Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 76

Just as I expected, I didn’t sweat it.

I mean, Cecilia’d just got that golden touch, didn’t she?

But what I didn’t see coming was this, walking into the office on Monday, the first thing I spot is Cecilia, decked out in her fancy–schmancy coat, chit–chatting away with Zora.

She was flaunting that thing like it was her latest trophy, all smiles, going. “After the discount, it still cost me a whopping more than one grand. I just couldn’t bring myself to buy it, but Hogan thought it looked fab on me and just went ahead and paid for it without so much as a by your leave. No chance for returns now!”

Zora’s all googly–eyed, “Oh my gosh, where do you even find a Mr. Zade who’s both hot and loaded like that? Come on, God, give us a break!”

I couldn’t help but give Cecilia a second glance.

I mean, no offense, but I was not exactly on board with Hogan’s taste.

Cecilia was petite and cute, right? Sweet and sugary or y2k style would suit her best. But wrapped up in that coat, coupled with her pity–me face, she looked kinda out of place.

But hey, who am I to argue when Hogan’s rolling in dough?

“Look who’s here. Xaviera,” Cecilia chirped when she saw me, all bubbly, saying. “I meant to call you last night to apologize, but it was late and I didn’t want to disturb your beauty sleep.”

was clueless, “Apologize for what?”

twirled the belt of her coat, all sheepish, “About the whole coat

sorry, but look at her, strutting into the office

smile, “You’re thinking too much, Director Irwin. There’s plenty more where that came from in the stores. Just pick

for

nowhere, Wallis popped up, gave Cecilia the once–over, and went, “when did you switch up

respond, but then Wallis dropped another one, “You know, the sweet look suits you better.

froze right on her

at Wallis and quipped, “A cashmere coat worth over one grand just turned into street market goods in

Chapter 76

“Don’t forget, I used

that. Wallis‘ wardrobe might not be fresh off the runway, but any random piece could buy Cecilia seven or eight

Hogan didn’t

feel so

in the afternoon, I got

happened to be near your office.

nice and

tell there was more to it than