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 you

firmly.

her, then let the

The one–of–a–kind earrings, designed by a renowned artist, eventually

to

a pause, Natalia said, “If possible, I’d rather

“Ms. Jenkins, you’re asking

just bid on whatever,” she

face darkened. “Too late.”

Natalia fell silent.

said, Natalia left with nothing. He stood up, telling her bluntly, “I’ll take Eveleen home.

“Alright.”

to pour outside. She stood at the entrance, contemplating a call to

sharp pain shot through her arm. A teenage girl, in a fit of rage, was shrieking

Fowler’s relationship, you tramp!

Natalia’s arm. Gritting her teeth, she called out, “Somebody. please, call the police!”

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

side, his face blanching at the sight of her bleeding

the hospital. They’ll handle this here.”

Alden to his car. Once inside, he drove furiously to

the hospital, she followed the doctor

skip the medication?” she whispered.

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

2/4

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Chapter 40

pregnant. I don’t want to harm

safe for the fetus, but

relented, “Thank

doctor smiled. “No need to thank me. Where’s

said quietly.

“And your boyfriend?”

have one,” she

fell silent before suggesting. “You should get

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

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

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

a stroke of luck that security was close by today; they had managed to intercept the girl. before she could injure more than Natalia’s arm.

so please wait for

“I just called my brother. He’s on his

paused mid–step.

are

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