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?

bringing me along, the third wheel?

I got my answer.

in like a force of

face clearly flickered

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Cacter 31

was out of

Hogan still dragged me

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

asked the waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and whether deliberately or not. sat opposite Cecilia.

she started with a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia

off the fork, clashing with

the knife and fork so tightly

Pretty awkward.

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

epitome of considerate.

lashes, looking surprised and grateful, “Hogan, I can manage it myself.”

that, she glanced cautiously at

startled little bunny.

to the first time I

a buffet together.

bossy as now, but her

and that. It was the crayfish season, and just because she mentioned she liked them, I ended up

fingernails even smelled like crayfish.

a “pretty clever” from her.

sat across, silently eating, not

but he was cutting steak for Cecilia right in front of

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

Hogan was passing a

replied without batting an eye, “You

was left speechless, storm clouds gathering on her

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Chapter 31

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

“Xaviera knows best, not like some young ladies, with no

a roller