Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 31

| thought | heard it wrong.

But seeing Cecilia hemming and hawing, | knew Hogan's Invite was legit.

Or was it just lip service?

| didn’t want to be a pain in the neck, so | politely declined, “Thanks for the kind offer, Mr. Zade, but I've got

work to tackle. I'll treat you next time.”

Hogan wouldn't take no for an answer, “You've got to eat no matter how busy, right?”

His voice oddly pitched a notch higher, madefeel like | was too dumb to appreciate his goodwill.

Cecilia stood there with her head hanging low, murmuring, “Hogan, maybe Xaviera really has

her reasons.”

Look at that, his baby girl had an opinion.

| stood there, waiting to see how Hogan would handle the situation.

After a moment, he said with strained patience, “Cecilia’s been at your company for over al month now, Ms.

March. She must have caused you strouble, so | ought to give a proper

thanks.”

| immediately read between the lines of Hogan's implication.

Turns out, he was settling a debt for Cecilia.

Cecilia caught on, too, her pale face finally breaking into a small smile, “Hogan Is so thoughtful, Xaviera, maybe

you shouldn't refuse?”

Full of sincerity.

| felt a bit miffed inside, but face-saving is still a thing.

So, | ended up hitting the restaurant with Hogan and Cecilia.

The place had class, and there was even someone tickling the Ivories in the corner. The plano music helped ease

the blockage in my heart a bit.

But one thing | couldn't figure out: in such a romantic restaurant, wouldn't it be better for Hogan to enjoy a cozy

world for two with Cecilia?

Why insist on bringingalong, the third wheel?

Soon enough, | got my answer.

Hilary stormed in like a force of nature.

When she saw me, her angry face clearly flickered with surprise, “Xaviera, you're here too?”

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Yea, even Hilary knew | was out of place here.

But Hogan still draggedinto this.

| casually chewed on my steak. “Mr. Zade and Ms. Irwin are treating, | couldn't resist.”

Hillary cooled down, asked the waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and whether deliberately or not. sat opposite

Cecilia.

“Nowadays, girls,” she started with a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia casually. “are something else.”

With a “zing”. Cecilia’s hand slipped off the fork, clashing with the plate with an untimely screeching sound.

Cecilia's face changed colors. She was clenching the knife and fork so tightly her fingertips went white.

Pretty awkward.

Hogan, cool as a cucumber, served up a freshly cut steak and naturally swapped it with the one in front of

Cecilia.

The epitof considerate.

Cecilia lifted her long lashes, looking surprised and grateful, “Hogan, | can manage it myself.”

After that, she glanced cautiously at Hilary.

Just like a startled little bunny.

It tookback to the first t| met Hilary.

We had a buffet together.

Back then, she wasn’t as bossy as now, but her attitude wasn’t much better towards me.

Throughout the meal, she hadfetching this and that. It was the crayfish season, and just because she

mentioned she liked them, | ended up peeling crayfish all evening.

My fingernails even smelled like crayfish.

All that for a “pretty clever” from her.

And all the while, Hogan just sat across, silently eating, not saying a word.

Now, sscenario, but he was cutting steak for Cecilia right in front of Hilary.

“Hogan, aren’t you babying her a bit too much?” Hilary couldn't stand it. “She’s got hands, doesn’t she? Does

she need you to cut and feed her?”

Right when she said this, Hogan was passing a napkin to Cecilia.

The man replied without batting an eye, “You wouldn't understand.”

Hilary was left speechless, storm clouds gathering on her face.

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Chapter 31

Not wanting to be dragged Into their , | changed the subject, “Mrs. Hilary, the pan-seared cod here is quite

good, you should try it.”

ring this, Hilary looked down, saw the deboned cod pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera knows best, not like syoung

ladies, with no tact at all.”

The meal was like a roller coaster ride.

After dinner, the four of us stood at the neon-lit intersection. Hilary grabbed my hand, “Xaviera, cover this

weekend, Hogan just fixed up the yard with a lawn, and there's a big patch of bougainvillea in the back, you'll

love it.”

My heart skipped a beat, and | glanced at Hogan involuntarily.

His expression was unchanged, calm, and unreadable.

Right, as if someone like Hogan would remember my preferences.

It must be a coincidence.

After we sent Hilary off, it was just the awkward three of us

left.

| fiddled with my phone. “Mr. Zade, my ride is almost here, I'll head out first,”

Hogan gave a brief nod, not an extra word.

| crossed the street.

In the distance, | could hear Cecilia's voice tinged with self-reproach. “Sorry, Hogan, it’s my fault, | couldn't win

your mom's favor.”

| took a deep breath, forcing a smile.

As if Hilary really approved of me.

She was just usingas a pawn.

And Cecilia, at least she had Hogan looking out for her, right?

Speaking of Hogan, it just madefeel worse.

Clearly, | was his shield for the evening.

Mother and son, quite the tacit understanding.

Chapter 32

But why did he think he could do that?

Did he think | was a pushover?