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

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

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

your man is

gaze back, and after a brief silence, she asked, “Mr. Fowler, do you have any idea why Mr. Spiegel suddenly inquired about my mother?”

met her eyes, replying simply. “No clue.”

with Caspian. Whether or not there

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

press

need to head out.” He smiled

returned the smile with a nod.

Caspian felt a fleeting

aura, it was so familiar. His memories of his

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

wryly

must be

was no real connection to Natalia, he couldn’t

need help with anything, don’t hesitate to reach

was around her waist. “We can

own, thank you.”

possessive posture with a wry smile, yet he left his

touch anytime,

a note of

but he said nothing more.

2/4

11:11

Chapter 101

Caspian left, 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

not leaving?” Natalia inquired.

flicked up. “What, should we leave

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

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

studied her before asking. “Do you go for

her lips, looking away to the world outside the window.

passed by, the woman holding a bouquet, and a familiar melody drifted in the air. Christmas was

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

Ms. Jenkins? The kind

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

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

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

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

thought to herself that maybe trying to like someone should be easier than trying not to.