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.

he watched Natalia head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed her. “Take

respond but also didn’t move

fell silent, a tableau of shocked faces

definition of fury. She glared at Natalia with

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

him?”

only scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight.

Natalia’s waist and the

and the entire room

already humiliated by the evening’s turn of events. The engagement announcement

with Natalia, leaving her

a smirk, “Looks

his cards onto the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins

abruptly, following Hamilton

to the parking lot. As they reached his

saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her

“Are you really going to leave me like this?”

the car door and turned to

climbed into the car.

Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed,

12:08

Chapter 111

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

avoiding the scene outside, time seemed to stretch on until Hamilton finally got back into the car. His first words were laced with sarcasm. “Ms. Jenkins, you’ve really outdone yourself this time.”

instead of sitting by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her actions; she simply didn’t want to

an apology, “Sorry,

brow furrowed with frustration. “What?

long moment before quietly

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

it’s not like you’re going to eat

narrowed sharply for a moment before he spoke, “Just go make

clothes as he headed toward

moment before

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

Natalia made for him every year on

his expression finally softened

at the dining table and started eating at a leisurely pace.

walked

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

the voice on the

stop crying. Come over, will you? None of us can calm