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

grabbed her chin,

man is here.”

Fowler, do you have any idea why Mr.

her eyes, replying simply. “No clue.”

to stay clear of any entanglements with Caspian. Whether or

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

didn’t press

out.” He smiled at Natalia. “I apologize for my boldness today. I’ll make

the smile with a nod.

her smile, Caspian felt a fleeting disorientation.

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

younger than Natalia when she vanished. Yet, their images overlapped in his mind inexplicably.

wryly

must be his

no real connection to Natalia, he couldn’t help but treat her like

help with anything, don’t hesitate to reach

arm was around her waist. “We

own, thank you.”

with a wry smile,

get in touch anytime,

a note of

gaze grew heavy, but

2/4

11:11

Chapter 101

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

leaving?” Natalia

eyes flicked up. “What, should we leave just because

told her his mood had soured, likely because she had kept

a little longer,” she offered,

asking. “Do you go

lips, looking away to the world

a familiar melody drifted in

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

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

across from her, paused, and then said, “I prefer

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

of answer is that? You like

smile. “No, but I would choose from those

to herself that maybe trying to like someone should