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.

Natalia head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed

respond but also didn’t

room fell silent, a tableau of shocked faces watching the drama

fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as if wanting

she said, “Hamilton, 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

arm around Natalia’s waist

the entire

evening’s turn of events. The engagement announcement

leaving with Natalia, leaving

but comment with a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear who’s closer to whom here.”

the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows

following

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

saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down

at his sleeve. “Are you

opened the car door and turned to

a word, Natalia climbed into

to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed,

12:08

Chapter 111

a bitter smile. She really shouldn’t have

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

instead of sitting by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her actions;

argue, merely murmured an apology, “Sorry, I

frustration. “What? You feel wronged

long moment

a clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was

not like you’re

for a moment before he spoke, “Just

off his clothes as

a moment before finally heading into the kitchen.

spaghetti was ready, Hamilton had emerged from

still the same “longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for him every year

eyebrows twitched slightly, and his expression finally softened a

at the dining table and started eating at

walked towards the bathroom.

her shower, Hamilton had already retreated to the bedroom. He was leaning against

barely make out the voice on the

drunk and won’t stop crying. Come over, will