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

raised an eyebrow. “Are

firmly. “Yes.”

her, then let the matter

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 thirty

sure you don’t want to bid on something? It’s now or never.”

I’d rather

Jenkins, you’re asking for too much.”

just bid on whatever,” she replied.

darkened. “Too

Natalia fell silent.

left with nothing. He stood up, telling

“Alright.”

started to pour outside. She stood at the entrance, contemplating

react, a piercing scream followed by sharp pain shot through her arm. A teenage girl, in a fit of rage, was

you tramp! I’ll teach your a lesson

Gritting her teeth, she called out, “Somebody. please, call

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

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

to the hospital.

inside, he drove furiously

the hospital, she followed the

we skip the

doctor replied, “With a cut like

2/4

14:40

Chapter 40

want to harm the baby.”

use something safe for the fetus, but you

“Thank you.

need to thank me.

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

“And your boyfriend?”

she replied,

“You should get an ultrasound to

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

painful reminder of the

stopped ringing when he relayed the message to Natalia, “Just got a call from the venue. Turns out that girl is a mega–fan of Eveleen. Heard through the

missing a beat. “Just call the cops and let them

that security was close by today; they had managed to intercept

got one more check–up, so please wait for me for

soon enough, he couldn’t help adding, “I

mid–step. “Thanks, Alden.”

a smile. “What are

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