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.

she was hospitalized with a heart attack, I was in charge of her meals, every single

a try,” Cecilia said enthusiastically, passing Hilary the utensils, “see if

Hogan’s still

back too?” Cecilia’s eyes were brimming with

devil, Hogan walked in.

he didn’t seem surprised; he must’ve caught wind

“Hogan, I cooked tonight, come and taste

took the seat of honor.

and Cecilia on his right, dishing up enthusiastically, she was the picture of a considerate young

odd one out.

to approve of Cecilia’s

was served. Cecilia ladled out a big bowl for Hogan. He took

“What’s up, Hogan?”

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

accusatory tone, the displeased look.

face a picture of shock as she looked

stand ginger. So I used to use lemon juice to get rid of the fishy smell

I said, “Sorry, Mrs. Hilary, I’m

me in disbelief, “Xaviera?”

I was probably someone who treated Hogan’s preferences as

eyelids, feigning innocence.

the corner of my eye, I caught the hint of a

time, they still needed me, the faux ex, to throw

ginger was a deliberate move on my