Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 72

Cecilia was over the moon after hearing my explanation and immediately rang up Hogan. Through the glass door, the cheerful ups and downs of the girl’s sweet and glutinous voice spilled out non–stop.

It was a stark contrast to her earlier stance, where she was giving me the stink eye from outside the pantry.

For some reason, I felt like I’d dodged a bullet.

Thank goodness it didn’t turn into a complete circus.

That would’ve just slowed down my money–making.

Speaking of which, after I sent the lovey–dovey pic to Hogan, he promptly wired me another 2 grand.

Listening to the howling north wind outside the window, I called up my uncle.

“I got paid today, uncle. Swing by my place tomorrow, I wanna pick up a couple of new outfits for auntie.”

He was a real softie when it came to my aunt Grace, and he was always game for spoiling her with new clothes.

We agreed to meet up at the mall.

But wouldn’t you know it, Hilary called shortly after.

out of skincare products at home, are you free tomorrow? Join

straight up, “Sorry, Mrs. Hilary, I’ve already got

sigh, “Ah well, some other time then,” and hung up

her off on purpose and got

day, I might’ve sweet–talked her a bit, but now, it just doesn’t

showed up at the mall as planned and browsed through the men’s and kids‘ sections.

men’s down jacket and paid for

around, there were Sibyl and Cecilia

a good memory, greeted me with a smile, and Cecilia came over all nosy, “Xaviera, picking

just smiled and didn’t answer, ready to bounce, but then Sibyl

have

09:54

Chapter 72

kids at home?”

Sibyl, her eyes were shining bright

for a relative’s

doled out a compliment. “Ms. March, you’re not just a looker but have a heart of gold

of it, remembering the time I’d set with my uncle,

caught a bit of Sibyl and Cecilia’s convo.

lovely, and Hogan’s such a catch. The baby you

“Mom, don’t count your chickens before