Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 190

When Natalia clicked on the message, she didn't check out Hamilton's updates this time. Instead, her gaze landed on the necklace adorning Eveleen's neck-a delicate pendant carved into the shape of a pink crystal lisianthus. She used to have one just like it, a gift from Hamilton, the only thing he'd left her when he walked out of her life. But her own necklace had been destroyed by Graham in a fit of rage.

She could still picture the chaos of that day: her sister Tatiana bruised from Graham's assault, their home's furniture in shambles, and amidst the wreckage, the shattered pieces of her precious crystal pendant scattered under the table. That had sparked a blazing row with Graham, which ended with her on the receiving end of his wrath.

Clutching her phone, Natalia's grip tightened. She had been somewhat angry last night, which was probably why she hadn't noticed what Eveleen was wearing, including that necklace. But now, seeing it, a dull ache resurfaced in her chest. It took her a moment to force a laugh.

So the necklaces she'd given away weren't unique after all.

She had thought her childhood memories were the only treasures she had left-because they were one-of-a-kind. But that wasn't true. Nothing was.

Swallowing the bitterness rising in her throat, Natalia took a deep breath, closed the app, and blocked Hamilton's number once again. She wanted nothing to do with him, not even the slightest connection.

After wiping Tatiana's hands and face, Natalia prepared to head downstairs for some food when Ryan's call came through unexpectedly.

She adjusted her mood and picked up.

"Happy New Year, Ryan."

Ryan's voice carried a cheerful note. "Yeah, Happy New Year, Natalia. Where are you?"

"I'm at the hospital with my mom."

"Wait for me, I'll be there soon."

Natalia paused, puzzled. "You're in Silkwood City?"

"Yep," Ryan replied before the line went dead.

Confused, Natalia stared at her phone. Why had he come to Silkwood City so early on New Year's Day?

She wasn't sure how to deal with the affection Ryan offered, feeling increasingly undeserving of it.

Ryan arrived shortly after, bringing with him a thermos of homemade dumplings.

"I wanted to come last night, but my grandpa wasn't feeling well. Did you spend the evening at the hospital too?"

Natalia, eyeing the dumplings, managed a smile. "Yeah, thank you, Ryan."

"Don't mention it."

As they shared the dumplings, Ryan suggested, "It's a holiday. How about we catch a movie or something?"

keeping him cooped up in the hospital. After changing into fresh clothes, she joined Ryan at

had they entered than someone

"Natalia."

Natalia saw Elliott waving at her, a

nodded at Elliott and

Lehner, happy Spring

and

"And who's this?"

respond, Ryan extended his hand to Elliott. "A friend

nodded and made small talk with Natalia before she and Ryan headed into the theater. Once

as the head of the Westley family, was busy entertaining a constant stream of visitors. Leaning back on the couch, he chatted idly with the guests until Alden rushed in. "What's the source of the leak?" Hamilton asked as

"The photo was originally posted by a fan, but then Eveleen's agent bought some online

grew cold. He had thought she would learn from her

pictures are being taken down online. They should be gone soon.

say hello to Alden for me. No need to change the

eyes lit up

bro? Okay,

at Hamilton. "Bro, about the photos,

of Natalia, Hamilton felt a twinge

care, so what's there

he had already explained

"No need."

then, his phone

What are

was less than pleased.

mischievously. "Did you

on New Year's just to ask about that? Elliott, don't you have anything

just trying to get the scoop. Otherwise, how would I know

Hamilton's stride halted abruptly.

saw her?

the movies. Just now. Natalia came with some handsome guy named

call abruptly and

the automated message greeted him once

Hamilton's expression darkened considerably.

number, newly unblocked,

of Eveleen's embrace

stony face, he