Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 109

Elliott felt a twinge of embarrassment. He had just finished asking Natalia out when Hamilton showed up. It was a bit like being caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

But he had been interested in Natalia for a while, and Hamilton must have seen it coming. He never made a move until now, knowing that Hamilton’s engagement was looming. That was when Elliott found the courage to speak up.

But judging by Hamilton’s demeanor now, it seemed that even with the engagement, he wasn’t going to let go of Natalia easily. Elliott felt a tinge of regret but managed a resigned chuckle.

He was no match for Hamilton.

“Hamilton’s here? I guess I’ll be taking off then.”

With that, he got to his feet.

Hamilton’s gaze swept over him and settled on Natalia. “Mr. Lehner is leaving, Ms. Jenkins. Aren’t you going to say anything?”

Natalia’s lips were tightly drawn, and after a moment, she turned to Elliott and said, “Goodbye, Mr. Lehner.”

Elliott nodded, looked at Hamilton, and said, “Catch you later, Hamilton.”

Hamilton said nothing, and Elliott left somewhat sheepishly.

Natalia looked up to meet his gaze. “My run–in with Mr. Lehner was purely coincidental.”

Hamilton chuckled dryly. “Quite a fucking coincidence!”

Natalia forced a laugh, lifting her gaze, her eyes devoid of any superfluous emotion. “Yeah, it’s quite a coincidence. Just like bumping into you here, right?”

Hamilton’s eyes darkened as he stared at the woman before him.

Natalia’s defensiveness was too obvious to ignore. It wasn’t just today. Ever since their argument over the miscarriage, she had been acting this way. And today, it was especially noticeable.

“Natalia, don’t sulk over such a trivial matter!”

Natalia let out a bitter laugh. A trivial matter? Maybe to him, everything was just a triviality.

Her eyes fell. “No, Mr. Fowler, you’re overthinking it. I just wanted some peace and quiet.”

Hamilton scoffed, his fingers casually stroking her face. “Peace and quiet with Elliott? What’s next, a roll in the hay to cap it off?”

There was a cold mockery in his eyes as he spoke.

Natalia found it laughable. He could parade around with Eveleen in public as a couple without a

10:42

wasn’t even allowed the freedom to make

her. “Hamilton, have

response was evasive.

her? Anyone would have misread the scene earlier. Natalia was attractive, and Elliott was a

laughter with Elliott ignited a fire in Hamilton’s chest. When was the last

with her over something so petty.

long fingers traced her cheek briefly before

turned and strode

I’ve got plans with

back at her. “Need

scooped Natalia up. She instinctively

you don’t want to get hurt, stop

struggle. She knew she couldn’t outfight this man, and

in the car, she called Scarlett and explained. Knowing her situation, Scarlett could only say, “Pity. I was about to share something with you. Never mind,

in response, and the

was still

turned her gaze out the window. The festive streets were somewhat congested. Couples hand in

phone suddenly rang with Eveleen’s personalized ringtone. He

you? Everyone’s

responded, “Not

ended the call.

twitched. “Sorry for ruining

“It’s mutual. Didn’t I interrupt your date, too?”

him a glance and fell silent.

Chapter 109

the traffic jam, Hamilton floored it. Soon, the car pulled up to

door. Hamilton,

loosened his tie. “No rush to

Natalia onto his lap.

been in a

by this woman.

his hand slipping under her blouse.

“Not now!”

“Didn’t you say you’d hand yourself to me whenever I want you? Why the pretense

then, with a bitter laugh, wrapped her

for nearly an hour before

as Hamilton carried her upstairs. Her phone was buzzing nonstop like

it up and glanced at it.

texts from Scarlett.

friend sure has a lot of free time on her hands.”

pursed her lips, silent, as Scarlett’s call