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

eyebrow. “Are you

nodded firmly.

then

outsider. The one–of–a–kind earrings, designed by a renowned artist, eventually went to Hamilton for a staggering thirty million

sure you don’t want to bid on

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

you’re asking for too

on whatever,” she

face darkened.

Natalia fell silent.

left with nothing. He stood up, telling

“Alright.”

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

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

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

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

good will that do? You’re still a bitch, a mistress!” The girl, though restrained by security. continued her

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

the hospital. They’ll

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

the hospital, she followed the

we skip the medication?”

doctor replied, “With a cut like this, you’ll need it to prevent

2/4

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Chapter 40

pregnant. I don’t want to harm the

“I’ll use something safe for the fetus, but

relented, “Thank

to thank me. Where’s your

moment, Natalia said quietly.

“And your boyfriend?”

she replied,

suggesting. “You should get an ultrasound to check

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

night drew on, a painful

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, and

without missing a beat. “Just call the

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

check–up, so please

enough, he couldn’t help adding, “I just called my brother.

mid–step.

“What are you

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