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

his cell phone rang. “Excuse me,” he said,

departure, Hamilton grabbed her chin, turning her face

man

asked, “Mr. Fowler, do you have any idea why Mr.

replying simply. “No

he preferred Natalia to stay clear of any entanglements with Caspian. Whether or not there was a connection between

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

press further.

out.” He smiled at Natalia.

returned the smile with

smile, Caspian felt a fleeting disorientation.

memories of his sister were fading, but looking at Natalia, they seemed to sharpen.

than Natalia when she vanished. Yet, their images

wryly

be

connection to Natalia, he couldn’t help

help with anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

around her

own, thank you.”

posture with a wry smile, yet he left

in touch anytime, regardless

made a note of Caspian’s

gaze grew heavy, but he said nothing

2/4

11:11

Chapter 101

held only water. His fingers played with

Fowler, not leaving?”

“What, should we leave just because

soured, likely because she had kept Caspian’s number.

rather stay, we can linger a little longer,” she

asking. “Do you go

to the world outside the window.

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

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

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

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

didn’t care for her had taken up enough of her heart. If she were to choose again,

“What kind of answer is that? You like anyone who likes you?”

those who do and try to learn to like them back.”

like someone