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, made me feel 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 some trouble, 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 bringing me along, 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?”

12:18

Cacter 31

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

But Hogan still dragged me into 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 epitome of 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 took me back to the first time | 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 had me fetching 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, same scenario, 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. 17-18

Not wanting to be dragged Into their drama, | 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 some young 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, come over 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 usCòntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

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.

I 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 using me as a pawn.

And Cecilia, at least she had Hogan looking out for her, right? Speaking of Hogan, it just made me feel worse.

Clearly, | was his shield for the evening.

Mother and son, quite the tacit understanding.

But why did he think he could do that?

Did he think | was a pushover?