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.

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

a collective gasp from the crew, all traces of earlier grievances

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from the side. “Playing the good guy now, huh? As if she

a light smile. “Do you want to go? If

most would never step foot inside in their lifetime. Even someone like Eveleen wouldn’t typically have access,

her head. “I’d rather help my mom clean up at home with that time.”

smiled and dropped the subject.

whether Mr. Fowler would be attending. Eveleen’s face flushed slightly as she promised to ask Hamilton, assuring

Natalia. “Ms.

got plans and someone else to meet.”

soured. “Are you still angry with me?”

could I be mad at someone as

Otherwise, people might think we’re at

efforts, bending and stretching just to spite her. She knew if she didn’t go, she’d likely be labeled as

smile, she nodded. “Alright,

“Ms. Jenkins, you’re so kind.”

the exchange. Once Eveleen was out of earshot, she whispered

options, yet he chose Eveleen, someone with none of these qualities

each of his own,

shook her head

Natalia trailed behind, pretending not to notice Hamilton made his appearance, giving Eveleen dignity and making her the center of 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 and occasional laughter. Natalia’s

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Chapter 29