Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 40

Natalia couldn’t quite put her finger on the feeling that was churning inside her. She had always clung to the notion that her childhood memories held some special meaning to Hamilton. But she was wrong. In his heart, Eveleen was the only light in his life.

At that moment, Natalia felt utterly foolish. The cherished memories she often held close, like treasures, were hers alone.

“The auction’s about to start. Let’s head back,” Alden murmured beside her.

Snapping back to reality, Natalia nodded. “Okay.” She followed Alden into the venue, only to be stopped by a server.

“Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler would like a word with you.”

Natalia glanced at Alden. “I’ll be right there.”

“Sure.”

Natalia was ushered over to where Hamilton was seated in the front row, Eveleen by his side. Eveleen’s lips curled into a slight smirk upon seeing Natalia.

“Ms. Jenkins, you’re here, too?” she chimed.

Natalia nodded, avoiding any unnecessary chitchat.

Hamilton spared Natalia a glance. “Feeling alright?”

Again, Natalia nodded. “I’m fine.”

“Where were you earlier?”

“Just outside for a bit, ran into Alden,” Natalia replied.

Hamilton nodded and handed her a catalog. “Take a look, see if there’s anything you like.”

Natalia paused, then said, “But I thought…”

Before she could finish, Eveleen interjected. “Hamilton, those earrings are simply divine. You

must get them for me!”

Hamilton chuckled. “How many times have you mentioned them now?”

“Come on, make sure you get them, okay?”

“Alright, I got it,” Hamilton conceded.

Natalia instantly clammed up. Eveleen’s face lit up with Hamilton’s affirmation, and she turned. to Natalia. “Ms. Jenkins, is there anything that catches your eye?”

After a moment’s silence, Natalia handed back the catalog. “Thank you, but there’s nothing I want.”

Chapter 40

an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

firmly. “Yes.”

looked at her, then let

with Eveleen whispering to Hamilton throughout, leaving Natalia feeling like an outsider. The one–of–a–kind earrings, designed by a renowned artist, eventually went to Hamilton for a staggering

sure you don’t want to bid on

a pause, Natalia said, “If possible, I’d rather Mr. Fowler just give me

“Ms. Jenkins, you’re asking for

bid on

darkened.

Natalia fell silent.

the time the auction ended, it was past eleven. As Hamilton had said, Natalia left with nothing. He

“Alright.”

before exiting the venue herself. Unbeknownst to her, the rain had started to pour outside. She stood at the entrance, contemplating a call to Alden, when

a figure charged towards her. Before she could react, a piercing scream followed by sharp pain shot through her arm. A teenage girl, in a fit of

You’re ruining Eveleen and Mr. Fowler’s relationship, you tramp! I’ll teach your a

the gash on Natalia’s arm. Gritting her teeth, she called out, “Somebody. please, call

You’re still a bitch, a mistress!” The girl, though

blanching at the sight

Jenkins, let’s get you to the

Alden to his car. Once inside, he drove furiously to the

followed the doctor to treat her

we skip the medication?” she

“With a cut like this, you’ll need it to prevent infection.”

2/4

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Chapter 40

I don’t want to harm

said, “I’ll use something safe for

“Thank

to

said quietly. “I’m not married.”

“And your boyfriend?”

she replied, looking down.

silent before suggesting. “You should get an ultrasound to check on the baby.”

out, she was greeted by Alden. “How

drew on, a painful reminder of the distance between her

had barely stopped ringing when he relayed the message to Natalia, “Just got a call from the venue. Turns out that girl is a

“Just call the

that security was close by today; they had managed to intercept the girl. before

one more check–up, so please wait for

help adding, “I just called

paused mid–step. “Thanks, Alden.”

cracked a smile. “What are you

a sigh of relief. Walking out of the ultrasound