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 one

and she didn’t respond but also didn’t

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

at Natalia with hatred as if wanting to rip her

are you doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close to Elliott, so

him?”

scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight. I got to

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

the entire room was

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

now, Hamilton was leaving with Natalia, leaving her behind?

help but comment with a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear

table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows how to make an

abruptly, following Hamilton out.

to the parking lot.

around, Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her face.

clutched at his sleeve. “Are you really

car door and turned to Natalia. “Get in

Natalia climbed into

his coat pocket, Hamilton produced a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He

12:08

Chapter 111

the scene from Inside the car, forcing a

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 sarcasm. “Ms. Jenkins,

walk towards Elliott instead of sitting by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her actions; she simply didn’t want to be near them.

argue, merely murmured an apology, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have

furrowed with frustration. “What?

remained silent for a long moment before quietly

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

you’re going to

sharply for a moment before he spoke, “Just

stripping off his clothes as he headed toward

a moment before finally heading

from the bathroom. He glanced at the plate on the

made for him every year on his birthday.

twitched slightly, and his expression finally softened a bit.

at the dining table and started eating at

and walked towards the

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

out the voice on the other end.

Come over, will you? None