Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 26

Natalie eyed the private dining room with a mix of confusion and irritation, turning to the waiter with a furrowed brow.

“Excuse me, but isn’t there some mistake? I had reserved a table on the patio.”

The waiter’s smile was apologetic but firm. “Ms. Jenkins, there’s no error. The gentleman you’re meeting requested the room change.”

A twinge of annoyance shot through Natalie’s temple. She forced a smile. “Alright, thank you. I’ll go in on my own.”

Once the waiter had left, Natalie made a beeline for the restroom to gather her thoughts. She promptly dialed Scarlett’s number.

“Scarlett, where are you?”

“At the hospital, it’s my shift tonight. What’s up? Feeling under the weather?”

Natalie paused, then said, “No, it’s nothing. I was hoping we could grab dinner, but let’s do it another time.”

*Sure thing.”

After hanging up, Natalie stood motionless for a moment before reluctantly calling Hamilton. The idea of his biting sarcasm seemed preferable to facing Gideon alone. However, her calls went unanswered.

Staring at the disconnected call screen, a bitter taste filled her mouth. She vividly remembered Hamilton pulling away from their intimate moments to take Eveleen’s calls.

If it were Eveleen, he would undoubtedly pick up anytime, wouldn’t he?

Shaking off the chaos in her mind, Natalie sent Hamilton her location via WhatsApp, telling him. she was dining with Gideon, then pocketed her phone.

He always checked WhatsApp. And with Hamilton’s notorious jealousy, surely he would show up? That was all she was counting on.

With a mix of hope and dread, she steeled herself and headed for the private room. Upon entering, Gideon greeted her with a grin that felt too wide.

“Ms. Jenkins, you’re late. That’ll be three shots as a penalty.”

Natalie maintained her professional smile, sidestepping his comment. “Sorry, the traffic was a nightmare. Why did we move inside? The restaurant’s charm is its outdoor view.”

rather enjoy the pleasure of your exclusive company.”

Jenkins, I’ve been looking forward to a meal with you for quite some time.”

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Chapter 26

down her spine. Natalie stood and deftly sidestepped his touch, reaching for her glass of water. “You must be quite busy these days,

Gideon kept smiling. “I can always make time for you, Ms. Jenkins.”

a seat across from him. As luck would have it, Gideon received a phone

drink. When

you for your help this

at her as they drank across

grew impatient quickly and moved to sit beside her, glass in hand. “Ms. Jenkins, why sit so far? Isn’t it better to

subtly edged away. “Gideon, isn’t face–to–face better for

it this way.” Gideon wrapped an arm around her

he’d stop by. I’ll just go welcome him.”

returning with a scoff. “Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler knows his way around.

for her again.

show

what this was about, didn’t you? Stop playing coy–I don’t believe for

her neck, the stench of his breath made Natalie gag. She struggled

think I wouldn’t notice you switched it to a soft drink? Who

her throat. Natalie’s face went

how you ask for favors,

from him. As he leaned in, Natalie’s foot

door, but as she flung it open,

Let’s see if you’ve got

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Chapter 26

but in the midst of her struggle, she collided with a familiar

leaned against the door frame, a cigarette dangling from his lips, watching the

mind me.” his voice was as cold as frost.