Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 20

The room echoed with a chorus of affirmations for Hamilton. The crowd thought Hamilton was just being stubborn. Only Natalia knew he genuinely didn’t care. He didn’t care if she would be kissed. He only cared if his possessions would be tampered with.

Natalia took a deep breath, steadying her nerves.

The game was still on.

This time, Lady Luck wasn’t on Natalia’s side.

Given how awkward Elliott’s dare was last round, Natalia straight–up opted for truth.

Alden clicked his tongue and drew a question for her. “Ms. Jenkins, is there anyone you like? If yes, for how long?”

As soon as the question was out, all eyes darted back to Hamilton.

Hamilton raised an eyebrow, seemingly piqued by the inquiry.

Natalia paused for a moment, then said, “Yes.”

The room buzzed with excitement. Hamilton’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

Alden glanced at his older brother and cheekily prodded. “And for how many years?”

How many years?

Natalia couldn’t even remember.

If she counted from their reunion at seventeen, it was probably around ten years.

“Ten years.”

After Natalia’s admission, the room erupted in awe. Only Alden felt a shiver of dread. If he wasn’t mistaken, Natalia had only known his brother for three years. And if she had liked someone for ten, it clearly wasn’t Hamilton.

A chill ran down Alden’s spine. Lately, it seemed he had a knack for putting Natalia on the spot. Last time, because of his heckling, Natalia had her first blush–worthy moment with Hamilton. Today, his question revealed that her heart belonged to someone else. He kept fouling up, time and time again.

Alden felt like crying. Next time, he would definitely stay clear of these games with Natalia.

Meanwhile, Hamilton sat beside her, his expression unreadable.

Natalia didn’t pay attention to Hamilton’s reaction. She had braced herself for all eventualities after answering the question. Good or bad, she was ready to face it.

Besides, she doubted Hamilton cared about who she fancied.

After all, a man who didn’t speak of love or affection should be indifferent to his lover’s

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Chapter 20

Hamilton would realize she meant him.

forgotten her, forgotten their childhood and the events when they were seventeen. They were wiped clean from his memory. To him, she was an outsider, a stranger. After three years. she hadn’t entered his heart; it

turning to the others.

Hamilton stood up. “Let’s

they would still smile and

dared to ruffle this

the car. and Hamilton tossed the

supporting his chin with one hand, gazed out the window. His perfect profile still had the power to

she had fantasized that this man would fall for her. But reality had a cruel way of shattering

Hamilton, however, turned

and he had always admitted that. Several of his buddies had shown interest in her–Victor,

always thought Natalia was the perfect lover material. She had everything a man could want. Looks, figure, personality, all perfect. And she knew

Only, he hadn’t expected her to have someone she liked. And for ten

of man could make her devoted for a decade? After all,

love with someone for ten years, and perhaps, even when they were in

more Hamilton thought about it, the hotter his blood boiled. Suddenly, he said, “Ten years. So, since you were seventeen?”

briefly, then

“Yes.”

it

Chapter 20

before answering. “He didn’t like

scoffed. “I see. What if he starts liking

softly. “He won’t. He’s got

quite the romantic, aren’t you? He’s already taken, and you’re. still holding a

smiled faintly. “Yes, because affection and love

and off.”

face became

car.” His abrupt command startled Natalia, who quickly signaled and pulled

is there a problem?”

pressed his lips

to push him away. This reflexive action only fueled

even want to kiss me now?” Natalia immediately went

“Tonight, you seemed pretty willing with

hadn’t expected him to dredge up the past. “It was just a game, right?

could I forget? You’re

Fowler, you didn’t seem to

his voice. “I don’t mind, Ms. Jenkins, but you’d better remember your place.

face stiffened momentarily.

worry, Mr. Fowler. I won’t,” she