Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 39

When she heard my response, Cecilia’s expression clearly froze for a sec.

She couldn’t squeeze out a word for the longest time.

Then Hogan couldn’t stand it anymore, gave me a quick look and said to her, “Just be yourself. no need to copy anyone.”

When Hogan said “anyone,” his piercing gaze landed right on my face.

Talk about beating around the bush.

Cecilia looked at him, all surprised and fluttery eyelashes.

Guess she was touched.

I didn’t want to waste my time watching this soap opera unfold, so I said “Excuse me,” turned on my heel and left.

Turned out I actually found that dry cleaner Cecilia mentioned.

At three in the afternoon, the owner of the dry cleaners gave me a ring, saying my suit was ready.

I thought about it for a moment and dialed Darren’s number.

Soon after, the call connected, and I heard Darren ask in a hushed voice. “Xaviera, what’s up?”

pretty worried.

the timing of my call might not have been great. I said, with a hint of apology. “You free tonight?

“How about after

“Works for me.”

was,

been two years, but being back in this place, filled with memories of Hogan

academic building. Darren approached me in a light

suit, asking. “Didn’t

his eyes at me. “Got your head stuck in coding? It’s off–duty hours

so I offered, “Well, Darren,

contentedly. “Wouldn’t say no

would’ve thought, Darren took me to the student cafeteria to the

12:20:

“Ketchup spaghetti?”

was a bit

food during my college

also got me an

to save me some

really, just been craving this spaghetti for a while.”

I didn’t say anything, he reminded me, “Finish your spaghetti, and

with the discipline book, dubbed ‘Nanny

used

gently with his finger, “Xaviera,