

17-18

Chapter 31

to be dragged Into their drama, 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 young ladies, with no tact at

like a roller