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.

then

to Hamilton throughout, leaving Natalia feeling like an outsider. The one–of–a–kind earrings, designed by

asked again, “You sure you don’t want to

I’d rather Mr. Fowler just give me

Jenkins, you’re asking

just bid on whatever,”

face darkened. “Too late.”

Natalia fell silent.

ended, it was past eleven. As Hamilton had said, Natalia left with

“Alright.”

to her, the rain had started to pour outside. She stood at the entrance, contemplating a call to Alden, when a commotion

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

you tramp! I’ll

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

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

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

Jenkins, let’s get you to the hospital.

Alden to his car. Once inside, he

the doctor to treat her

we skip the

like

2/4

14:40

Chapter 40

pregnant. I don’t want to harm the baby.” Natalia admitted.

doctor paused, then said, “I’ll use something safe for the fetus, but you need

relented, “Thank

smiled. “No need to thank me. Where’s your husband?”

a moment, Natalia said quietly. “I’m not

“And your boyfriend?”

one,” she replied, looking down.

doctor fell silent before suggesting. “You should get an ultrasound to check on

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

nodded, and the night drew on, a painful reminder

the message to Natalia, “Just got a call from the venue. Turns out that girl

without missing a beat. “Just call the cops and let them deal with

was a stroke of luck that security was close by today; they had managed to intercept

got one more check–up, so please wait for me for a while?”

nodded quickly, but soon enough, he couldn’t help adding, “I just called my

paused mid–step. “Thanks, Alden.”

a smile. “What are you thanking me for?”

Natalia finally breathed a sigh of relief. Walking out of the ultrasound