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 her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed her. “Take one more step

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

a tableau of shocked

fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as if wanting

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

him?”

on me tonight. I got to

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

and the entire room was silent.

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

was leaving with Natalia,

a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear

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

stood abruptly, following

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

Eveleen approaching, tears

you really

door and turned to Natalia. “Get in

Natalia climbed into the

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

12:08

Chapter 111

forcing a bitter smile. She really shouldn’t have come

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

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

argue, merely murmured an apology,

frustration. “What? You feel wronged now?”

a long

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

not like you’re going

eyes narrowed sharply for a moment before he spoke, “Just go make me some spaghetti.”

clothes as he headed toward

moment before finally heading into the kitchen.

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

same “longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for

and his

took a seat at the dining table and

turned and walked towards the

shower, Hamilton had already retreated to the bedroom. He was leaning

make out the voice

will you? None of us can calm her down.”