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.

watched Natalia head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he

she didn’t respond

a tableau of shocked

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

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

him?”

“Drinks on me tonight.

that, he wrapped his arm around Natalia’s waist and the two left. The door

entire

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

now, Hamilton was leaving with Natalia,

with a smirk, “Looks like it’s

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

following Hamilton out.

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

approaching, tears

you really going to leave me like this?”

turned to Natalia. “Get in and

climbed

to Eveleen,

12:08

Chapter 111

car, forcing a

got back into

and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her

an apology, “Sorry,

“What? You feel

for a long moment

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

it’s not like you’re going to

before he spoke, “Just go make me

off his clothes as he headed

for a moment before finally heading into the kitchen.

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

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

eyebrows twitched slightly, and his expression finally

at the dining table and started eating

and walked

came out after her shower, Hamilton had already retreated to the

make out the

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