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

nodded firmly.

her, then let the matter drop.

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

to bid on something?

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

you’re asking for

just bid on whatever,” she replied.

face darkened.

Natalia fell silent.

Natalia left with nothing. He stood up,

“Alright.”

venue herself. Unbeknownst to her, the rain had started to pour outside. She stood at the

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

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

Natalia’s arm. Gritting her teeth, she called out, “Somebody.

a bitch, a mistress!” The girl, though restrained by security. continued her

Natalia’s side, his face blanching at the sight

let’s get you to the hospital. They’ll handle this

Alden to his car. Once inside, he drove

followed the doctor to treat her

skip the medication?” she

“With a cut like

2/4

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Chapter 40

to harm the baby.”

“I’ll use something safe for

relented, “Thank

need to thank me. Where’s your husband?”

said quietly. “I’m not married.”

“And your boyfriend?”

have one,” she replied,

“You should get

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

on, a painful reminder of

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

was close by today; they had managed

check–up, so please

help adding, “I just called

mid–step. “Thanks,

are you thanking

was fine, Natalia finally breathed a sigh of relief. Walking out of the