Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 103

She felt that Cecilia did this on purpose. But was it really necessary? Hogan’s favoritism towards her was no secret, even going so far as to nearly drag Candy to court. That kind of special treatment was something us mere mortals could hardly dream of.

Now, what was bugging me was whether | should meet up with Darren or not.

“Go for it. Professor Yearwood would probably be over the moon.” Wallis said, eager for some drama, “Besides, Cecilia’s the one who set this whole thing up, so even if Hogan’s not thrilled, he can’t pin any blame on us.”

Wallis made a good point, but | didn’t want to drag Darren back into this mess. After much thought, | decided to go alone. The celebration was set for 7:30 pm. Before Cecilia left the office, she made a point to say goodbye to me.

| didn’t dare waste any time and followed her out soon after. But being a newbie on these streets, | wasn’t familiar with the area, and by the time | got to Aurora Eats, it was nearly dinner time.

| was about to ask a server for the private room location when | unexpectedly spotted Darren not too far off.

He was dressed in a light camel long cashmere coat, with a classic Burberry check scarf around his neck, and under the coat was a sharp, formal suit that was both casual and dignified.

He was patiently talking with a staff member. Then, as if sensing my gaze, he suddenly turned his head, saw me standing there, and strode over with long steps.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Xaviera,” Darren said with a slight smile, “I thought | was the one who was late.” | looked at him, baffled, and asked, “You were waiting for me?” “Yeah, didn’t we have plans with Ms. Irwin for dinner tonight?”

After some probing, | found out that Cecilia had not only invited me but had also personally called Darren. She reminded him not to be late.

What Cecilia didn’t know was that | had no intention of bringing Darren along. Talked about a mix-up.

“Xaviera,” Darren said, sensing my thoughts and speaking apologetically, “| made a mess with that lawyer thing, so please, give me a chance to make up for it.”

Everything sounded so much better when Darren said it. It was me who owed him a favor, not the other way around.

But looking at his earnest face, | just couldn't bring myself to ask him to leave, so | sighed and

said, “It’s not your fault. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me for being too hasty.”

Darren grinned and said nonchalantly. “Since we’re both at fault, why don’t we make amends together?”

| was about to reply when Cecilia's sweet voice rang out, “Xaviera, Professor Yearwood, what a coincidence.”

| looked in the direction of her voice and saw Cecilia, harmlessly clinging to Hogan’s arm, her face brimming with liveliness and innocence, perfectly acting out the surprise of an unexpected encounter.

It didn’t seem feigned at all.

Hogan, standing by her side with a subtle gleam in his deep pupils, clearly displayed an unmasked aversion.

Right, no matter how convincing Cecilia’s act was, in Hogan’s eyes, Xaviera was already marked as someone with selfish, scheming tendencies.

Just like in this so-called unexpected encounter, | came with my own agenda, carefully orchestrating this coincidence.

But, even if it was all scheming, so what? Achieving my goal was what mattered most, wasn’t it? So, | approached enthusiastically, acting as if nothing was amiss, and greeted them, “Mr. Zade, Director Irwin, it seems we really are fated to meet.”