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 him.

events when they were seventeen. They were wiped clean from his memory. To him, she was an outsider, a stranger. After three

to the

Hamilton stood

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

ruffle

private room. The walk was silent. They reached the car. and Hamilton tossed

Hamilton, supporting his chin with one hand, gazed out the window. His perfect profile

a wry 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 dreams at the

her mind. Hamilton, however, turned

his buddies had shown

was the perfect lover material. She had everything a man could want. Looks, figure, personality, all perfect. And she knew when to

eyes, Natalia was indeed an ideal lover. Only, he hadn’t expected

kind of man

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

more Hamilton thought about it, the hotter his blood boiled. Suddenly, he said, “Ten years. So, since you

stiffened briefly, then regained

“Yes.”

it

Chapter 20

answering. “He didn’t like me.”

he

won’t. He’s got someone he

you? He’s already taken, and you’re. still holding a torch for him?”

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

and off.”

face became

command startled Natalia, who quickly signaled and pulled over.

is there

her chin and pressed his

was taken aback, instinctively trying to push him away. This reflexive action only fueled Hamilton’s

don’t even want to kiss me now?” Natalia immediately went silent.

blazing. “Tonight, you seemed pretty willing with Elliott. What’s changed?”

up the past. “It was just a game,

“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?”

his voice. “I don’t mind, Ms. Jenkins, but you’d better remember your place. You can have

stiffened momentarily.

I won’t,” she assured