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.”

“True, but I’d rather enjoy the pleasure of your

inched towards Natalie’s waist. “Ms. Jenkins, I’ve been looking forward to a meal with you

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Chapter 26

deftly sidestepped his touch, reaching for her glass of water. “You must

Gideon kept smiling. “I can always

seat across from him. As luck would

drink. When Gideon ended his call she raised her glass in a

your help this time, Gideon.”

at her as they drank across the

in hand. “Ms. Jenkins, why sit so far? Isn’t it better to be close?”

away. “Gideon, isn’t face–to–face better for conversation?”

this way.” Gideon wrapped an arm around her waist, but Natalie pushed him off and stood.

he’d stop by. I’ll just

vanished momentarily before returning with a scoff. “Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler knows his way around. No need for

for her

show some

You knew what this was about, didn’t you? Stop playing coy–I don’t believe for a second Hamilton hasn’t

Gideon tried to kiss her neck, the stench of his breath

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

Natalie’s face went

won’t drink? That’s not how you ask for favors,

collarbone and drawing a salacious gulp from him. As he leaned in, Natalie’s foot came down hard on his, her high heel a weapon of momentary escape.

she flung it open,

away? Let’s see if you’ve got the

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

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

Don’t mind me.” his voice was as cold as