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

got

like a force of nature.

clearly flickered

12:18

Cacter 31

Hilary knew I was out of

still dragged

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

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

with a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia casually.

fork, clashing with the

changed colors. She was clenching the knife and fork so tightly

Pretty awkward.

freshly cut steak and naturally

of

looking surprised and grateful,

she glanced cautiously at

like a startled little bunny.

me back to the first time I met Hilary.

had a buffet together.

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

the meal, she had me fetching this and that. It was the crayfish season, and just because she mentioned she liked them, I ended up peeling crayfish all evening.

even smelled like crayfish.

a “pretty

the while, Hogan just sat across, silently eating,

steak

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

said this, Hogan was passing a

without batting an eye, “You wouldn’t understand.”

left speechless, storm clouds

17-18

Chapter 31

be dragged Into their drama, I changed the subject, “Mrs. Hilary, the pan–seared cod here is quite good, you should try

this, Hilary looked down, saw the deboned cod pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera knows best, not like some

was like a roller