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.

nodded firmly.

then let the

auction commenced, 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

sure you don’t want to bid on something? It’s now

said, “If possible, I’d rather Mr. Fowler just give me the cash equivalent.”

“Ms. Jenkins, you’re asking for too

just bid on whatever,” she

face darkened. “Too late.”

Natalia fell silent.

past eleven. As Hamilton had said, Natalia left with nothing. He stood up, telling her bluntly, “I’ll take Eveleen home. Find

“Alright.”

leave together before exiting the venue herself. Unbeknownst to her, the rain had started to

pain

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

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

bitch, a mistress!” The girl, though restrained by security. continued her tirade as if she had lost

to Natalia’s side, his face blanching at the sight of her

get you to the hospital. They’ll handle this

nodded, following Alden to his car. Once inside, he drove furiously to the nearest hospital.

the doctor to treat

skip the medication?”

“With a cut like this, you’ll need it

2/4

14:40

Chapter 40

want to harm the baby.” Natalia

said, “I’ll use something safe for the fetus, but you need treatment.”

“Thank you.

smiled. “No need to thank me. Where’s

Natalia said quietly. “I’m not married.”

“And your boyfriend?”

one,” she replied, looking down.

doctor fell silent before suggesting. “You should get an ultrasound to check on the

you, I will,” Natalia said, taking the prescription. Stepping out, she was greeted by Alden. “How are you holding up? Is it all

on, a painful reminder

to Natalia, “Just got a call from the venue. Turns out that girl is a mega–fan of Eveleen. Heard

need.” Natalia said without missing a beat. “Just call the cops and let them deal with

a stroke of luck that security was close by today; they had managed to intercept the girl. before she could

more check–up, so please wait for

“I just called my

mid–step.

cracked a smile. “What are you

baby was fine, Natalia finally breathed a sigh of relief. Walking out of the ultrasound room, she