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

And she didn’t think Hamilton

They were wiped clean from his memory. To him, she was an

to the others. “Shall

that, Hamilton stood up. “Let’s go.”

even if someone wasn’t fully satisfied with the evening’s entertainment, they would still smile and say, “Yeah, it’s getting late.

to ruffle this man’s

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

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

this man would fall for her. But reality had a cruel way of

clearing her mind. Hamilton, however, turned to look

and he had always admitted that. Several of his buddies had

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

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

him for no apparent reason. What kind of man could make her devoted for a decade?

someone for ten years, and perhaps, even when they

blood boiled. Suddenly,

then regained

“Yes.”

it

Chapter 20

paused before answering. “He didn’t like

see. What if he starts liking

won’t. He’s

at her. “You’re quite the romantic, aren’t you? He’s already taken, and you’re. still holding

love aren’t something you can

and off.”

became frosty.

abrupt command startled Natalia, who quickly signaled and pulled

there a problem?”

her chin and pressed his lips against hers.

instinctively trying to push him away. This reflexive action only fueled Hamilton’s anger further.

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

eyes blazing. “Tonight, you seemed pretty willing with

was just a game, right? I

how could I forget? You’re all about obligations.”

together lightly. “And besides, Mr. Fowler, you

mind, Ms. Jenkins, but you’d better remember your place. You can have fun, but don’t cross that line. Otherwise, you’ll only make me sick.”

face stiffened momentarily.

Mr. Fowler. I won’t,” she assured