Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 39

Natalia barely mustered a distracted acknowledgment. Thankfully, Hamilton didn’t read too much into it.

Once she got herself together, Hamilton led her out the door without delay.

She had assumed the evening would be a regular social gathering. Little did she know, it turned out to be a grand charity gala. The entire street in front of the venue was cordoned off, with luxury cars lining up as far as the eye could see.

Walking beside Hamilton, Natalia couldn’t hide her surprise.

Hamilton, catching the astonishment in her eyes, couldn’t help but chuckle. “What’s the matter, Ms. Jenkins? Haven’t seen a shindig like this before?”

Natalia fell silent. She, indeed, hadn’t witnessed such a spectacle.

How could she, from her humble family background, have ever encountered such grandeur? Even though she had attended many high–society events with Hamilton, tonight’s gala was still something else. Without Hamilton, she probably would never have had the chance to step foot in such a setting.

Hamilton’s status was aristocratic. Yet, after three years together, this was the first time she felt the stark difference between their worlds. It had never been more apparent that she and Hamilton might just not belong to the same universe. Her place in his world, by his side for three years, might have been nothing more than a fluke.

“Mr. Fowler, you must be amused, Natalia murmured, looking down.

Hamilton’s gaze settled on the delicate curve of her collarbone, and after a brief silence, he spoke. “I’ll make sure to bring you to more events like this in the future.”

Natalia froze, not expecting such a statement.

Hamilton met her gaze. “Don’t be so surprised. Ms. Jenkins. Accompanying your boss to these functions is part of the job, and it’s not like you’re taking the paycheck for nothing.”

The light in Natalia’s eyes extinguished in an instant. She laughed at herself.

What had she been thinking? Could she have actually believed that Hamilton had brought her here for some special reason?

“I understand.”

“Later, there’s a pair of earrings that will match your necklace perfectly. I’ll bid on them for you tonight.”

Natalia nodded, not daring to indulge in any further fantasies.

The gala was filled with the crème de la crème from all walks of life. Many were faces she had only seen on TV or in newspapers. But even so, Hamilton’s entrance caused quite the stir. The

1/4

Chapter 39

of the Fowler family was a magnet for

followed Hamilton’s lead, carefully navigating the

couldn’t drink. Holding a glass of champagne, she only pretended to sip, but now

I need a moment

“Go ahead.”

corner of the hall. She had barely sat

“Natalia, is it?”

turned to see a woman

responded,

Eveleen’s dear friend. We were quite

moment, she said,

friend isn’t having a good

smile tightened, and after a brief pause, she said, “Your friendship with Ms. Schafer is admirable.”

the act!” Crystal snapped, irritated

understand what you’re

don’t think you can stick around him forever, do you? Mr. Fowler and Eveleen are a match made in heaven.

each word like a stab to the heart. “I have never interfered

clearly came from a privileged background, Natalia had

you first need to deserve it. You think you’re worthy?

and composure made them look like a couple destined by fate.

childhood sweethearts instantly became the center

Chapter 39

and Eveleen were for real.”

at how Mr. Fowler gazes at

a perfect match. I wonder when they’ll

gone public with their relationship; how far off

whispers, felt a heavy weight in her chest. Even the spacious hall

feel like a

expression darkened. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but I must excuse myself.”

she stood to leave, only to

“It won’t do you

and stood up, making her

herself to breathe a sigh of relief. But the ache in her heart didn’t subside, not even

Hamilton’s side was always Eveleen. And her? She