Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 51

When | opened my eyes, | was already in Hogan’s arms, carried sideways.

Our eyes met, and his voice trembled, “Don’t be scared, the paramedics will be here any second.” The exhaustion was evident in his eyes, and his brows were furrowed together in a rare display of panic.

Was this just my imagination?

| steadied myself, closed my eyes and then reopened them, pushed against his tense arms, and said in a deep voice, “I’m okay, put me down first.”

Hogan didn’t budge, and he looked up at Zachary who was rushing over, “Where are the paramedics?” His tone was questioning, and the tremor in his voice was unmistakable.

We were so close, | could see the veins on his forehead throbbing.

He was clearly out of sorts.

“They're on their way, almost here.” Zachary sald, looking clueless. He turned to me, trying to reassure, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Zade. The medical station is close by, you'll be fine.”

| corrected him, “You got the wrong person.”

As soon as | said that, | saw Cecilia coming from behind Zachary.

Panting, she ran up and stared at Hogan, “Hogan, why are you holding Xaviera like that?”

There was a mix of grievance and probing in her volce.

Pressed by Cecilia’s question, Hogan seemed to realize something was off and said with furrowed brows, “She’s Injured.” His tone was icy.

Cecilia paused, lowering her voice, “I didn’t mean it like that. | meant that you shouldn’t pick someone up right away after they've fallen.”

Hogan was clearly taken aback for a moment, and glanced at Zachary, “What, are the paramedics turtles or something?” Zachary was a bit flustered, his eyes betraying a feeling of being wrongfully accused.

| took a deep breath and said, “Mr. Zade, Director Irwin is right, you should put me down first.”

The last thing | needed was for him to accidentally cause a bone dislocation or something.

“Don’t move,” Hogan instructed, “get in the car first.”

He insisted on carrying me into the ambulance at the tourist site.

Cecilia followed closely. “The bike ride is still going on. It’s not right for you to just leave, Hogan. I'll follow and take care of Xaviera.”

She had a point, it was not cool for the boss to ditch during a team-building event.

Then Wallis caught up with us, and | gave her a look, “It’s fine as long as President Lott’s here. No need to trouble you guys, Mr. Zade and Director Irwin.”

Hogan frowned, glanced at Cecilia, and silently got out of the ambulance.

Inside the medical station, the doctor checked me over, and accidentally touched my wristband. his eyes flickering with an indistinct meaning.

*Sprained left wrist, nothing serious,” he said while writing the medical report, “but the patient is too thin.” I'm five foot six and weigh less than 100 pounds. Wallis shot me a look, “Did you hear that? Eat on time and cut back on overtime.”

The doctor gave me a sympathetic glance and added, “Health issues aren’t always about diet; they could be due to too much stress. Mental health needs attention too.”

Before the doctor could finish, the door burst open, and Hogan and Cecilia appeared at the doorway. Hogan’s gaze at me was full of meaning.

| felt a tightness in my chest and instinctively curled my hand, unfortunately pulling on the tendon..

It hurt a bit.

“Is it serious?” he asked the doctor nervously.

“Asprain. Cold compress and rest, no strenuous exercise,” the doctor advised.

“Cecilia suddenly interjected. “After all, it's an injury. Does she need to be hospitalized overnight?” Her tone was caring, and it was hard to fault her.

The doctor pondered for a moment and said, “It’s best to observe overnight.”

At that, Cecilia clearly breathed a sigh of relief.

That was when | guessed her intentions and graciously said, “Mr. Zade, I’m sorry | won't be able to join the party tonight. | hope everyone has fun.”

Hogan nodded slightly, his voice subdued, “Rest well.” After they left, Wallis took a frustrated sip of water, “Cecilia’s obviously guarding against you.” I shrugged, “Now it’s nice and quiet.”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Wallis paused, then said, “Back when you fell down the slope, Hogan heard my cry for help and panicked. He got off the tandem bike, leaving Cecilia hanging.”

| closed my eyes and whispered. “Yeah, after all, Rainbow Capital is responsible for this team-building event. If something serious happened, Hogan would have to take the blame.”