Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 29

Natalia couldn’t deny the fact that she had tattled. Just the night before, she had complained to Hamilton multiple times about Eveleen’s lack of cooperation, which led her to seek Gideon’s intervention.

She hadn’t expected Hamilton to actually confront Eveleen about it, especially since Eveleen was his first love–the one he had never spoken harshly to. Perhaps he had done it for the sake of the project’s progress, but it still sent ripples through Natalia’s heart.

Tiny sparrows of emotion fluttered uncontrollably within her, no matter how much she tried to suppress them. In a way, she pitied herself. Any small acts of kindness Hamilton showed her, she clung to secretly and cherished for a long time.

Natalia didn’t elaborate to Aurora. She pushed these thoughts aside and started organizing the shoot, coordinating with the photographer and the crew. By the time she had finished, Eveleen’s makeup was done.

Eveleen stood before Natalia with a light chuckle. “Hamilton’s throwing a welcome bash for me. You should come and have some fun.”

Natalia declined straight away. “Better not. I’d rather not spoil everyone’s mood by showing up.”

With that, she walked away.

Eveleen’s laughter was particularly gleeful. “What’s the matter? Afraid to see Hamilton being too nice to me?”

The thought made Natalia’s heart sink. Indeed, she didn’t want to witness Hamilton’s affectionate behavior towards Eveleen. The kindness Hamilton showed her, Natalia, came after much effort and was always in little doses, whereas Eveleen seemed to hold a special place in his heart effortlessly.

In comparison, she was pitiful, really.

Natalia looked at Eveleen. “Ms. Schafer, we’re about to start shooting.”

Eveleen glanced back at her with a smirk and turned to leave.

The shoot did not go smoothly. The concept had been tailored for Lyra, and Eveleen’s style was vastly different. The photographer was perpetually dissatisfied, forcing Natalia to make on–the–fly adjustments. It wasn’t until the end of the day that they wrapped up something resembling a decent shoot, leaving everyone exhausted.

at the set. “Everyone’s worked hard today. Dinner’s on me at

all traces of earlier

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huh? As if she wasn’t the one holding us

you want

exclusive, members–only. It wasn’t a place for the average Joe: most would never step foot inside in their lifetime. Even someone like

head. “I’d rather help my mom clean up

dropped

around Eveleen with excitement, inquiring whether Mr. Fowler would be attending. Eveleen’s face flushed slightly as she promised to ask Hamilton, assuring them that Hamilton

“Ms. Jenkins, join

thanks, I’ve got plans and someone

mood soured. “Are you still

I be

dinner. Otherwise, people might think we’re at

stretching just to spite her. She knew if

she nodded.

beamed. “Ms. Jenkins, you’re so

earshot, she whispered to Natalia, “Mr. Fowler must be blind to fancy

mystery. Hamilton had his pick of women–pure, seductive. vibrant, generous. He had no shortage of options, yet he chose Eveleen,

of his own, I guess,” Natalia said.

her head

attention. Natalia sat quietly in the corner, eating her meal and observing Eveleen flutter around like a lively butterfly, with Hamilton’s gaze fixed on her, full of tenderness

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Chapter 29