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, the third wheel?

enough, I got my answer.

in like a force of nature.

she saw me, her angry face clearly flickered with surprise, “Xaviera, you’re

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I was out of place here.

dragged me

steak. “Mr. Zade and Ms.

the waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and

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

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

clenching the knife and fork so tightly her fingertips

Pretty awkward.

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

epitome of considerate.

long lashes, looking surprised and grateful, “Hogan, I

she glanced cautiously

like a startled little bunny.

me back to the first time

had a buffet

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

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

smelled like

for a “pretty clever” from her.

the while, Hogan just sat across, silently eating,

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

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

was passing

an eye,

speechless, storm clouds gathering on her

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Chapter 31

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

and smiled, “Xaviera knows best,

a