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 would

they were 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; it seemed

to herself, turning to the others.

Hamilton stood up.

with the evening’s entertainment, they would still smile and say, “Yeah, it’s getting late. Let’s call

one dared to ruffle

the car. and Hamilton

supporting his chin with one hand, gazed out the window. His perfect profile still had the power

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

her mind. Hamilton, however, turned to look at

that. Several of his buddies had shown interest in her–Victor, Elliott, and possibly

innocent allure was tinged with an intrinsic seductiveness. He had always thought Natalia was the perfect lover material. She had everything

indeed an ideal lover. Only, he hadn’t expected her

inside him for no apparent reason. What kind of man

had been in love with someone for ten years, and perhaps, even when they were in bed, it was that man she was thinking

about it, the hotter his blood boiled. Suddenly, he

stiffened briefly, then

“Yes.”

didn’t it work

Chapter 20

answering. “He

if he starts liking you one day?”

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

you? He’s already taken, and you’re.

because affection and love aren’t something you can just turn

and off.”

became frosty.

Natalia, who

Fowler, is there

pressed his

instinctively trying to push him away. This reflexive action

kiss me now?” Natalia

his eyes blazing. “Tonight, you seemed pretty willing

up the past. “It was just a game,

“Right, how could I

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

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

face stiffened

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