Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 20
The room echoed with a chorus of affirmations for Hamilton. The crowd thought
Hamilton was just being stubborn. Only Natalia knew he genuinely didn’t care.
He didn’t care if she would be kissed. He only cared if his possessions would be
tampered with.
Natalia took a deep breath, steadying her nerves.
The game was still on.
This time, Lady Luck wasn’t on Natalia’s side.
Given how awkward Elliott's dare was last round, Natalia straight-up opted for
truth.
Alden clicked his tongue and drew a question for her. “Ms. Jenkins, is there
anyone you like? If yes, for how long?”
As soon as the question was out, all eyes darted back to Hamilton.
Hamilton raised an eyebrow, seemingly piqued by the inquiry.
Natalia paused for a moment, then said, “Yes.”
The room buzzed with excitement. Hamilton's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
Alden glanced at his older brother and cheekily prodded. “And for how many
years?”
How many years?
Natalia couldn't even remember.
If she counted from their reunion at seventeen, it was probably around ten years.
“Ten years.”
After Natalia’s admission, the room erupted in awe. Only Alden felt a shiver of
dread. If he wasn't mistaken, Natalia had only known his brother for three years.
And if she had liked someone for ten, it clearly wasn’t Hamilton.
A chill ran down Alden’s spine. Lately, it seemed he had a knack for putting
Natalia on the spot. Last time, because of his heckling, Natalia had her first
blush—worthy moment with Hamilton. Today, his question revealed that her heart
belonged to someone else. He kept fouling up, time and time again.
Alden felt like crying. Next time, he would definitely stay clear of these games
with Natalia.
Meanwhile, Hamilton sat beside her, his expression unreadable.
Natalia didn’t pay attention to Hamilton's reaction. She had braced herself for all
eventualities after answering the question. Good or bad, she was ready to face it.
Besides, she doubted Hamilton cared about who she fancied.
After all, a man who didn’t speak of love or affection should be indifferent to his
lover's
14:26
Chapter 20
affections. And she didn’t think Hamilton would realize she meant him.
He had forgotten her, forgotten their childhood and the events when they were
seventeen. They were wiped clean from his memory. To him, she was an
outsider, a stranger. After three years. she hadn't entered his heart; it seemed
she never would.
Natalia chuckled to herself, turning to the others. “Shall we continue?”
With that, Hamilton stood up. “Let's go.”
When Hamilton spoke, even if someone wasn't fully satisfied with the evening's
entertainment, they would still smile and say, “Yeah, it's getting late. Let's call it a
night.”
No one dared to ruffle this man’s feathers.
Natalia followed Hamilton out of the private room. The walk was silent. They
reached the car. and Hamilton tossed the keys to Natalia. She caught them and
got into the driver's seat without a word.
The drive was quiet. Hamilton, supporting his chin with one hand, gazed out the
window. His perfect profile still had the power to unsettle Natalia’s heart.
She drew back her gaze, a wry smile on her lips. Once upon a time, she had
fantasized that this man would fall for her. But reality had a cruel way of
shattering dreams at the height of anticipation.
She focused on driving, clearing her mind. Hamilton, however, turned to look at
her.
Natalia was beautiful, and he had always admitted that. Several of his buddies
had shown interest in her—Victor, Elliott, and possibly others.
Her pure and innocent allure was tinged with an intrinsic seductiveness. He had
always thought Natalia was the perfect lover material. She had everything a man
could want. Looks, figure, personality, all perfect. And she knew when to advance
and when to retreat.
In his eyes, Natalia was indeed an ideal lover. Only, he hadn't expected her to
have someone she liked. And for ten whole years.
A sense of frustration welled up inside him for no apparent reason. What kind of
man could make her devoted for a decade? After all, she was only 27 now.
To think she had been in love with someone for ten years, and perhaps, even
when they were in bed, it was that man she was thinking of.
The more Hamilton thought about it, the hotter his blood boiled. Suddenly, he
said, “Ten years. So, since you were seventeen?”
Natalia stiffened briefly, then regained her composure.
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t it work out?”
Chapter 20
She paused before answering. “He didn’t like me.”
Hamilton scoffed. “I see. What if he starts liking you one day?”
Natalia laughed softly. “He won't. He’s got someone he likes.”
Hamilton glanced at her. “You're quite the romantic, aren't you? He's already
taken, and you're. still holding a torch for him?”
Natalia smiled faintly. “Yes, because affection and love aren’t something you can
just turn on
and off.”
Hamilton's face became frosty.
“Stop the car.” His abrupt command startled Natalia, who quickly signaled and
pulled over.
“Mr. Fowler, is there a problem?”
Hamilton gripped her chin and pressed his lips against hers.
Natalia was taken aback, instinctively trying to push him away. This reflexive
action only fueled Hamilton's anger further.
“What, you don’t even want to kiss me now?” Natalia immediately went silent.
Hamilton's grip on her chin tightened, his eyes blazing. “Tonight, you seemed
pretty willing with Elliott. What's changed?”
Natalia hadn't expected him to dredge up the past. “It was just a game, right? I
had to follow the rules.”
Hamilton sneered. “Right, how could I forget? You're all about obligations.”
Natalia’s lips pressed together lightly. “And besides, Mr. Fowler, you didn’t seem
to care either, did you?”
Hamilton chuckled, a hint of disdain in his voice. “I don't mind, Ms. Jenkins, but
you'd better remember your place. You can have fun, but don’t cross that line.
Otherwise, you'll only make me sick.”
Natalia’s face stiffened momentarily.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Fowler. I won't,” she assured him..
Hamilton's smile was icy. “Ms. Jenkins, you're free to fancy whomever you like,
but never forget who's footing your bills.”
Natalia felt a pang in her heart. “I always remember.”
Without another word, Hamilton turned away.
“Let's go,” he commanded.
Natalia averted her gaze and restarted the engine of her car.
Chapter 20
That night, Hamilton didn’t touch her. Natalia sensed he might still be angry.
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Sometimes, she truly wondered
)

about the nature of a man's
possessiveness. How could he show
such concern for someone he
claimed not to care for? The content
is on Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
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po] 5
Word of Natalia's scuffle with
Eveleen spread like wildfire through
the company. By morning, Natalia
arrived to hushed whispers and
sidelong glances. The content is on
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chapter there!
In the restroom.
Natalia listened to the murmurs from beyond the door.
“Do you think Natalia’s got something going on with Mr. Fowler?”
“Who knows? But she’s managed to stay by Mr. Fowler's side for years. I doubt
she’s all that innocent.”
“Right? Why else would Eveleen target her and not anyone else?”
“Just wait and see. There's more drama to come.”
“Honestly, I just want to see her kicked to the curb. Eveleen is Mr. Fowler's
certified high school. sweetheart. Who can compete with that?”
Natalia hid in the stall, expressionless as she endured their gossip, and then
emerged with the
same blank face.
The two gossipers' complexions changed instantly.
“Ms. Jenkins.”
Natalia gave a curt nod. The two ladies exchanged a glance and hurried out.
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As Natalia washed her hands, she
spoke in a calm, unhurried voice,
“ x 5

Next time you decide to talk about
someone, perhaps choose a more
private spot. Encounters like this are
»

awkward for both you and me.” The
content is on Novelxo.org! Read
the latest chapter there!
The pair froze. “Sorry,” they muttered before scurrying away.
After they left, Natalia’s fingers gripped the edge of the sink tightly, almost
laughing at how ridiculous her show of bravado was.