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

clean from his memory. To him, she was an outsider, a

to the

that, Hamilton stood up.

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

ruffle this man’s feathers.

walk was silent. They reached the car. and Hamilton tossed the keys to Natalia. She

Hamilton, supporting his chin with one hand, gazed out the

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

clearing her mind. Hamilton, however,

had always admitted that. Several of his

the perfect lover material. She had everything a man could

expected her to have someone she liked. And for ten whole

of man could make her devoted for a decade? After all, she was only 27 now.

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

blood boiled. Suddenly, he said, “Ten

briefly, then regained her

“Yes.”

it

Chapter 20

“He didn’t

scoffed. “I see. What if he starts

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

the romantic, aren’t you? He’s

love aren’t

and off.”

face became frosty.

car.” His abrupt command startled Natalia, who quickly

there

chin and pressed his lips against hers.

push him away. This reflexive

kiss me

blazing. “Tonight, you seemed pretty willing

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

could I

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

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

face stiffened momentarily.

Fowler. I