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 you

nodded firmly. “Yes.”

her, then let the matter

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

again, “You sure you don’t want to bid on something? It’s now or

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

you’re asking for

on

face darkened. “Too late.”

Natalia fell silent.

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

“Alright.”

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

figure charged towards her. Before she could react, a piercing scream followed by sharp pain shot through her arm. A teenage girl, in a fit of rage, was shrieking at her.

you tramp! I’ll teach your a lesson

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

will that do? You’re still a bitch, a mistress!” The girl, though restrained by

side, his face blanching

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

Alden to his car. Once inside, he drove

the hospital, she followed the doctor

the medication?” she whispered.

cut like this, you’ll need it to

2/4

14:40

Chapter 40

don’t want to harm the baby.”

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

“Thank you.

need to thank

moment, Natalia said quietly. “I’m

“And your boyfriend?”

one,” she

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

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

drew on, a painful reminder of the distance between

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

call

of luck that security was close by today; they had managed to intercept the girl. before she could

so please wait

couldn’t help adding, “I just called my

mid–step. “Thanks, Alden.”

“What are you

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