Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 127

I was suddenly at a loss for words. My gut was screaming that this President Stapleton was no ordinary Joe.

Sure enough, the very next second, I heard Shirley say, “I bet it’s Ms. March’s first time here at Pinecrest Hollow. Since we’re so fated, let me show you around and soak in the beauty of this place, shall we?”

On the surface, her words seemed super friendly, but thinking about Shirley’s relationship with Cecilia, I tactfully responded, “I really appreciate your offer, President Stapleton, but I was just planning on wandering around a bit, so no need to,”

“President Stapleton is being so hospitable.” A chilly voice cut me off, “Ms. March, it’s not good to decline.

That was Hogan speaking. With a casual tone, he just went ahead and made the decision for

1. me.

As sharp as he was, could he not see Shirley’s animosity towards me? I felt a bit miffed and when I looked up at Hogan, he seemed totally unfazed, not a hint of any other emotion, pretty innocent–looking.

I said calmly, “Well, then, I guess I should just roll

of Lucky Star after all. Rubbing

big in

of us set out for our hike, with Hogan and Shirley leading the pack, and Zachary and I tagging along behind. All the way up, Shirley was chatting up a storm with Hogan, occasionally

didn’t talk much but didn’t show a

suddenly felt a twinge of sympathy for Cecilia. If Cecilia was a delicate little white kitten, then Shirley was a seductive little vixen, and with those long legs.

any intel on FreeMan today. Thinking it over, I couldn’t just waste my time playing third wheel, so when we reached the first viewing deck, I took the hint and said, “Mr.

ever since that incident. I haven’t been the same. Climbing mountains and such really took it out

is famous. But no worries, the porters here

10:50 7

Chapter 127