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.

nodded firmly. “Yes.”

then let the matter drop.

one–of–a–kind earrings, designed

to bid on something? It’s

I’d rather Mr. Fowler just give me

you’re asking for too

bid on whatever,” she

face darkened. “Too late.”

Natalia fell silent.

As Hamilton had said, Natalia left with nothing.

“Alright.”

to pour

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

Mistress! You’re ruining Eveleen and Mr. Fowler’s relationship, you tramp! I’ll teach

Gritting her teeth, she

The girl, though restrained by security. continued her tirade as if she had lost her

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

to the hospital. They’ll handle this

car. Once inside, he drove furiously to the nearest

followed the doctor to treat her

the medication?” she whispered.

the doctor replied, “With a cut like

2/4

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Chapter 40

want to harm the baby.” Natalia

“I’ll use something safe for the fetus,

“Thank

“No need to thank me. Where’s

Natalia said quietly. “I’m

“And your boyfriend?”

one,” she

“You should get an ultrasound to check

was greeted by Alden.

the night drew on, a painful reminder of the distance between her

had barely 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 grapevine about your connection

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

so please wait for me for

he couldn’t help adding, “I just called my brother. He’s on his way here.

mid–step. “Thanks,

a smile. “What are

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 agent in tow.