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.

Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he

respond but also didn’t move

a tableau of

of fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as if wanting to rip her apart.

doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close to Elliott,

him?”

scoffed. “Drinks on me

around Natalia’s waist and the two left.

entire room was

evening’s turn of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with Hamilton had been scrapped without mention.

Hamilton was leaving with

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

tossed his cards onto the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen.

following Hamilton out.

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

Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her

his sleeve. “Are you really going to

opened the car door and turned to Natalia. “Get

a word, Natalia climbed into the

it to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He

12:08

Chapter 111

forcing a bitter smile. She

lowered her gaze, avoiding the scene outside, time seemed to stretch on until Hamilton finally got back into the car. His first words were laced with sarcasm.

he was referring to her decision to walk towards Elliott instead of sitting by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her

murmured an apology,

furrowed with frustration. “What? You

remained silent for a long moment before quietly saying, “No.”

apartment, Hamilton was greeted by a clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter.

not like you’re going to eat it anyway.”

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

started stripping off his clothes as he

a moment before finally heading into the kitchen.

time the spaghetti was ready, Hamilton had emerged from the bathroom.

same “longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for him every

eyebrows twitched slightly, and his expression finally softened a

the dining table and started eating at

walked

came out after her shower, Hamilton had already retreated to the

barely make out the voice

drunk and won’t stop crying. Come over, will you? None of us can calm her down.”