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 stood abruptly

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

room fell silent, a tableau of shocked faces watching the drama unfold.

She glared at Natalia with hatred as if wanting

You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close to Elliott,

him?”

on me tonight. I got to

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

entire room

complexion paled considerably. She was already humiliated by the evening’s turn of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with Hamilton

with Natalia, leaving her behind?

a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear

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

stood abruptly, following Hamilton out.

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

Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming

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

the car door and turned to

a word, Natalia climbed

it to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed,

12:08

Chapter 111

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

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

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

an apology, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have come.”

frustration. “What? You feel

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

was greeted by a clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter. “So, Ms. Jenkins, you’re

you’re

a moment before he spoke, “Just

his clothes as he

moment before finally heading

had emerged from the bathroom. He glanced at the plate on the table.

made for him every year on his birthday.

and his expression

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

and walked towards

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

could just barely make out the voice on the other

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