Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 143**_______

Natalia, without another word, turned on her heel and strode out the door.

Caspian watched the scene unfold, his brow creasing in concern. He glanced at Hamilton’s phone, then stood up and gave his shoulder a gentle pat.

“Look, if you can’t shake her off, you need to clear the decks before you try to win her back. As long as you’ve got another woman on the hook, ready to play footsie with you at

a moment’s notice, she’s not going to have a change of heart.”

Hamilton looked down and drew a cigarette from his pack. “Don’t stir the pot. It’s bad enough as it is.”

Caspian couldn’t help but smirk. “Ms. Jenkins is back on the market, which means anyone can set their cap for her now. If not me, someone else will, right?”

With that, Caspian didn’t linger. He gathered his things and headed out. He could tell Hamilton hadn’t let go yet, but if he was really trying to hold on, he should be showing it, not just mouthing platitudes.

Caspian didn’t feel like giving him a nudge, though. This was Hamilton’s own mess to

clean up,

and if it ended in tears, well, he’d have to dry his own eyes.

Deep down, Caspian had a soft spot for Natalia, charmed, perhaps, by her looks.

Hamilton never answered that call, letting it go to voicemail. Not long after the disconnect, the phone buzzed to life again. Eyeing the incoming call, Hamilton pinched the bridge of his nose before answering.

“Eveleen, what’s up?”

Her voice came through teary and distressed. “Hamilton, I’ve got this awful pain in my forehead.”

Listening to her, Hamilton’s mind inexplicably drifted to Natalia, to the dream where she cried out in pain, tears streaming down her face. But from the moment she woke, she never once complained of pain in front of him.

Hamilton massaged his forehead, trying to muster patience. “Have you taken any painkillers?”

Eveleen’s voice wavered even more. “Yes, but they’re not working.”

Hamilton was silent.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally said, “Eveleen, in times like these, a doctor will do you more good than I can.”

There was a pause on the other end. “Hamilton, are you saying you won’t help me?”

12:30

Hamilton picked up the cup Natalia had just used, his long fingers tracing the damp rim.

I’ve already arranged for you to see a doctor. Don’t worry, there won’t be any scars on that pretty forehead of yours.”

“But I want you to be with me!”

should have your own life, your own loves, not just orbit around me.”

are you telling me to go out and

meddle in Eveleen’s love life. To him, such matters should be free and unforced. If Eveleen could break up with him once, it meant her feelings weren’t that deep.

sure, give it a shot.”

choked up. “Don’t you care for me anymore?”

been over for a long time, and you

but anyone who

Natalia would be like this. While Natalia seemed to walk away with ease, it was he who couldn’t

on, with or without

moment Hamilton got into his car,

been thinking, if you want to make

him off before he could finish. “I’ve

was taken aback. “What are

took a drag, then leaned back in his seat, blowing out

loss for words. After a moment,

བ རོ

laugh was cold. “Of course,

he asked, “Bro, did you actually fall for

end, he hung

Fall for her?

12:31

Impossible.

would never fall

of the café, Caspian asked, “Ms. Jenkins, got any

steer clear of nuts like cashews and almonds, allergic reaction waiting to happen. Other than that, I’m

get along like a house on fire–both with a knack for languages,

sparkled with interest. “You mean

a smile. “Out in the world, she’s Ms. Delia. At home, she’s the matriarch spoiled rotten

tone was full of affection, and Natalia felt a twinge of envy. If

Jenkins, your mother will get better in time,” he reassured

smiled and

Natalia to a cozy bistro tucked away from the bustle. They talked over a meal, discussing the lawsuit Natalia was

a lot of attention. Your miscarriage might become public knowledge, but I’ll do my best to request a

was pretty indifferent about the whole thing. She had suffered

a touch of warmth in her

more than strangers, and she hadn’t expected him to offer

bore such a striking resemblance to his sister. It was there

slightly, he watched Natalia for a moment before asking, “Ms.

3/5

10-1

me to pay a visit to

a little puzzled by his request. But since Caspian had been so helpful, she didn’t question it and readily agreed.

of days, Natalia finally returned to the

us

that Natalia realized that her resignation had become the talk of the office. Nobody knew where the rumor had started, but indeed,