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. “Yes.”

at her, then let the matter

feeling like an outsider. The one–of–a–kind earrings, designed by a

sure you don’t want to bid on

I’d rather Mr.

Jenkins, you’re asking for too much.”

just bid on

face darkened.

Natalia fell silent.

had said, Natalia left with nothing. He stood up,

“Alright.”

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

sharp pain shot through

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

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

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

side, his face blanching at the sight of her bleeding

get you to the hospital. They’ll handle

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

she followed the doctor to treat

skip the

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

2/4

14:40

Chapter 40

I don’t want to harm the baby.”

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

relented, “Thank

“No need to thank me.

said quietly. “I’m

“And your boyfriend?”

have one,” she replied,

suggesting. “You should get

the prescription. Stepping out, she was greeted by Alden. “How are you holding

painful reminder of the distance between her and Hamilton.

“Just got a call from the venue. Turns out that girl is a mega–fan of Eveleen. Heard through the grapevine about your

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

had managed to intercept the girl. before she could injure more than Natalia’s arm.

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

adding, “I just called my brother.

paused mid–step. “Thanks,

smile. “What are you thanking me

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