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.

Achill 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

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.

Asense 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?”

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? | had to follow the rules.”

Hamilton sneered. “Right, how could | 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. | 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.

That night, Hamilton didn’t touch her. Natalia sensed he might still be angry.

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?

Word of Natalia’s scuffle with Eveleen spread like wildfire through the company. By morning, Natalia arrived to hushed whispers and sidelong glances.

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. | 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, | 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.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

As Natalia washed her hands, she spoke in a calm, unhurried voice, “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 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.