Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 101

It was a bit out of left field, the question Caspian asked Natalia. After all, the two had only met for the third time, including today. So, when he popped the question, Natalia was caught off guard for a moment.

Still, she managed to reply with polite curiosity, “May | ask which aspects of my mother you're interested in, Mr. Spiegel?”

Caspian leaned in, his gaze earnest. “Your mother’s age, her occupation, and her last name if it’s not too much trouble. Could you share that with me?”

Mentioning her mother, Tatiana, always brought a sour twist to Natalia’s heart.

Truth be told, her mother was an extraordinary woman-beautiful, gentle in spirit, with a talent for both dance and the brush that was nothing short of remarkable.

But fate had been cruel, and life even more so. Tatiana never got the chance to shine, her talents buried beneath the weight of misfortunes. Worst of all, it was a man who had left her in the state she found herself in today.

Swallowing the lump of emotion in her throat, Natalia composed herself before speaking. “Her last name is Joyner. She hasn’t been working since a car accident three years ago.” She left it at that, not delving into further details. As for her mother’s age, it was a bit of a mystery even to Natalia. Tatiana had lost her memory in those dark days, remembered nothing, and had no ID to speak 1. of.

All the identification she had now was provided by Patrick Schafer, well after the fact. So, the specifics of age and birthday were, to Natalia, unknown.

The spark in Caspian’s eyes seemed to dim the instant he heard the last name Joyner. So, she was a Joyner. Then, she couldn’t be the one.

And yet, hearing about the accident, he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern.

“Was the accident serious?” he couldn't stop himself from asking.

Natalia nodded, forcing a brittle smile. “Quite serious. She hasn’t woken up since.”

Caspian frowned deeply, suddenly feeling a wave of compassion for the young woman in front of him, even if she probably had no connection to his sister.

“I'm sorry,” he murmured.

Natalia shook her head with a faint smile. She was used to it by now.

Out of politeness, Caspian didn’t press further but smoothly changed the subject.

11:10

A few sentences later, his cell phone rang. “Excuse me,” he said, standing to take the call.

As Natalia’s gaze followed Caspian’s departure, Hamilton grabbed her chin, turning her face toward him. “Ms. Jenkins, your man is here.”

Natalia shifted her gaze back, and after a brief silence, she asked, “Mr. Fowler, do you have any idea why Mr. Spiegel suddenly inquired about my mother?”

Hamilton met her eyes, replying simply. “No clue.”

Privately, he preferred Natalia to stay clear of any entanglements with Caspian. Whether or not there was a connection between Natalia’s mother and Caspian, he didn’t care.

Natalia was just fine as she was. Peaceful and quiet, right where she belonged. No need for a fancy family name or any powerful backing. She was perfect as is.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Natalia didn’t press further.

Caspian returned, interrupting the silence. “Sorry about that. It’s a bit of a situation with Bianca. | need to head out.” He smiled at Natalia. “I apologize for my boldness today. I’ll make it up to you with dinner sometime.”

Natalia returned the smile with a nod. Watching her smile, Caspian felt a fleeting disorientation.

Her appearance, her aura, it was so familiar. His memories of his sister were fading, but looking at Natalia, they seemed to sharpen.

His sister had been even younger than Natalia when she vanished. Yet, their images overlapped in his mind inexplicably. Caspian chuckled wryly to himself.

It must be his imagination.

Even now, knowing there was no real connection to Natalia, he couldn’t help but treat her like a younger family member. “If you ever need help with anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Before Natalia could respond, Hamilton’s arm was around her waist. “We can manage on our

own, thank you.”

Caspian met Hamilton's possessive posture with a wry smile, yet he left his phone number with Natalia.

“Feel free to get in touch anytime, regardless of him.”

Natalia made a note of Caspian’s number.

Hamilton’s gaze grew heavy, but he said nothing more.

11:11

Once Caspian left, Hamilton made no move to depart. He didn’t like coffee, so his cup held only water. His fingers played with the glass as if it were a piece of fine art,

“Mr. Fowler, not leaving?” Natalia inquired. Hamilton's eyes flicked up. “What, should we leave just because Caspian did?”

Her intuition told her his mood had soured, likely because she had kept Caspian’s number. But she needed her own circle, her own connections.

“If you'd rather stay, we can linger a little longer,” she offered, sidestepping the tension. Hamilton studied her before asking. “Do you go for guys like Caspian?” Natalia pressed her lips, looking away to the world outside the window.

Acouple passed by, the woman holding a bouquet, and a familiar melody drifted in the air. Christmas was around the corner. And with it, Hamilton’s birthday.

She turned back, eyes downcast. “No, Mr. Spiegel isn’t my type.” Asoft chuckle escaped Hamilton. “What is your type then, Ms. Jenkins? The kind you've been pining after in secret?” Natalia met the gaze of the man across from her, paused, and then said, “I prefer someone who likes me.”

Those who didn’t care for her had taken up enough of her heart. If she were to choose again, she thought, perhaps she would pick someone who cared for her in return.

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What kind of answer is that? You like anyone who likes you?” Natalia offered a faint smile. “No, but | would choose from those who do and try to learn to like them back.”

She thought to herself that maybe trying to like someone should be easier than trying not to.

Hamilton let out a scoff. “Seems like you are pretty carefree with your feelings.” Natalia pursed her lips, holding back any further words.

The café door swung open as someone entered from outside. The girl clutching a bouquet walked in alongside her boyfriend. Natalia’s gaze lingered on those flowers for a moment.

Hamilton must've noticed because he asked, “Ms. Jenkins, you fond of flowers?” Natalia shook her head. “Not really.”

“If you like them, just say so. | could get you a bouquet if that’s what it takes.” Natalia cracked a smile. “Pity gift, huh?”

Hamilton raised an eyebrow. “You could see it that way.”

11:11

Natalia let out a wry chuckle, shaking her head again. “Forget it.”

She really didn’t care for roses. What she wanted were the forget-me-nots on the balcony, but she knew well enough they weren't meant for her.

Hamilton sat across from her, catching the fleeting sadness in her eyes.

Natalia had strikingly beautiful eyes, clear and bright. He remembered the times he had seen her genuinely smile. Those eyes would shine, utterly captivating.

But at this moment, those same eyes were filled with sorrow, all because of some guy. “Does it hurt that much?” His voice was detached as he asked. Natalia snapped back to reality, avoiding his gaze. “Not at all.”

Hamilton let out a cold laugh. “Ms. Jenkins, you're a terrible liar.” He paused for a moment. “Is it because of that guy that you're sad?”

Natalia smiled faintly, repeating her earlier response. “Not at all, Mr. Fowler. You're overthinking it.” Hamilton suddenly lost interest. He stood up and headed for the door. “Let’s go.”

Natalia exhaled softly, got up, and followed him out.

Once outside, Hamilton suddenly grasped her waist and pulled her into his embrace.

“Natalia, don’t ever show me that kind of face again.”

ray