Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 108

Eveleen stared at Natalia, her eyes wide with disbelief. She just couldn’t buy it. There was no way the thing between Natalia and Hamilton was just a transaction. Even if it had been in the past, it couldn’t be now.

Hamilton was taking more and more notice of Natalia, to the point where Eveleen felt she was being overshadowed. Otherwise, why would Hamilton have declared his bachelor status on social media? Why would Hamilton not punish Natalia even after she poured coffee on her?

Transactional? No way Eveleen was going to believe that! And all those past moments between Natalia and Hamilton, which others might not be privy to, Eveleen knew all too well. Even if it was only a transaction to Hamilton, it was clear as day that Natalia had other plans for Hamilton!

Eveleen glared at her through gritted teeth. “Do you really think I’m going to buy that story? Natalia, you better wake up from that fairy tale dream of going from rags to riches!”

Natalia let out a laugh. “Ms. Schafer, you’re about to be engaged; why bother with this talk?

Isn't it a little beneath you?”

With another chuckle, she added, “I wish you a lifetime of happiness till death do you part, okay?” After delivering her parting shot, Natalia turned on her heel and headed out.

Once outside, she paused, a wave of uncertainty washing over her.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Did she really not care? How could she possibly not? This was the man she had been with for three years, the man she had secretly held dear for who knows how long. How could she truly be indifferent?

All her claims of indifference were nothing but self-deception. But with Hamilton getting engaged and getting married, what could she do? She didn’t even have the right to question it.

Natalia sniffed back her emotions and pulled her thoughts together as she walked into the nearby coffee shop. Alden spotted her and waved excitedly, but his brow furrowed as soon as he saw her face. “Ms. Jenkins, what's wrong?” he asked.

Natalia’s smile was forced. “Nothing.”

After a brief pause, she got straight to the point. “Alden, | need a favor.”

Alden looked at her, concerned. “Ms. Jenkins, just say it. If | can help, | will.”

Natalia hesitated, then said, “I want you to look into whether Eveleen has been in cahoots with 10:42

that fan who pushed me, or to put it bluntly, whether Eveleen bought off that family member!” Alden was taken aback. “You think your miscarriage is linked to Eveleen?”

Natalia pressed her lips together. “I’m not sure, but | can’t ignore even the slightest possibility. Alden, | can’t let my child’s death be in vain.”

Alden’s frown deepened. “What about Hamilton? What did he say?” Natalia’s smile was sad. “He said he’d look into it too.”

With just that statement. Alden understood. It looked like his brother was siding with Eveleen on this matter again. That was why Ms. Jenkins had come to him.

He nodded. “Okay, Ms. Jenkins, don’t worry. I'll find out for you.”

Natalia managed a weak smile. “Thanks.”

Alden grinned. “Ms. Jenkins, no need for formalities. Don’t forget, | still hope you'll be my sister-in-law one day.” At his words, Natalia’s smile froze for a moment.

Alden noticed the change in her expression and asked, “Ms. Jenkins, did you and my brother have another argument? Over this?”

Natalia forced a laugh, “No, hasn’t he been doing well lately?” Surrounded by beauties day in and day out.

Alden’s eyebrows immediately drew together in a frown. Well?

In the past few days, Hamilton hadn’t cracked a single smile. Even when they went out, his gloom cast a shadow over the whole group. They were almost driven mad by his moodiness.

And here was Natalia claiming he was doing well?

“Really no argument?” Alden was skeptical. “Are you going to his birthday tomorrow?” Natalia looked down, a faint smile on her lips. “Do | even qualify to go, Alden?” Suddenly, Alden was rendered speechless.

Since Hamilton took over the Fowler family at nineteen, they had thrown him a birthday bash every year. But in the three years Natalia had been with Hamilton, he had never once invited her to attend.

Alden suddenly regretted his prying. But then an idea struck him. “If you want to go, | can take you.”

“| don’t want to go.” Natalia kept her gaze down, stirring her coffee idly. She had zero interest in that birthday party. Chapter 108

Why go? To watch Hamilton and Eveleen’s lovey—dovey act? Or to witness their turbulent relationship finally find its haven? Alden didn’t press her.

The TV hanging in the coffee shop was cycling through entertainment news.

“The Fowler family’s heir is once again spotted with his first love at a high-profile event, both donning matching outfits. The sweet glances they exchanged had everyone wondering if wedding bells are in the near future?”

Natalia looked up just in time to see the photo displayed on the TV.

In the picture, Eveleen was in a sleek black mermaid dress, standing next to Hamilton, who was clad in a sharp black suit. Their gazes met in the photo, just as sweet as the news anchor had described.

Natalia glanced away after a brief look.

Alden frowned slightly. “Ms. Jenkins, my brother didn’t...”

Natalia cut him off before he could finish. “I don’t care, Alden. There’s no need to explain. I’m only concerned about my child’s case right now.”

Alden opened his mouth to respond but ultimately said nothing more. Natalia finished her coffee and stood up. “Alden, I’m counting on you for that matter. I’ve got to get back to work.”

Before Alden could even say goodbye, Natalia was already gone. He watched Natalia’s retreating figure and sighed. What on earth was his brother thinking?

Natalia had a rare evening off from her overtime schedule. Scarlett had invited her for a holiday shopping spree. It was Christmas Eve, and the mall was decked out in festive cheer. Yet, Natalia felt nothing but a stifling heaviness in her chest.

Scarlett had been delayed by a patient and hadn't arrived yet. Natalia sat on a bench by the mall entrance, lost in her thoughts until someone called out her name.

She turned to find Elliott standing a short distance away, holding a bouquet, likely waiting for his date. “Mr. Lehner,” she greeted.

Elliott Lehner approached and took a seat beside her. “Why are you sitting here all by yourself?” Natalia offered a faint smile. “Waiting for someone.”

A flicker of sympathy crossed Elliott's eyes. By now, the whole social circle knew Hamilton was getting engaged. Chapter 108

And though no one knew who the lucky person was, everyone was certain it wasn’t Natalia. It was an open secret, and surely Natalia understood it too.

He hesitated, but eventually, he spoke up. “Ms. Jenkins, would you consider giving us a chance?” he said earnestly, then quickly added, “I’m serious.”

Natalia paused, then let out a soft laugh.

Before she could respond, a familiar car pulled up to the curb. The window rolled down, and there was Hamilton, leaning casually in his seat, a cigarette between his fingers. He watched her from a comfortable distance.

Natalia shifted her gaze away from him and murmured an apology to Elliott. Hamilton stepped out of the car and stood firmly before her.

With a relaxed tone, he asked, “Bad timing on my part?”