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

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

Caspian’s departure, Hamilton grabbed her chin, turning her face toward him.

man

“Mr. Fowler, do

replying simply. “No

or

No need for a fancy family name or any powerful backing. She was perfect

didn’t press further.

“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. I’ll make it up to you with

the smile

smile, Caspian felt

familiar. His memories of his sister were fading, but looking at Natalia, they seemed

when she vanished. Yet, their

wryly to himself.

be

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

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

arm was around

own, thank you.”

met Hamilton’s possessive posture with a wry smile, yet he

touch

a note of Caspian’s

heavy, but he said nothing more.

2/4

11:11

Chapter 101

depart. He didn’t like coffee, so his cup held only

Fowler, not leaving?” Natalia

“What, should we leave just

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

a little longer,” she offered,

her before asking. “Do you go for guys like

her lips, looking away to the

familiar melody drifted in the air. Christmas was around the corner. And

eyes downcast. “No, Mr. Spiegel

type then, Ms. Jenkins? The kind you’ve been pining after in

the gaze of the man across from her, paused, and

care for her had taken up enough of her heart. If she were to choose again, she thought, perhaps she would pick someone who cared for her

narrowed slightly. “What kind of answer is that?

smile. “No, but I would choose from those who do and try to learn to like them

to like someone