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.

turned to stone as he watched Natalia head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed her. “Take one more step and see

and she didn’t respond but also didn’t move any

a tableau of shocked faces watching the drama unfold.

was the definition of fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as

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

him?”

Hamilton only scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight.

Natalia’s waist and the two left. The door closed behind

and the entire room was silent.

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

leaving with Natalia, leaving

couldn’t help but comment with a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear who’s closer to

lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins

abruptly, following Hamilton

the parking lot. As they reached his car, a voice called out.

approaching, tears streaming

you really

and turned to Natalia. “Get in

Natalia climbed into

to Eveleen, who refused

12:08

Chapter 111

Inside the car, forcing a bitter smile.

got back into the car. His first words were laced with sarcasm. “Ms. Jenkins, you’ve really outdone yourself this

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

argue, merely murmured an apology, “Sorry,

with frustration. “What? You

long moment before quietly saying,

at the apartment, Hamilton was greeted by a clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter.

not like you’re going

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

clothes as

still for a moment before finally heading

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

Natalia made for him every year

and his expression finally softened a bit.

took a seat at the dining table and

turned and walked

retreated to the bedroom. He was leaning against the window, on

out the

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