Chapter 214


    Nobody knows the minimalist chic vibe better than me.


    If I hadn’t double–checked the apartment number before walking in, I would’ve thought ! ? stepped into


    a time machine and ended up back in that “home” from two years ago,


    All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The one I shared with Hogan.


    Gray curtains, a beige love–seat, and the ck–and–white checkered carpet–not only was the color


    scheme identical, but theyout was a carbon copy too.


    And yet, I clearly remembered that thendlord said all our “home” stuff had been dumped at the


    landfill.


    So is this just a freaky coincidence?


    “Xaviera, why the freeze frame at the door?” Cecilia, noticing my trance, grabbed a pair of shoe covers


    from the hall cab and tossed them my way, adding, “Surprised, huh? When Hogan moved in, he got


    everything sorted out, from big–ticket appliances to the nitty–gritty essentials. The dude’s got an eye for


    detail.”


    So, all of this was Hogan’s handiwork?


    I awkwardly slipped on the shoe covers without picking up on Cecilia’s cue and shot back, “Where’s the


    grub?”


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Cecilia’s eyes–a subtle sign that she was bummed I didn’t y ball


    with her chitchat. Pointing towards the kitchen, she said, “All the ingredients are there. I barely touch


    the kitchen stuff, so, Xaviera, you do you.”


    With my mind set on ‘get in, get out,‘ I bee–lined for the kitchen. But when I caught sight of the pots and


    pans on the stove, my calm heart hit choppy waters again.


    They were from the same niche brands I always use.


    One of them was a spitting image of the y pot I use for my soups.


    Another coincidence?


    “Xaviera, what’s up?” Cecilia leaned on the kitchen’s sliding door. “Something wrong?”


    I snapped out of it, shook my head, and said, “Prep’s gonna take about twenty minutes. You can hang


    here or chill in the living room.”


    Cecilia covered her mouth, yawning, “I’m beat. I’ll wait outside.”


    Fine by me. I’m more at ease flying solo.


    But as I faced the familiar knives and cookware, I couldn’t help getting sidetracked.


    And in that moment of distraction, I nicked my finger while filleting the carp.


    1/2


    11:16


    A surge of blood sprang from the cut, and the sting jolted me back to my senses.


    After the carp hit the pot, I called Cecilia over and instructed, “When the timer dings, the soup’s done.


    It’s best served piping hot, all milky and tender.”


    “Thanks a ton, Xaviera, Let’s do this: Hogan and I will treat you sometime soon, and you better hot bail


    on us.”


    The mention of Hogan snapped me back to business. “I’ll leave the coboration progress to you.”


    “Of course,” Cecilia said as she walked me out. With her eyes briefly meeting the dessert box in the


    entryway, she politely offered, “Hey, Xaviera, Hogan and I picked up some treats from Pinecrest Hollow.


    If you don’t mind, grab a box to try.”


    ncing at the elegantly packaged desserts, I smiled and declined, “Nah, I’m not big on sweets.


    Director Irwin, keep them for yourself.”


    It’s just business, after all.


    Leaving Cecilia’s ce, I found myself drifting to the hospital, but my mind was still wrapped around


    that minimalist apartment.


    Was Hogan ying games?


    But till now, he hasn’t made any real moves.


    Suddenly, I felt all at sea.


    Seeing me deep in thought, Jason voiced his concern, “If you’re busy with work, you don’t… don’t need


    toe every day.”


    Not wanting to worry Jason, I forced a smile and said, “Not too busy. President Lott’s way out of my


    league.”