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

few sentences later, his cell phone rang. “Excuse me,” he said, standing to take the

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

Jenkins, your man

brief silence, she asked, “Mr. Fowler, do

replying simply. “No

entanglements with Caspian. Whether or not there was a connection

she belonged. No need for a fancy family

didn’t press further.

the silence. “Sorry about that. It’s a bit of a situation with Bianca. I need to head out.” He smiled at Natalia. “I apologize for my boldness today.

returned the smile with a nod.

smile, Caspian felt a

of his sister were fading, but looking

had been even younger than Natalia when she vanished. Yet, their images overlapped in his mind

wryly to himself.

be his

to Natalia, he couldn’t help but treat

need help with anything,

was around her waist. “We can

own, thank you.”

wry smile, yet

free to get in touch anytime, regardless of him.”

a note of

heavy, but he said nothing more.

2/4

11:11

Chapter 101

move to depart. He didn’t like coffee, so his cup held only water. His fingers played with the glass as if it were a piece of fine

Fowler, not leaving?” Natalia inquired.

up. “What, should we leave

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

we can linger a little longer,” she offered, sidestepping

her before asking. “Do you go for guys

away to the

and a familiar melody drifted in the air. Christmas was around

“No, Mr. Spiegel isn’t

Ms. Jenkins? The kind

from her, paused, and

of her heart. If she were to choose

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

“No, but I would choose from those who do and try to learn

to like someone should be easier than trying not