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 meals, every single day

Cecilia said enthusiastically, passing Hilary the utensils, “see if it’s to your liking.”

Hogan’s still on his way.”

too?” Cecilia’s eyes were brimming with

devil, Hogan walked

he didn’t seem surprised; he

smile, “Hogan, I cooked tonight,

the seat of

Hilary, the elder, on his left, and Cecilia on his right, dishing

odd

to approve of Cecilia’s “culinary

was served. Cecilia ladled out a big bowl for Hogan. He took a sip and couldn’t help

“What’s up, Hogan?”

noticed the commotion and glanced at the carp soup, saying coldly. “Hogan can’t stand ginger. Don’t

tone, the

her face a picture of shock as

juice to get rid of the fishy smell when I made

an apologetic tone, I said, “Sorry, Mrs. Hilary, I’m the

at me in

her mind, I was probably someone

drooped my eyelids, feigning innocence.

my eye, I caught the hint of a smirk

just tonight’s act wasn’t enough. At the right time, they still needed me, the

was a deliberate move