Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 289

Indeed, the contents of the bag were just as Debby had described.

A key, a notebook, and a box.

Natalia picked up the key, her eyes widening slightly in surprise-it was for a safety deposit box at a bank.

The notebook was Tatiana's diary.

And then there was the box.

Upon opening it, Natalia's heart skipped a beat.

It contained her rose quartz necklace-the very one she had smashed to pieces in a fit of rage at Graham. Somehow, unbeknownst to her, Tatiana had painstakingly started to piece together the shattered remnants.

She had only managed to reassemble half of it; numerous fragments still lay scattered inside the box.

Tears began to overflow as Natalia struggled to control her emotions.

She had never expected Tatiana to undertake such a task in secret.

Her mother.

Her mother had lived her life solely for her.

Tatiana had braved the world alone just to give birth to her, and later endured Graham's abuse to protect her.

It seemed everything she did, she did for Natalia.

Overwhelmed, Natalia broke down sobbing.

Hamilton, slightly panicked, pulled her into his embrace.

"What's wrong? Did your mom leave something for you?"

But Natalia could only cry.

It took a long while for her to calm down, with Hamilton holding her, his heart softening.

He gently patted her back, comforting her.

Wiping away her tears, Natalia thanked Hamilton-a courtesy that seemed distant and formal. That feeling instantly reminded Hamilton of the times Natalia had kept him at arm's length. He squeezed her waist.

"All this snot and tears on my shirt, and you think a simple 'thank you' will do?"

Natalia pushed him away, attempting to return to her seat, but Hamilton wasn't ready to let go. "Just let me hold you a little longer."

He was addicted to this feeling.

It was only when Natalia was crying in his arms that he felt a momentary sense of fulfillment. Now, he feared that letting her go would revert them back to their previous emotional distance.

Natalia, however, didn't indulge him and pushed him away.

She stared blankly at the broken crystal pieces in the box.

the half-finished necklace and

softly, turning to look at Hamilton. "Do

of

mind, let's go

holding her chin gently, suggested, "How about we get something to eat

up, Natalia replied without enthusiasm, "No thanks,

Hamilton started the car and drove straight to a

stopping, he quickly got out and opened the

not in

offered with a smile,

don't want to

Hamilton

Natalia immediately struggled.

walk

however, refused to put

diner was bustling with people, all of whom turned to

"Hamilton!" Natalia exclaimed, desperate.

simply whispered in her ear, "What's wrong with

frowned, about to resist, when they were

"Mr. Fowler."

Lucinda and Giselle

pale, her eyes flickering with malice upon seeing Hamilton holding

Giselle also looked displeased.

hadn't expected Eveleen

family had been counting on Eveleen to

shock, she had passed away

even more

and Lynd families demanded Hamilton

the very least, he owed Eveleen a clear explanation of

had only coldly stated, "She had it coming a long time

Giselle scoffed to herself.

the

they loved you,

didn't, you

in Hamilton's arms, she couldn't help but feel a burning

boyfriend left her,

was a homewrecker in flesh

at the

down from Hamilton's embrace,

complexion grew

and here was Hamilton, flaunting this

Eveleen's memorial service?" Lucinda implored. Hamilton's gaze

Looking

Lucinda, he

at Natalia, then

T

I've made myself

Schafer,

all I could for

he continued inside with Natalila in his