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.

for her to reach

didn’t respond but also didn’t move any further.

fell silent, a tableau of shocked faces watching the drama unfold.

definition of fury. She glared at Natalia

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

him?”

scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight. I got

around Natalia’s waist and the

entire room

paled considerably. She was already humiliated by the evening’s turn of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with Hamilton had

Hamilton was leaving with

with a smirk, “Looks like it’s

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

abruptly, following Hamilton out.

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

approaching, tears streaming

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

door and turned to Natalia. “Get in and wait.”

Natalia climbed

to Eveleen, who refused

12:08

Chapter 111

the car, forcing a bitter

time seemed to stretch on until Hamilton finally got back into the car.

to her decision to walk towards Elliott instead of sitting by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her actions; she

merely murmured an apology, “Sorry, I

frustration. “What? You feel wronged

long moment before

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

“Well, it’s not like you’re going to

he spoke, “Just go

clothes as he headed toward

stood still for a moment before finally heading

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

still the same “longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for him every year on his birthday.

and his

a seat at the dining table and started eating

and walked towards

had already retreated to the bedroom. He was leaning

just barely make out the voice on the other

stop crying. Come over, will you? None of us can