Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 104

I was using a self–deprecating tone, sort of trying to cut the awkward air at the time. But Hogan kept his poker face on, making it crystal clear he wasn’t in the mood to deal with us.

Cecilia stepped up to smooth things over, “Talk about a coincidence; did Xaviera and Professor Yearwood reserve a private room? If you don’t mind, we could share a table.”

This was the scene we’d agreed on earlier. I was just about to chime in when I heard Hogan say, “On such a significant night, are you sure you want a couple of outsiders crashing our party?”

His voice was even, but he deliberately put some sting into the word “outsiders“. He wasn’t wrong, even though we once had a closeness that “outsiders” never had.

Cecilia didn’t seem fazed, her dimples showing, “How can Xaviera and Professor Yearwood be outsiders? Besides, the more the merrier.”

Her voice was sweet, ending on a playful, soft note, her girlish charm making her hard to refuse. Darren, the guy left in the dark, sensed something was up and curiously asked, “What’s so special about today?”

Cecilia’s eyes, bright as a doe’s, brimmed with joy, “Not to hide it from Professor Yearwood, today marks the hundredth day of my relationship with Hogan.”

Darren’s first look was at me. There was a flicker of pity in his eyes. He held his tongue.

really not cool for us two outsiders to intrude at this time. Professor Yearwood,

response should be fine; just depended on how Cecilia would

like that, Xaviera. Hogan was just teasing.” Cecilia suddenly grabbed my hand, giving it a shake,

me briefly, and Hogan softened

wasn’t exactly warm, but he clearly gave Cecilia face. I thought, any normal guy wouldn’t bring an ex to him and his new

as him would’ve said

the private room, pink and white balloons filled every corner, and beneath bouquets of roses tied into hearts, it read “Happy One–Hundred–Day“.

smelled sweet like hot cocoa. Clearly, a lot of thought had gone into the setup.

even the cream cake on the table had miniatures of Hogan and

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Chapter 104

It was a far cry from the Hogan who never remembered any anniversaries.

over her mouth. After marveling, she looked at Hogan and said, “Did you do all this

then gave a