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.

expression turned to stone as he watched Natalia head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he

tight, and she didn’t respond but also

fell silent, a tableau of shocked

the definition of fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as if wanting to

doing? You’re scaring Ms.

him?”

only scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight. I

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

and the entire room was

of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with Hamilton had been

now, Hamilton was leaving with Natalia,

with a smirk, “Looks like

flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows how

following Hamilton

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

saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her face.

She clutched at his sleeve. “Are you

and turned

word, Natalia climbed into

a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take it.

12:08

Chapter 111

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

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

and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her

an apology,

frustration. “What? You feel

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.

you’re going to

a moment before he spoke, “Just go make me some spaghetti.”

stripping off his clothes as he headed toward the

before

was ready, Hamilton had emerged from

same “longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for him every

his expression

table

walked towards

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

could just barely make out the voice on the

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