Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 101

It was a bit out of left field, the question Caspian asked Natalia. After all, the two had only met for the third time, including today.

So, when he popped the question, Natalia was caught off guard for a moment.

Still, she managed to reply with polite curiosity, “May I ask which aspects of my mother you’re interested in, Mr. Spiegel?”

Caspian leaned in, his gaze earnest. “Your mother’s age, her occupation, and her last name if it’s not too much trouble. Could you share that with me?”

Mentioning her mother, Tatiana, always brought a sour twist to Natalia’s heart.

Truth be told, her mother was an extraordinary woman–beautiful, gentle in spirit, with a talent for both dance and the brush that was nothing short of remarkable.

But fate had been cruel, and life even more so. Tatiana never got the chance to shine, her talents buried beneath the weight of misfortunes. Worst of all, it was a man who had left her in the state she found herself in today.

Swallowing the lump of emotion in her throat, Natalia composed herself before speaking.

“Her last name is Joyner. She hasn’t been working since a car accident three years ago.”

She left it at that, not delving into further details. As for her mother’s age, it was a bit of a mystery even to Natalia.

Tatiana had lost her memory in those dark days, remembered nothing, and had no ID to speak

1. of.

All the identification she had now was provided by Patrick Schafer, well after the fact. So, the specifics of age and birthday were, to Natalia, unknown.

The spark in Caspian’s eyes seemed to dim the instant he heard the last name Joyner.

So, she was a Joyner. Then, she couldn’t be the one.

And yet, hearing about the accident, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern.

“Was the accident serious?” he couldn’t stop himself from asking.

Natalia nodded, forcing a brittle smile. “Quite serious. She hasn’t woken up since.”

Caspian frowned deeply, suddenly feeling a wave of compassion for the young woman in front of him, even if she probably had no connection to his sister.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured.

Natalia shook her head with a faint smile. She was used to it by now.

Out of politeness, Caspian didn’t press further but smoothly changed the subject.

11:10

Chapter 101

phone rang. “Excuse me,” he said, standing to take the

followed Caspian’s departure, Hamilton grabbed her chin, turning her face

man

back, and after a brief silence, she asked, “Mr. Fowler, do

eyes, replying

Whether or not there was a connection between Natalia’s mother and Caspian,

was just fine as she was. Peaceful and quiet, right where she belonged. No need for a fancy family name or any powerful backing.

didn’t press further.

bit of a situation with Bianca. I need to head out.” He smiled at Natalia. “I apologize

the smile with

her smile, Caspian felt a fleeting disorientation.

His memories of his sister were fading, but

when she vanished. Yet, their

chuckled wryly to

be

knowing there was no real connection to Natalia, he couldn’t help but treat her like a younger

ever need help with anything, don’t

was around her waist. “We can manage on

own, thank you.”

wry smile, yet he left his phone number with Natalia.

to get in touch anytime, regardless

a note of Caspian’s number.

heavy, but he said nothing more.

2/4

11:11

Chapter 101

only water. His fingers played with the glass as if it were a piece

not leaving?” Natalia

“What, should we leave

told her his mood had soured, likely because she had kept Caspian’s number. But she needed her own

we can linger a little longer,” she offered, sidestepping the tension.

studied her before asking. “Do you go for guys

her lips, looking away to the world outside the

the woman holding a bouquet, and a familiar melody drifted in the air. Christmas was around the corner. And with it,

eyes downcast. “No, Mr. Spiegel isn’t my

escaped Hamilton. “What is your type then, Ms. Jenkins? The

from her, paused, and then said, “I prefer someone who

she were to choose again, she thought, perhaps she would pick someone who cared for

of answer is that? You like anyone

choose from those who do and

to like someone should be