Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 68

At the movie theater, Darren scratched his head awkwardly as he gazed at the love seats in front of us, muttering “Sorry. | had no idea.”

Our seats were smack in the middle, surrounded by couples on every side.

Putting on a cool front, | said, “The movie’s about to start, let’s just sit down.”

Darren plopped down on the edge of his seat, careful not to cross any lines, as if he was on thin

ice.

| couldn't help but notice and felt a pang in my chest, as if it were being filled with seawater. both bitter and salty. Truth be told, I’ve pulled this kind of “dumb stunt” myself before.

The difference was, Darren did it unknowingly, while I, years ago, did it on purpose.

| had deliberately chosen a horror movie and, at the scariest moment, threw myself into Hogan's arms. All | wanted was for that unflappable man to secretly develop a soft spot for me.

But even after the movie ended, Hogan didn’t make a move, remaining as aloof and noble as

ever.

Looking back, | felt that it was just a case of the wrong person at the wrong time.

Lost in thought, | felt a warmth on my fingertips and looked down to realize | had accidentally brushed against Darren’s hand while reaching for my drink.

He paused for a moment, his eyes flashing surprise.

| was about to explain when the buzzing of my phone in my bag interrupted me. Seizing the chance, | stepped out of the screening room.

However, seeing the caller ID, | zoned out again.

It was Hogan calling, probably another task for me.

Rubbing my temples, | answered with a polite, “Mr. Zade, what's up? Calling so late?” Not that it was really late; it was just nine o'clock.

His cough came through the receiver, followed by a scoff, “Ms. March, aren’t you the model worker who always catches the last train home? What's different today?”

| sighed, cutting to the chase, “What do you need, Mr. Zade?”

“Not so much a request as a favor, | need you to set up a plugin for me on WhatsApp.” So it was work talk.

| straightened up, asking, “What kind?”

“Something like a space for couples, where two can share photos and videos, that’s all His tone was calm, as if it was the most ordinary request.

But on my end, | suddenly found myself speechless.

Acouples’ space was one of the hundred coupley things | had once promised him.

Back then, | complained about some platform being too rigid and many features being behind a paywall, swearing I’d create a unique space just for us.

Now he wanted to use it for Cecilia. My emotions split in two.

For a moment, | didn’t know whether to praise Hogan for being such an attentive boyfriend or to outright call him a jerk.

After a moment's thought, | chalked it up to coincidence.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

The ever—busy Hogan, with a million things on his mind, how could he remember every little thing I’d ever mentioned? | heard myself asking. “What style do you want, Mr. Zade?”

Without missing a beat, Hogan said, “Dreamy, romantic.”

The same old lines he'd use with Cecilia.

Obviously tailor-made for her.

“Ms. March, aren’t you going to ask me what | need it for?”

4

I snorted, “Is there a need to ask? It's pretty obvious.”

Hogan replied with his usual indifference. “Ms. March, you are, as ever, sharp-witted.” “Flattery will get you nowhere.”

Task in hand, | was ready to hang up when | heard Hogan add, “By the way, keep this under wraps. We'll discuss the details directly.”

Huh, just as | thought. Not only was Hogan swiping my idea, but he was also planning a surprise for Cecilia.