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 in charge

a try,” Cecilia said enthusiastically, passing Hilary the

Hogan’s still on his way.”

Cecilia’s eyes

the devil, Hogan

the three of us, he didn’t seem surprised; he must’ve caught wind of it

over with a beaming smile, “Hogan, I cooked tonight, come

the seat of honor.

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

was the odd one

the mother and son seemed to approve of Cecilia’s

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

“What’s up, Hogan?”

saying coldly. “Hogan can’t stand ginger. Don’t you

tone, the

was dumbfounded, her face a picture of

to use lemon juice to get rid of the

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

at me in disbelief,

mind, I was probably someone who treated Hogan’s preferences

eyelids, feigning innocence.

my eye, I caught the hint of a

the right time, they still needed me, the faux ex,

ginger was a deliberate move on