Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 9

“Hogan, talk about a coincidence.” Hilary stuttered while kicking off the conversation, “Xaviera’s back in Rivertown, and she’s got herself a boyfriend.”

Elders sure know how to hit the nail on the head.

But this topic didn’t tickle Hogan’s fancy. He just glanced indifferently at his watch and reminded her, “The auction’s about to start.”

“Shoot, almost forgot why we're here.” Hilary said enthusiastically, grabbing my hand, “Xaviera, let’s do lunch sometime soon, and bring your boyfriend along so | can give him the once-over.”

Just polite chit-chat. | didn’t take it to heart, just nodded along to play nice.

But Hilary

ry seemed to feel that wasn’t enough, shooting Hogan a look and saying, “Come on, say something, will you?”

Hogan let out a cold snort, “You two close or something?”

The temperature in the room dropped to freezing in an instant.

But Hogan was right, without him, Hilary and | were like two ships passing in the night.

| found my own way out, “Mrs. Hilary, Mr. Zade, I’ve got to run.”

It took me a moment to muster that line.

I'd paid my dues to the money god, now it was time to make my exit.

In the background, | could vaguely hear Hilary asking, “Why does Xaviera call you Mr. Zade?” There was a hint of probing in her tone.

| rubbed my throbbing temples and silently headed to the home appliances section.

It was half an hour later when | finally bought an air purifier. The vendor was decent enough to offer free delivery, which put me at ease as | headed downstairs.

When | passed the third—floor food court in the elevator, a lively crowd headed my way, led by none other than class rep Darren.

Dressed in a black collared jacket over a white tee, dark casual pants, and sporting silver—rimmed glasses, he looked every bit the family man.

Truth be told, he didn’t join a big company after college but stayed on campus to teach. If | was not mistaken, those tagging along were probably his students.

He had always been Mr. Popular.

| was debating whether to say hi when Darren spotted me.

He walked briskly towards the elevator, smiling, “Xaviera, what are the odds?”

11:37

His young companions followed suit, their curious eyes on me. One of them joked, “Professor. Yearwood, you're quite the charmer, aren’t you?”

“Cut it out.” he said with his usual humility, “She’s Xaviera, my former classmate. Technically, she’s your senior.” The youngsters straightened up and chorused, “Hello, Xaviera!” Their antics were amusing.

When we hit the ground floor, the bunch scattered like they'd planned it, not before asking me to look after their Professor Yearwood.

Darren had been drinking.

We headed to the parking lot together, and | called him a ride.

He asked when | wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t you joining?”

“Not on my way.” | said truthfully, not wanting to burden him, “I’ve called for a ride.”

Darren sighed, stepping out of the car but now holding a beige plaid business bag.

“Thanks for the website help last time,” he said earnestly, “Consider this a token of my gratitude.”

Whether by coincidence or not, the bag matched my laptop size perfectly. It was finely crafted, high-quality leather, obviously expensive.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

| declined, “This isn’t right, | hardly did anything.”

“Is it not to your liking?” Darren's tone was one of disappointed self—-reproach, “Seems I’m no good at picking gifts.”

“That's not what | meant.”

“Then take it,” he insisted unusually firmly, “I was presumptuous this time, can we not make a habit of it?”

After showing a face like he was ready to reflect on his actions, | knew | had to accept the kindness, so | nodded reluctantly. Only then did Darren seem reassured, getting back in the car but reminding me to message him once | got home.

Watching the car fade away. | turned towards the subway entrance, but after just a couple of steps, the crisp sound of a lighter caught my attention.

| glanced over, puzzled, and there was Hogan, not too far off.

His face flickered uncertainly through the wafting smoke.

| moved forward without a word, only to hear his chilling voice, “Is that the new design you've picked out?” 11:37

Hogan’s gaze rested on the business bag in my hand as he spoke.