Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 66

I made an excuse and ducked out of the backyard.

Meanwhile, in the spacious kitchen, Cecilia was in a tizzy, scrambling to get the ingredients ready.

When she saw me, it was like I was her knight in shining armor. “Xaviera, what am I gonna do? My cooking skills are so–so at best.”

took a look at the chaotic countertop, “so–so” was an understatement – it was a hot mess..

I tied on an apron and said, “Better let me handle it.”

I was no master chef, but whipping up a few of Hilary’s favorite home–cooked dishes was a piece of cake for me.

Plus, I’d spent a good two years cooking for Hogan – I knew exactly when the meal was done, and whether to hold back on the spring onions or skip the ginger. I had their preferences down

to a T.

In less than half an hour, I had five dishes and a soup ready to go. The carp soup was one of Hogan’s favorite stomach–friendly brews from the ingredients we had on hand, simmering

away.

Hilary’s stiff expression finally softened a bit as she looked at the spread on the table.

She didn’t even realize it was my handiwork.

For a moment, I didn’t know whether to feel relieved or sad.

was hospitalized with a heart attack, I was in charge of her

enthusiastically, passing

still on

too?” Cecilia’s eyes

devil, Hogan walked

us, he didn’t seem surprised; he must’ve caught wind of it beforehand.

a beaming smile, “Hogan, I cooked tonight, come and taste my culinary magic.”

the seat

his left, and Cecilia on his right, dishing up enthusiastically, she was the picture of

odd one

and son seemed to approve of Cecilia’s “culinary

ladled out a big bowl for Hogan. He took a sip

“What’s up, Hogan?”

coldly. “Hogan can’t

tone, the displeased look.

a picture of shock as

stand ginger. So I used to use lemon juice to get rid of the fishy smell when I made this dish, but not

tone, I said, “Sorry, Mrs. Hilary, I’m

me in disbelief, “Xaviera?”

someone who treated Hogan’s

drooped my eyelids,

I caught the

know, just tonight’s act wasn’t enough. At the right time, they still needed me, the faux ex, to throw things into sharp

was a deliberate move