Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 34

Thinking about the hard-earned five hundred thousand that finally hit our account, both of us fell into silence.

Wallis figured we had to start with Cecilia.

“Even King couldn’t dodge the pillow talk, right?” she exemplified. “One word from Cecilia is worth a thousand from us.” Hearing that, | looked down, feeling kinda crappy inside.

This mess happened right under my nose; no one’s better suited to make this call than me.

Thinking about the project's future, | dialed Cecilia’s number.

But no answer.

Wallis looked puzzled. “Probably didn’t see it. We'll try again later.*

Spot on she was.

Come evening, Cecilia finally rang back. “Sorry, Xaviera. | was up the mountain with Hogan and left my phone at the hotel. What's up?”

Turns out, while we were anxious as hell, those two were leisurely enjoying the snow.

| steadied myself and said, “Director Irwin, Candy and | have deeply reflected on yesterday’s incident. Could you forgive us this time?”

“Really?” Cecilia’s voice floated back, airy. “But from what | see on Facebook, Candy seems to be having a blast.”

Candy hadn’t shown up for work today either. What she was up to, | hadn’t paid much mind.

| sincerely said, “I'll have her personally apologize to you, Director Irwin. And with Mr. Zade, I’d appreciate your help.” Mentioning Hogan got a swift response from Cecilia. “Xaviera, it's tough for me, you know. Hogan’s really ticked off this time.” “Sorry.”

| hung up, feeling utterly deflated, a bitterness in my chest.

Moments later, my phone rang again. | checked nervously, only to find it was my aunt calling.

| took the phone and stepped into the hallway.

“What's up, Auntie?”

“Nothing bad, Xaviera. Just some good news,” her worn voice tinged with joy. “Your uncle managed to find a security job in Rivertown through a connection. Rakes in over four hundred a month. If things go well, I’m bringing your cousin over next year. Then the family can all be

12:19

together.”

My fingertips dug into my palm as a sour sting hit my nose.

“Xaviera? You don’t agree?”

“| do,” | said with a smile. “Things are bound to get better.”

After hanging up, | briskly entered Wallis‘ office and asked, “Where's that bottle of red we prepped this morning?” “Why are your eyes red?” Wallis looked at me, concern etched on her face. “Xaviera?”

| shot her a glance and calmly said, “Hilary’s probably not sleeping well these days. I'll go check on her.”

Hilary loved wines.

| figured, since the Cecilia route was a no-go, | had to carve out a new path.

An hour later, with the priceless red wine in hand, | showed up at Mountain Villa’s gate.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Behind the understatedly luxurious iron gate stood a four-story villa, nestled among mountains and water, reminding me of the retreat an ancient poet bought when he was forty—elegant, understated, and unassuming.

No need to guess, the decor had to be Hogan’s handiwork.

Hilary greeted me with a smile. “Xaviera, come in, have a seat.”

At the ground floor’s round table, | lifted the glass in my hand and downed the contents.

Hilary stopped me. “Xaviera, don’t rush your drink; you'll get drunk.”

| kept silent, pouring myself another glass, and smiled. “To drink with you is a pleasure. I'll finish this one; you take your time.”

Hilary finally sensed something was off and asked, “Something happen?”

| shook my head and stayed quiet. “Something did happen, right?” Hilary pressed, her tone certain, setting her glass aside. “Come on, tell me.” | felt the timing was right and came clean. “We messed up and upset Mr. Zade.”

After hearing me out, Hilary exhaled In relief. “I thought it was something serious. Him, he’s a workaholic, doesn’t know how to cut others some slack. Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

Workaholic.

| couldn't help a bitter smile at Hilary’s description.

Her workaholic son was always finding time, despite being swamped, to look after his Cecilia. 12-19

But with Hilary’s promise, | figured Hogan wouldn't be so cutthroat anymore. With that thought, | lifted my glass again. “Mrs. Hilary, thanks. I'll just-” Before | could finish, the sound of a sliding door interrupted.

Hilary and | both turned to see Hogan standing at the entrance.

Our eyes met, and I could see displeasure in his.

| looked away guiltily, feeling the awkwardness of being caught red-handed.

| had a bad feeling about this.