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.

waiting for her to reach her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed her. “Take one more step

were tight, and she didn’t respond

silent, a tableau of shocked faces watching the

expression was the definition of fury. She glared at Natalia

friendliness as she said, “Hamilton, what are you doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s

him?”

Hamilton only scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight. I got to go.”

he wrapped his arm around Natalia’s waist and the two left. The door closed behind

and the entire room was silent.

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

was leaving with Natalia, leaving her behind?

with a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear who’s closer to

interest, tossed his cards onto the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows how to make

stood abruptly, following Hamilton out.

outside the room; Hamilton led Natalia straight to the parking lot. As

around, Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching,

at his sleeve. “Are you really going to leave me

opened the car door and turned to Natalia. “Get in and wait.”

word, Natalia climbed into

Hamilton produced a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take

12:08

Chapter 111

car, forcing a bitter smile. She really shouldn’t

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

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

argue, merely murmured an apology,

“What?

a long moment before

His scoff

“Well, it’s not like you’re going to eat it anyway.”

a moment before he spoke,

started stripping off his clothes as he headed toward

moment before finally heading into the kitchen.

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

Natalia made for him every year on his birthday.

eyebrows twitched slightly, and his expression finally

table

and walked towards the

she came out after her shower, Hamilton had already retreated to the bedroom. He

barely make out the

crying. Come over, will you? None of us