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

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Chapter 39

magnet for attention,

lead, carefully navigating

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

a moment

“Go ahead.”

of the hall. She had barely sat down when she

“Natalia, is it?”

a woman looking at her with

lip and responded, “Yes, and

scoffed. “I’m Crystal, Eveleen’s dear friend. We were quite close when

smile froze, and after a moment, she said,

to say the same, but if my friend isn’t having

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

Crystal snapped, irritated by Natalia’s response.

what you’re

Mr. Fowler alone. You don’t think you can stick around him forever, do you? Mr. Fowler and Eveleen are

each word like a stab to the heart. “I have never interfered in anyone’s relationship. Please, show some respect.”

setting, especially with someone who clearly came from a privileged background, Natalia had

“To earn my respect, you first need to deserve it. You think you’re worthy? You’re just a cheap bitch. See

Hamilton, her arm entwined with his. Their combined elegance and composure made them

public debut as childhood sweethearts instantly became the

Chapter 39

and Eveleen were for real.”

at how Mr. Fowler gazes at Eveleen. He’s

I wonder

public with their relationship; how far

weight in her chest. Even the spacious hall seemed to suffocate

you feel like a mistress?”

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

to leave, only to

a casual threat. “It won’t do you any harm to listen. Otherwise, don’t say

and stood up, making her way outside to the garden.

the cool evening air that she allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. But the ache in her heart didn’t

Eveleen. And her? She seemed destined to be the