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

nodded firmly.

then let the matter

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

want to bid on something? It’s now

“If possible, I’d rather Mr. Fowler just give me

scoffed. “Ms. Jenkins, you’re asking for too much.”

just bid on whatever,” she replied.

face darkened. “Too

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 way back.”

“Alright.”

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

piercing scream followed by sharp pain shot through her arm. A teenage girl, in a fit of rage, was shrieking at

Eveleen and Mr. Fowler’s relationship, you tramp!

her teeth, she called out, “Somebody.

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

his face blanching at the sight of

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

to his car. Once inside, he drove furiously to

the doctor to treat her

we skip the medication?” she whispered.

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

2/4

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Chapter 40

to harm the baby.”

paused, then said, “I’ll use something safe

“Thank

need to thank me.

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

“And your boyfriend?”

have one,” she replied, looking

“You should get an ultrasound

Stepping out, she was greeted by Alden. “How are you holding up? Is it all

the night drew on, a painful reminder of the distance between her and Hamilton.

Natalia, “Just got a call from the venue. Turns out that girl is a mega–fan of Eveleen. Heard through the grapevine

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

security was close by today; they had managed to

please wait for

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

mid–step.

cracked a smile. “What are you thanking

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