Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 129

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Thinking about this, | immediately got fired up and said with a smile, “I’m all rested up. Let's hit the road.”

An hour later, the four of us regrouped at the viewing deck in the sea of clouds area.

Surrounded by the poetic and picturesque sea of clouds, it felt like stepping into a fairyland, and for a moment, the weight on my heart seemed to lift.

“Ms. March, would you mind snapping a pic of me and Mr. Zade together?” As | took Shirley's smartphone, | was only too happy to oblige. “Of course.”

When opportunity knocked, who was | to turn it away? No sooner had | spoken than Shirley eagerly linked arms with Hogan, cozying up like they'd known each other for ages.

The man in the frame, though unresponsive, didn’t push her away either. Suddenly, | felt a bit dazed. For some reason, a flash of discomfort zipped through my chest.

It hit me that Hogan and | had never taken such an intimate photo together. Every time | suggested taking a snapshot for keepsakes, Hogan would tell me that precious memories didn’t need photos to endure.

Looking back now, it was probably just his way of sugarcoating his indifference. “Ms. March, is this okay?” Shirley’s question snapped me back to reality.

“Move in a bit closer.” | steadied myself and decided to fan the flames for Shirley, “President Stapleton, scooch over to the left a bit.”

Hogan stood to Shirley's left. In reality, they were already way closer than mere acquaintances. but Shirley was so star—struck by Hogan that upon hearing my suggestion, she practically glued herself to him, eager and proactive.

“Like this. Ms. March?”

Knowing Shirley and her ties with Cecilia, she had to know Hogan was Cecilia’s boyfriend. But that fine moral line seemed to crumble in the presence of a catch like Hogan.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Perfect.” | humbly said, “One, two, three.” The moment my camera clicked, Hogan couldn’t wait to put some distance between him and Shirley, his expression a bit stiff. Pretending not to notice, | handed the phone back to Shirley and said politely. “Please have a look, President Stapleton.”

Shirley happily took the phone, glanced at it, and then showed it to Hogan. “Mr. Zade, you know, we actually look quite good together.”

Hogan kept a straight face and said, “President Stapleton sure knows how to joke.”

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Shirley, not expecting her enthusiasm to hit a brick wall, suddenly seemed a bit embarrassed. Her little crush on Hogan was plain as day to anyone with eyes.

It was just that she overestimated her charm and underestimated Cecilia’s place in Hogan’s heart

With the guest list in mind, | quickly smoothed things over. “President Stapleton is so attractive, and Mr. Zade is graceful and handsome. When | saw you two together just now, only one phrase came to mind.”

Curiosity piqued. Shirley bit. “What phrase?” “Amatch made in heaven.”

After hearing this, Shirley shyly glanced at Hogan and said, “I never knew Ms. March had such a sense of humor. Looks like we'll have to make a toast at lunch.

| was more than willing, “I’m at President Stapleton’s disposal.”

I'd played the compliment card. Watching Shirley beam and walk ahead, | let out a small sigh of rellet, but lifting my eyes, | met Hogan’s piercing gaze.

| quiltily avoided his stare, only to see him stride over and whisper. “Not bad. Xaviera, getting bold. Using me to score points now?”