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

got

like a force of

her angry face clearly flickered with surprise, “Xaviera, you’re here

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Cacter 31

I was out

still dragged me into this.

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

the waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and whether deliberately

a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia

clashing with the plate with an

face changed colors. She was clenching the knife

Pretty awkward.

as a cucumber, served up a freshly cut steak and

epitome of considerate.

and grateful, “Hogan, I can manage it

glanced

like a startled

took me back to the

had a buffet

as now, but her attitude wasn’t much better towards me.

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

fingernails even smelled

a “pretty

the while, Hogan just sat across, silently

same scenario, but he was cutting steak for Cecilia

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

said this, Hogan was passing a

man replied without batting an eye,

left speechless, storm clouds gathering on

17-18

Chapter 31

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

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

a roller coaster