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.

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

respond but

tableau of shocked faces

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

she said, “Hamilton, what are you doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close to Elliott, so

him?”

“Drinks on me tonight.

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

and the entire

humiliated by the evening’s turn of events.

Hamilton was leaving with Natalia, leaving her behind?

a smirk, “Looks

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

following

outside the room; Hamilton led Natalia straight to the parking

around, Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down

“Are you really going to leave me like this?”

car door and turned to Natalia. “Get in and

climbed into the

and offered it to Eveleen, who refused

12:08

Chapter 111

watched the scene from Inside the car, forcing a bitter smile. She really shouldn’t have

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

he was referring to her decision to walk towards Elliott instead of sitting by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her actions; she simply didn’t want to be near them.

merely murmured an apology, “Sorry, I

“What? You feel wronged

a long moment before quietly saying, “No.”

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

“Well, it’s not like you’re going

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

his clothes as

a moment before finally

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

spaghetti” Natalia made for him every year on his

eyebrows twitched slightly, and his expression finally softened a bit.

dining table and started eating at

turned and walked towards the bathroom.

out after her shower, Hamilton had already retreated to the

just barely make out the voice on the

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