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

nodded firmly.

then let the

auction commenced, with Eveleen whispering to 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 million

asked again, “You sure you don’t want to bid on something?

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

scoffed. “Ms. Jenkins, you’re asking

just bid on whatever,”

face darkened. “Too late.”

Natalia fell silent.

past eleven. As Hamilton had said, Natalia left with nothing. He stood up, telling her bluntly, “I’ll take Eveleen home. Find your own

“Alright.”

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

a figure charged towards her. Before she could react, a piercing scream followed by sharp pain

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

seeped from the gash on Natalia’s arm. Gritting her teeth, she called

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

side, his face blanching at the sight of

let’s get you to the hospital.

Once inside, he drove furiously to

she followed the doctor to treat

skip the medication?” she whispered.

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

2/4

14:40

Chapter 40

to harm the baby.” Natalia

“I’ll use something safe for the fetus, but you need treatment.”

relented, “Thank you.

need to

moment, Natalia said

“And your boyfriend?”

she replied, looking down.

should get an ultrasound to check on

said, taking the prescription. Stepping out, she was

and the night drew on, a painful reminder of the

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

a beat. “Just call the cops and let them deal with

had managed to

check–up, so please wait

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

mid–step. “Thanks,

a smile. “What are

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