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 realize she meant him.

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

to herself, turning to the

Hamilton stood up. “Let’s go.”

would still smile and say, “Yeah, it’s getting

ruffle this

reached the car. and Hamilton tossed the keys to Natalia. She caught them and got into the driver’s seat without a word.

supporting his chin with one hand, gazed out the

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

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

always admitted that. Several of his buddies had

lover material. She

an ideal lover. Only, he hadn’t expected her to have someone she liked. And for ten whole years.

up inside him for no apparent reason. What kind of man could make her devoted for a decade? After all, she

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

it, the hotter his blood boiled.

stiffened briefly, then regained

“Yes.”

didn’t it work out?”

Chapter 20

“He didn’t

scoffed. “I see. What if he starts

“He won’t. He’s got someone he

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

love

and off.”

face became

startled Natalia, who quickly signaled and pulled over.

is there a problem?”

gripped her chin and pressed his lips against hers.

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

kiss

eyes blazing. “Tonight, you

the past. “It was just a

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

lips pressed 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, but don’t cross that line.

face stiffened

Fowler. I won’t,” she assured him..