Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 104

| 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. | was just about to chime in when | 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.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

All | could do was keep up the act with Cecilia, “I see, then it’s really not cool for us two outsiders to intrude at this time. Professor Yearwood, let’s meet up separately.”

That response should be fine; just depended on how Cecilia would play it.

“Don't be like that, Xaviera. Hogan was just teasing.” Cecilia suddenly grabbed my hand, giving it a shake, her pleading eyes on Hogan, “Hogan, say something, will ya?”

His indifferent gaze swept over me briefly, and Hogan softened a bit, resignedly saying, “You call the shots tonight.”

His voice wasn’t exactly warm, but he clearly gave Cecilia face. | thought, any normal guy wouldn't bring an ex to him and his new girlfriend’s party.

But Hogan, he actually agreed. | thought someone as principled as him would’ve said no on the spot. Reality, however, kept blowing my mind over and over.

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

Even the air smelled sweet like hot cocoa. Clearly, a lot of thought had gone into the setup. So much so, that even the cream cake on the table had miniatures of Hogan and Cecilia as a 13.32

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

And there was Cecilia, the star of the story, just as stunned, her hands over her mouth. After marveling, she looked at Hogan and said, “Did you do all this for me, Hogan?”

Hogan paused, and then gave a soft acknowledgment.

Tears started to well up in the girl’s eyes, her voice choked with emotion, “Hogan, you're too good to me.” The emotional look in her eyes, her choked voice, and the suggestive backdrop instantly set an intimate mood between them.

| stood quietly in the corner, watching his usually stiff back, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. What could | say? At a time like this, Darren and | really did seem third wheels.

| was starting to admire Hogan. After all, he looked at me with the same deep affection just last night. When it came to playing the field, | was no match for him.

Just when | thought they’d lock in a passionate kiss, Hogan stepped back and reminded Cecilia, “Let's blow out the candles first.” Disappointment flickered in the girl’s eyes, probably thinking Hogan was a mood-killer, but she bounced back quickly.

“Is it greedy to make two wishes, Hogan?” Cecilia asked innocently, facing the glowing candles.