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 realize she meant

seventeen. They were wiped clean from his memory. To him, she was an outsider, a stranger. After three years. she hadn’t entered his

turning to the others. “Shall we

Hamilton stood up.

the evening’s entertainment, they would still smile and

to ruffle this

reached the car. and Hamilton tossed the keys to Natalia. She caught them and got into the driver’s seat

drive was quiet. Hamilton, supporting his chin with one hand, gazed out the window. His perfect profile still had the power to

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

her mind. Hamilton, however, turned to look

had always admitted that. Several of his buddies

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,

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

reason. What kind of man could make her devoted for a decade?

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

it, the hotter his blood boiled. Suddenly, he said, “Ten

stiffened briefly, then regained her composure.

“Yes.”

it

Chapter 20

“He didn’t like me.”

he

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

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

love aren’t something you can just turn

and off.”

face became

His abrupt command startled Natalia, who quickly

there a

and pressed

aback, instinctively trying to push him away. This reflexive action only fueled

even want to kiss me now?” Natalia immediately

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

to dredge up the past. “It was

could I forget? You’re

Fowler, you didn’t seem to care

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

stiffened momentarily.

Fowler. I