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 destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed her.

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

silent, a tableau of shocked faces watching the

the definition of fury. She glared at Natalia with

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

him?”

“Drinks on me tonight. I got

arm around Natalia’s waist and

entire room was silent.

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

with Natalia, leaving her behind?

smirk, “Looks like

losing interest, tossed his cards onto the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at

stood abruptly, following

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

Eveleen approaching,

clutched at his sleeve. “Are you really going to leave

opened the car door and turned to Natalia. “Get in and

word, Natalia climbed into

pocket, Hamilton produced a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed, then wiped away

12:08

Chapter 111

car, forcing a bitter

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

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

merely murmured an apology,

frustration. “What? You feel wronged

a long moment before quietly saying, “No.”

clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter.

it’s not like you’re going to

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

started stripping off his clothes as

moment before finally heading

emerged from the bathroom. He glanced

still the same “longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for him every

eyebrows twitched slightly, and his expression finally softened a bit.

took a seat at the dining table and

and walked

to the bedroom. He was leaning against

the voice on the

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