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.

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

lips were tight, and she didn’t respond but also didn’t move

of shocked faces watching the drama

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

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

him?”

only scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight. I got to

that, he wrapped his arm around Natalia’s waist and the two

and the entire

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

was leaving with Natalia, leaving her

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

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

stood abruptly, following Hamilton out.

the room; Hamilton led Natalia straight to the parking lot. As they reached his car, a

Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching, tears

“Are you really going to leave me

door and turned

Natalia climbed into the

offered it to Eveleen, who refused

12:08

Chapter 111

scene from Inside the car, forcing a bitter

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

he was referring to her decision to walk towards Elliott instead of sitting by him and Eveleen. She had

didn’t argue, merely murmured an apology,

“What?

long moment before

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

like you’re going to eat

before he

as he headed toward

stood still for a moment before finally heading into the kitchen.

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

made for him every

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

seat at the dining table and started eating at a leisurely

turned and walked towards the bathroom.

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

the voice on the other

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