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.

waiting for her to reach her destination,

lips were tight, and she didn’t respond but also didn’t move

tableau of shocked

at Natalia with hatred as if wanting to rip

feigned friendliness as she said, “Hamilton, what are you doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close

him?”

“Drinks on me tonight. I got to go.”

he wrapped his arm around Natalia’s waist and

entire room was silent.

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

with

couldn’t help but comment with a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear who’s closer to whom

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

abruptly, following Hamilton

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

Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her

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

door and turned to Natalia. “Get

Natalia climbed

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

12:08

Chapter 111

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

scene outside, time seemed to stretch on until Hamilton finally got back into the car. His

instead of sitting by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation

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

brow furrowed with frustration. “What? You feel

for a long moment before

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

like you’re going to eat it anyway.”

narrowed sharply for a moment before he spoke, “Just

clothes as

before finally heading into the kitchen.

had emerged from the bathroom. He glanced

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

slightly, and his expression finally

the dining table and

walked

out after her shower, Hamilton had already retreated to the

out the voice on the other end.

over, will you? None of us can calm