Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 16

Eveleen’s voice caught in her throat.

“I didn’t kick her out. I just asked her to move over a bit.” she said, her voice tinged with a hint of hurt as she looked towards Hamilton.

“Hamilton, you wouldn’t get mad at me over a silly little market manager, would you?”

As she finished her plea, her eyes began to brim with tears.

Over the years abroad, she’d waited for a sign from Hamilton, a call, a message–anything. But to her dismay, four long years passed without a single word from him. Multiple times she’d considered flying back to confront him, but her pride held her back. After all, it was she who had initiated their breakup.

Hamilton had always treated her differently. He’d smile at her with such tenderness, call her by the nickname “Evi” and rush to her side whenever she needed him. He’d even fallen out with his brother for her sake. Yet, for all his special treatment, there were lines he wouldn’t cross. He never touched her intimately, never talked about marriage, and he hadn’t even met her parents. She had hoped, by leaving, to light a fire under him–to make him feel the urgency of committing to her. She knew all too well the lengths she’d gone to be by his side and she couldn’t rest until their union was secured. But instead of fighting for her, he’d simply let her go.

She had left the country in a huff, swearing she wouldn’t return unless Hamilton came begging. She thought it wouldn’t be long before he caved. Yet here she was, four years later, and it had taken rumors of Hamilton and Natalia to finally drive her back home.

Eveleen despised Natalia. Ever since she knew of her existence, she couldn’t stand her. Natalia was prettier, had a better aura, and was even more academically accomplished. It seemed she was superior in every way, except for her family background.

If there could only be one place beside Hamilton, it would have to be hers!

Tears welled up in Eveleen’s eyes as she beheld Hamilton, who leaned back in his chair, a lazy expression on his face. His gaze softened when he noticed the diamond bracelet on her wrist–a trinket he’d found on the beach when he was nineteen. That night, too distracted by his own thoughts and the dim light, he hadn’t paid much attention to the girl who had clung to him in the sea. It wasn’t until the next day that he found the bracelet in the sand, engraved with

the name “Evi.”

His eyes softened, and he playfully ruffled Eveleen’s hair.

“Even if it was just a regular employee sitting next to me today, you shouldn’t have made her move. She’s an employee at my company, not your maid or assistant. How could you be so unreasonable?” he chided gently.

Eveleen, her pride wounded, protested. “I just wanted to be with you! If she’s in your space, of

Chapter 16

want her to leave!”

devastatingly handsome visage that

So now that you came back, don’t blame

special feelings for Natalia. His heart was like a fortress; not just anyone could waltz in. If she couldn’t make it inside,

bit nicer

eyes remained devoid of mirth. “I’ve given you all the kindness I can. What more do

hung in the air, “Hamilton, let’s

as if he’d heard a particularly funny

“I was

make jokes like that.

words were abruptly choked off.

Hamilton’s car as she got out. Eveleen, fully armed

shifted her gaze away, heading towards the studio but was stopped at the

was palpable. “Sorry about booting you from the car earlier,” she said, her apology laced with the intent to remind everyone

whispers as everyone heard Eveleen’s words, their gazes locked

He had always favored her, and

the boss’s lady by making an example of her–especially since no boss’s lady would tolerate

drifted to the intertwined arms of Hamilton and Eveleen, then settled on Hamilton’s face. He appeared unmoved by the rivalry brewing before him over his

Chapter 16

out a laugh. She couldn’t quite pinpoint what she was

of the car because I was following orders, not because of you,” Natalia retorted, her voice steady and clear.

a shade of stormy blue. Natalia was publicly undermining her, but Eveleen held her tongue, mindful of Hamilton’s earlier

offered a polite smile to the two of them and entered the studio, her smile fading the moment she was out

to engage. “Ms. Jenkins, are Mr. Fowler and Eveleen already talking about marriage? I heard Eveleen flew back stateside just

as she brushed off the question. “I’m not