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

nodded firmly.

at her, then let the

Natalia feeling like an outsider. The one–of–a–kind earrings, designed by a renowned artist, eventually went to

asked again, “You sure you don’t want to bid on something? It’s now

rather Mr.

Jenkins, you’re asking for too much.”

just bid on whatever,” she

darkened.

Natalia fell silent.

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

“Alright.”

had started to pour outside.

her. Before she could react, a piercing scream followed by sharp pain

Fowler’s relationship, you tramp! I’ll teach your a lesson for Eveleen, you

her

a bitch, a mistress!” The girl, though restrained

rushed to Natalia’s side, his face blanching at the sight of her bleeding arm.

the hospital. They’ll handle

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

followed the doctor

the medication?” she whispered.

cut like this, you’ll

2/4

14:40

Chapter 40

pregnant. I don’t want to harm the baby.” Natalia

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

“Thank

to

said quietly. “I’m not married.”

“And your boyfriend?”

one,” she replied, looking down.

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

Natalia said, taking the prescription. Stepping out, she was greeted by Alden. “How are

nodded, and the night drew on, a painful reminder of the

the message to Natalia, “Just got a call from the venue. Turns out that girl is a mega–fan of Eveleen. Heard through the grapevine about your connection to my brother,

Natalia said without missing a beat. “Just call the cops

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

please wait for me for a

but soon enough, he couldn’t help adding, “I just called my

mid–step. “Thanks,

a smile. “What are you

fine, Natalia finally breathed a sigh of relief. Walking out of the ultrasound room, she found both Hamilton and Eveleen had arrived,