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

firmly. “Yes.”

then let the matter drop.

feeling like an outsider. The one–of–a–kind earrings, designed by a renowned artist, eventually went to Hamilton for a staggering thirty

“You sure you don’t want to bid

I’d rather Mr. Fowler

Jenkins, you’re

on

face darkened. “Too

Natalia fell silent.

Hamilton had said, Natalia left with nothing. He

“Alright.”

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

scream followed by sharp pain shot through her arm. A teenage girl, in a fit

Mr. Fowler’s relationship, you tramp! I’ll teach your a lesson for

gash on Natalia’s arm. Gritting her teeth, she

will that do? 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

to the

inside, he drove furiously to the nearest

the doctor to treat her

skip the medication?”

like this, you’ll need it to prevent

2/4

14:40

Chapter 40

want to harm the baby.” Natalia

“I’ll use something safe for the fetus,

relented, “Thank you.

to thank me. Where’s your husband?”

moment, Natalia said quietly. “I’m not

“And your boyfriend?”

have one,” she

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

was greeted by Alden. “How are you holding up? Is

painful reminder of the distance

stopped ringing when he relayed the message to Natalia, “Just got a call from the venue. Turns out that girl is a mega–fan

call the cops and let

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

check–up, so please

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

mid–step.

a smile. “What are you

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