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.

charge of her meals, every single day for over a month.

passing

Hogan’s still on his

too?” Cecilia’s eyes were brimming

devil, Hogan walked

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

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

the seat of

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

was the odd one

and son seemed to approve of Cecilia’s “culinary skills,”

served. Cecilia ladled out a big bowl for Hogan.

“What’s up, Hogan?”

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

the displeased look.

dumbfounded, her face a picture of shock as she looked at me.

knew Hogan couldn’t stand ginger. So I used to use lemon juice to get rid

I said, “Sorry, Mrs. Hilary, I’m the one who added

me in disbelief,

probably someone who treated Hogan’s preferences

eyelids,

caught the hint of

the right time, they still needed me, the faux ex, to throw things into

was a deliberate move on