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

think Hamilton would realize she meant him.

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

turning to the others.

stood up. “Let’s

spoke, even if someone wasn’t fully satisfied with the evening’s entertainment, they would

dared to ruffle this man’s feathers.

They reached the car. and Hamilton tossed the keys to Natalia. She caught them and got into the driver’s seat without a word.

his chin with one hand, gazed out the window. His perfect profile still had the power to unsettle Natalia’s

fantasized that this man would

her mind. Hamilton, however, turned

beautiful, and he had always admitted that. Several of his buddies had shown interest

was the perfect lover material. She had everything a man could want. Looks, figure, personality, all perfect. And she knew when to advance and when

lover. Only, he hadn’t expected her to have someone she liked.

apparent reason. What kind of man could make her devoted for a

someone for ten years, and perhaps, even when they were in bed, it was that man she was thinking of.

thought about it, the hotter his blood boiled. Suddenly,

then regained her composure.

“Yes.”

it

Chapter 20

“He didn’t

if he starts liking you one

laughed softly. “He won’t. He’s got someone he likes.”

romantic, aren’t you? He’s already taken, and you’re. still holding a torch for him?”

because affection and love aren’t

and off.”

face became frosty.

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

there a problem?”

chin and pressed his lips

trying to push him away. This

want to kiss

chin tightened, his eyes blazing. “Tonight, you seemed pretty willing with

dredge up the past. “It was just a game, right? I had to follow

sneered. “Right, how could I forget?

together lightly. “And besides, Mr. Fowler, you didn’t seem

you’d better remember your place. You can have fun, but don’t cross that line.

stiffened momentarily.

Mr. Fowler. I won’t,”