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.

head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her

she didn’t respond

fell silent, a tableau of shocked

Natalia

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

him?”

scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight. I got to

waist and the

and the entire room was silent.

the evening’s turn of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with Hamilton

Hamilton was leaving with Natalia, leaving her

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

table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows

stood abruptly, following Hamilton

the parking

Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down

his sleeve. “Are you really going to leave

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

word, Natalia climbed

pocket, Hamilton produced a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen,

12:08

Chapter 111

the scene from Inside the car, forcing a bitter smile. She really

time seemed to stretch on until Hamilton finally got back into

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

apology, “Sorry, I shouldn’t

brow furrowed with frustration. “What?

remained silent for a long moment before quietly saying, “No.”

at the apartment, Hamilton was greeted by a clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter. “So, Ms. Jenkins, you’re not even

not like you’re going to eat

moment before he spoke, “Just go make me

started stripping off his clothes as he headed toward the

before finally heading

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

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

twitched slightly, and his

the dining table and started eating

walked towards the bathroom.

Hamilton had already retreated to the bedroom. He was leaning against the

just barely make out the voice on

and won’t stop crying. Come over, will you? None of