Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 5

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Chapter 5

The financial crisis was barely averted, and the whole stubreathed a sigh of relief.

To show her importance, on Cecilia’s first day at work, Wallis threw her a welcparty.

They upgraded the team-building venue from a budget KTV to the swanky Fragrance Hotel

All eight of us from the company showed up, waiting for her.

Out of boredom, Wallis crammed a dessert into his mouth and said, “She’s the pampered little princess after all

even had to go change her outfit, tsk.”

“That's the cash cow right there,” | stated the obvious.

“It’s like she’s here to be worshiped, not to work.”

| had a nagging bad feeling.

Lost in thought, a commotion from the hall snappedback to reality. Following everyone's gaze, | saw Cecilia,

clad in a tender pink tulle dress, on Hogan's arm, looking every bit the princess, a real showstopper.

Wallis quipped, “The real cash cow has arrived.”

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| didn’t expect Hogan to come.

| always thought he wasn’t into social scenes.

During college, whenever there were events in the department, even if the heads of the school were involved,

Hogan would give them a wide berth.

He was aloof, even antisocial.

Back then, | was the one buttering up the school officials for him. Looking back, it was such a

waste of time.

| downed my glass in one go and made a beeline towards them.

“Sorry everyone, Hogan insisted on escortingto the welcparty.” Cecilia said with a bashful softness that

could disarm anyone.

| politely said, “Mr. Zade, having you here is an honor for us.”

After all, these days, anyone who stood next to Hogan was either rich or noble.

Hearing my words, Wallis chimed in, “Xaviera had wanted to invite you, Mr. Zade, but was worried you'd be too

busy. What a coincidence.”

Wallis, the queen of white lies, spits them out so easily.

| nervously twitched my mouth into a smile, only to meet Hogan's probing gaze.

That madeeven more nervous.

11-37

Chapter 5

Thinking on my feet. | gave the host a meaningful look.

The welcparty was officially kicking off.

Wallis had a knack for breaking the ice, and in just a few words, he had everyone in the right

mood.

He suggested we play Pictionary, a staple at every company event.

Last year, with seven people, excluding Wallis who played referee, we'd split into three teams. Now with two

more, we added another team.

Sure enough, Cecilia roped Hogan into the game.

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The girl was eager to jump in, you could see it written all over her face.

We drew lots for teams.

Unexpectedly, Hogan and | ended up on the steam.

Cecilia, standing next to me, also noticed and her face showed clear disappointment.

| discreetly swapped our slips of paper while no one was looking.

Surprised, Cecilia glanced atand her lips curled into a happy smile. “Xaviera, you're the best.”

Just being polite, | silently said to myself.

It was our duty as the service provider to ensure the client had a good time.

The gwent on till late into the night.

Seeing everyone getting tipsy, | called the waiter to bring sstrong tea, handing them out one by one.

When | got to Hogan, | stood a meter away, quietly watching Cecilia tenderly wipe the sweat from his brow.

The man was half-closed eyes, leaning back on the sofa, his shirt buttons undone to reveal a delicate collarbone,

his noble profile bathed in the shifting light and shadow, tinged with weariness.

He seemed drunk.

Not wanting to disturb. | turned to leave but then heard his husky murmur, “Xaviera.”

| froze in place, my feet heavy as lead, unable to move. Then | heard Hogan say, “Babe, please don’t

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Echoes of Unrequited Love

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