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

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

grabbed her chin, turning

your man is here.”

brief silence, she asked, “Mr. Fowler, do you have any

met her eyes, replying simply.

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

was just fine as she was. Peaceful and quiet, right where she belonged. No need for a fancy

didn’t press further.

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

returned the smile with a nod.

felt a fleeting disorientation.

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

she vanished. Yet, their images overlapped

chuckled wryly to himself.

must be his imagination.

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

ever need help with anything,

Hamilton’s arm was around her waist. “We can

own, thank you.”

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

free to get in touch anytime, regardless

a note of Caspian’s

grew heavy, but he said

2/4

11:11

Chapter 101

Hamilton made no 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

Fowler, not leaving?”

flicked up. “What, should we leave just because

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

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

“Do you go

lips, looking away to the

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

downcast. “No, Mr.

is your type then, Ms. Jenkins? The kind

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

her heart. If she were to choose again, she thought, perhaps she would pick someone who

of answer is that? You

I would choose from those who do

that maybe trying to like someone should be