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

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;

herself, turning to the others. “Shall

stood up. “Let’s go.”

the evening’s entertainment, they would still smile and say, “Yeah, it’s

ruffle this man’s

and Hamilton tossed the keys

with one hand, gazed out the window.

her lips. Once upon a time, she had fantasized that this man would fall for her. But reality had a cruel

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

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

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 to

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

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

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

his blood boiled. Suddenly, he said, “Ten years. So, since

briefly, then regained

“Yes.”

didn’t it work out?”

Chapter 20

paused before answering. “He didn’t

see. What if he starts

He’s got someone he likes.”

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

smiled faintly. “Yes, because affection and love aren’t something you can just turn

and off.”

became

abrupt command startled Natalia, who quickly signaled

is there a problem?”

chin and pressed his

trying to push him away. This reflexive action only

to kiss me now?” Natalia immediately

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

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

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

together lightly. “And besides, Mr. Fowler, you didn’t seem to care either, did you?”

but you’d better remember your place. You can have fun,

face stiffened

Fowler. I won’t,” she