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 sure?”

firmly.

at her, then let the matter drop.

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

“You sure you don’t want to bid on

I’d rather Mr. Fowler

scoffed. “Ms. Jenkins, you’re

bid on

face darkened. “Too

Natalia fell silent.

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

“Alright.”

to pour outside. She stood at the entrance, contemplating

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

you tramp! I’ll teach your a lesson for Eveleen, you wretch!”

her teeth, she called out,

You’re still a bitch, a mistress!” The girl, though restrained by security. continued her tirade as if she had lost her

his face blanching at the sight of her bleeding

get you to the hospital. They’ll handle

car. Once inside, he drove

the hospital, she followed the doctor to treat her

we skip the medication?” she

replied, “With a cut like this, you’ll need it to

2/4

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Chapter 40

don’t want to harm the baby.” Natalia

then said, “I’ll use something safe for

“Thank you.

need to thank me. Where’s your

Natalia said quietly.

“And your boyfriend?”

she replied,

fell silent before suggesting. “You should get an ultrasound to check on the baby.”

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

a painful reminder of the distance between her

relayed the message to Natalia, “Just got a call from the venue. Turns out that girl is a mega–fan of Eveleen.

Natalia said without missing a beat. “Just call the cops and let them deal with it.”

by today; they had managed to intercept the

got one more check–up, so please wait

he couldn’t help adding, “I

mid–step. “Thanks,

a smile. “What are you thanking me

confirmed the baby was fine, Natalia finally breathed a sigh of relief. Walking out of the ultrasound room,