Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 67

Sure, throwing in a bit extra was no biggie.

The moment the words left my mouth, a notification for a bank transfer popped up on my phone.

Hogan had sent another 2 grand my way.

“Mr. Zade, you are too kind. If you need anything in the future.”

“Ms. March, you could try dipping your toes into the showbiz.” Hogan cut me off, “Playing the contrast card, you nail it every time.

My voice got stuck in my throat.

I pride myself on my acting chops, but how did Hogan catch on?

“Ms. March, you intentionally slipped in ginger slices, so why didn’t you switch to a willow blade when slicing the carp?”

The willow blade was my go–to technique for slicing fish.

But I hadn’t realized Hogan would remember that.

The next day at work, Cecilia brought me breakfast on purpose and gushed, “Xaviera, you really know how to handle things. Mrs. Hilary invited me to go to a floral salon tonight, I’m so thrilled.” Predictable.

I figured Hogan forking over 2 grand so easily had to be connected to this too.

reminded her, “Mrs. Hilary’s favorite is the Damascus rose.”

gratefully said, “Then I’ll go

page, past and present beaus

admitting, “Maybe I’m just small–minded, but if it were me, I wouldn’t be so generous.”

my eyes at her, “Who said, ‘A good name is better than a good face, but cold

and said, “Xaviera, stop working your butt off, go on a date or something, even a pity date

being

wasn’t long before I

From Darren.

Chapter 67

tonight? There’s this cool new mystery flick at the cinema. Wanna

really into it, but thinking of Wallis’s self–pitying look, I changed my mind.

Wallis to think I was chucking my self–respect just

Darren.

immediately sent a voice message, (Eight tonight, I’ll pick

bright and cheery, a stark contrast to the bleak winter scene

looked calmly at the nearly bare Branches outside the window

to clock out, Wallis dragged me toward the elevator, insisting on grabbing a drink with me,

“Who

nodded, clearly feeling her sigh of relief, “Good on you, Xaviera. And hey, don’t forget

had barely dropped when a gasp

her mouth, awkwardly