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

their childhood and the events when they were seventeen. They were wiped clean from his memory. To

chuckled to herself, turning to the

that, Hamilton stood up.

they would still smile and

to ruffle this man’s feathers.

the private room. The walk was silent. They reached the car. and Hamilton tossed the keys to Natalia. She caught them

gazed out the window.

back her gaze, a wry smile on her lips. Once upon a time, she had fantasized that this man would fall

clearing her mind. Hamilton, however, turned to look at

Several of his buddies had shown interest in her–Victor, Elliott,

innocent allure was tinged with an intrinsic seductiveness. He had always thought Natalia was the perfect lover material. She had everything a man could want. Looks, figure, personality, all perfect. And she knew when to

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

What kind of man could make her

think she had been in love with someone for ten years, and perhaps, even when they were in bed, it

hotter his blood boiled. Suddenly, he said, “Ten years. So, since you were seventeen?”

stiffened briefly, then regained her composure.

“Yes.”

didn’t it work

Chapter 20

before answering. “He didn’t like me.”

scoffed. “I see. What if he starts liking

“He won’t. He’s got someone

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

and love aren’t something you can just

and off.”

face became

Natalia, who quickly signaled and pulled

Fowler, is there a

chin and pressed

push him away. This reflexive

don’t even want to kiss me now?” Natalia immediately went

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

was just a game, right? I had to

sneered. “Right, how could I forget?

Fowler, you didn’t seem to care either, did you?”

of disdain in his voice. “I don’t mind, Ms. Jenkins, but you’d better remember your place. You can have fun, but don’t cross that line. Otherwise, you’ll

stiffened momentarily.

Mr. Fowler. I won’t,” she