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

14:26

Chapter 20

Hamilton

memory. To him, she was an outsider, a stranger.

to herself, turning to the

Hamilton stood up. “Let’s go.”

they would still smile and say, “Yeah, it’s getting late. Let’s call it a night.”

to ruffle this man’s feathers.

The walk was silent. They reached the car. and Hamilton

his chin with one hand, gazed out the

a wry smile on her lips. Once upon a time, she had fantasized that this man would fall for her. But reality had a cruel way of shattering dreams at the height of

driving, clearing her mind. Hamilton, however, turned to

admitted that. Several of his buddies had

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 advance and when

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

up inside him for no apparent reason. What kind of man could make her devoted for a decade? After all, she was

had been in love with someone for ten years, and perhaps, even when

boiled. Suddenly, he

then

“Yes.”

didn’t it work

Chapter 20

“He didn’t like

he starts liking you

softly. “He won’t. He’s got someone he

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

“Yes, because affection and love aren’t something you

and off.”

became

His abrupt command startled Natalia, who quickly

is there

gripped her chin and pressed his lips against

was taken aback, instinctively trying to push him away. This reflexive action

kiss me now?” Natalia immediately went

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

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

could I forget?

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

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

face stiffened momentarily.

worry, Mr. Fowler. I won’t,” she assured him..