Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 111

Hamilton’s voice cut through the air, followed promptly by another command.

“Come here.”

Natalia’s steps faltered upon hearing him, but only for a moment before she resumed her march towards the exit.

She didn’t want to stay despite realizing how awkward it would look to leave so soon after arriving as if confirming she didn’t belong in this exclusive gathering.

But the truth was, she couldn’t bear the thought of spending another minute with this crowd.

Victor’s disdain for her was mutual; she had no interest in him either. So why stay and sour her own night?

And as for Hamilton…

Natalia let out a wry chuckle. Her first love was right by his side; was she expected to stick around just to be overshadowed?

Standing tall, she didn’t hesitate as she made her way to the door.

But when Hamilton saw her determined to leave, his face darkened instantaneously.

Alden, sensing the tension, quickly reached out to stop her. “Ms. Jenkins, now that you’re here, you can’t just up and leave like this.”

Natalia offered a laugh, though it lacked mirth. “Sorry, Alden, but I really don’t like it here.”

Alden frowned, glancing at Hamilton, hoping he would say something to convince her to stay. But Hamilton remained silent, his gaze heavy on Natalia.

Victor, ever the instigator, couldn’t resist adding fuel to the fire. “Alden, let her go if she wants to. She shouldn’t have been invited in the first place. What’s the point of bringing someone like her, just to spoil the mood?”

Finally, Elliott couldn’t hold back. “Victor Henkel, that’s quite enough. Ms. Jenkins isn’t here for you.”

Victor clicked his tongue, throwing Elliott a meaningful glance. “Since when did you become so chummy with Ms. Jenkins?”

Elliott ignored him, turning to Natalia instead. “Ms. Jenkins, since you’re here, why not join us for a bit? It’s Hamilton’s birthday, after all. We should be having fun.”

Eveleen chimed in with a laugh, playing the gracious hostess. “Yeah, come and have some fun. Otherwise, it might seem like we’re not welcoming.”

Her words, dripping with an air of exclusive ownership, effectively set Natalia apart from the

group.

Natalia had no intention of staying, but Eveleen’s comment sparked a defiant streak in her. She stepped forward, moving towards Elliott. “If Ms. Schafer insists, I’ll stay and join in the festivities.

Eveleen’s smile froze on her face.

reach her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed her. “Take one

didn’t respond but also didn’t move any

tableau of

expression was the definition of fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as if

what are you doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close to Elliott, so what’s wrong with her

him?”

only scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight. I got

around Natalia’s waist and the two left.

entire

paled considerably. She was already humiliated by the evening’s turn of events. The engagement announcement she was

was leaving with

help but comment with a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear who’s closer

onto the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows how to make an impression,

abruptly, following Hamilton out.

Natalia straight to the parking lot. As they reached his car, a voice called

Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching,

She clutched at his sleeve. “Are you

car door and turned to Natalia. “Get

Natalia climbed

coat pocket, Hamilton produced a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed,

12:08

Chapter 111

the scene from Inside the car, forcing a

until Hamilton finally got back into the car. His first words were

sitting by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her actions; she simply

apology, “Sorry, I shouldn’t

furrowed with frustration. “What? You

silent for a long moment before

clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter. “So, Ms. Jenkins, you’re not even cooking dinner

you’re going to

narrowed sharply for a moment before he spoke, “Just go make

as he headed toward the bathroom.

stood still for a moment before finally

the spaghetti was ready, Hamilton had emerged from the bathroom. He glanced at the plate on the

“longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for him every year on

eyebrows twitched slightly, and his expression finally

at the dining table and

and walked towards

already retreated to

make out the voice

and won’t stop crying. Come over, will you? None