Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 34

Scarlett froze in place, her mind racing. Natalia had insisted on terminating her pregnancy before, claiming she wanted to cut ties with Hamilton.

But when the procedure didn’t go through, for reasons Scarlett could only guess at-perhaps the baby-the topic faded into the background.

Lately, Natalia hadn’t been mentioning Hamilton much at all. So why bring him up now? “Did that jerk do something heartless again?” Scarlett asked. She peered at Natalia. “Is it because of Eveleen?”

Natalia shook her head; the thought of leaving had been there all along, simmering beneath the surface, held back by various reasons. Whether it was Graham, her mother’s medical bills, or now the child growing inside her, they were all chains holding her back.

She had managed to save up for her mother’s treatments over several months, but with a baby on the way, she couldn't guarantee immediate employment post-Hamilton. And with the cost of childcare and the time it demanded, her savings were far from enough to promise stability.

So, she had stayed by Hamilton's side, enduring his tenderness toward Eveleen and his consistent indifference toward her.

She had thought she could endure it for the sake of her child, that she could wait until she could walk away without a backward glance, until she would be unmoved even if she witnessed Hamilton and Eveleen in bed together.

But now, she realized how hard it was. She had thought herself impervious to pain. Yet, Hamilton always found a way to throw her off balance and wound her deeply.

“Have you really thought this through?” Scarlett frowned, a crease forming on her forehead.

Even though she always called Hamilton a jerk or scoundrel, a small part of her clung to the hope that he might develop genuine feelings for Natalia. After all, a child is best raised by both parents.

And then there was Natalia’s mother’s medical debt-over 200 thousand dollars a month.

If Natalia left Hamilton, Scarlett feared the bills would crush her, especially now with a child in the picture. So, when Natalia’s plans to leave Hamilton fizzled out, Scarlett never brought it up again. The child was Hamilton’s doing, after all. It didn’t seem right that her dear friend should bear all the hardship while Hamilton escaped responsibility.

So, Scarlett had reasoned that staying with Hamilton, living off his money, and sharing his bed weren't the worst option. Sure, the occasional run-in with his first love was a bit nauseating. but as long as Natalia didn’t take it to heart, it was no big deal.

This thought froze Scarlett. She suddenly grabbed Natalia’s arm. Natalia turned to look at her.

Scarlett’s frown deepened. “You're not falling for Hamilton, are you?”

Natalia’s expression stiffened momentarily. She had never confessed her feelings for Hamilton to anyone, not even Scarlett. Scarlett had always assumed that between Natalia and Hamilton, it was merely a transaction of body and wealth.

Natalia forced a laugh. “How could I? Falling for him would be like asking for misery.”

Scarlett wasn’t entirely convinced but still cautioned her. “Natalia, the last thing you want in a financial arrangement is to involve feelings.”

Natalia’s smile was tinged with bitterness. “I know.”

Scarlett had other matters to attend to that afternoon, so she didn’t linger.

After parting ways with Scarlett, Natalia headed to the hospital.

Her mother’s condition remained unchanged. Natalia spent some time by her side before stepping out. As she did, a few nurses were gathered, gossiping.

“He’s so handsome, and they say he’s filthy rich.”

“Yeah, the guy from the Fowler family.”

“You think they're dating?”

“Who knows? But they do look good together.”

Natalia froze, the words “the Fowler family” catching her attention. She edged closer, curiosity getting the better of her. “Hey, what are you all talking about?”

One of the nurses eagerly handed her a phone.

“Look at this, the latest juicy story,” she said.

Natalia took the phone and saw a photo of Hamilton and Eveleen together, attending the art festival in Boria City. The couple in the photo looked perfectly matched, just as the nurses had described.

So that was why Hamilton had been absent these past days—to accompany Eveleen to the festival.

Why did she even ask? Natalia thought, berating herself. She returned the phone with a smile and left the hospital without looking back.

Hamilton had his share of flings with starlets, but he had never been one for public. appearances or scandal. This was the first time. Natalia chuckled wryly; first loves truly were different.

Their public appearance together made Victor's words echo in her head again-she felt like a thief who had stolen someone else’s place, despicable and shameless.

Arriving home by bus, Natalia spotted Graham from a distance, bottle in hand, slouched at the entrance of their complex. As passersby walked by, he would ask, “Do you know Natalia Jenkins?”

Natalia halted, quickly ducking behind a nearby tree. Hiding there, her mind buzzed with questions.

Why was Graham looking for her again? Had he blown through the million already?

Leaning against the tree, she sighed and dialed the property management’s number. But they told her they had already tried to send Graham away several times to no avail. He wasn’t causing trouble, just asking for Natalia, so calling the police was pointless.

As Natalia debated whether to simply confront him, her phone rang. It was from the executive secretary. She took a deep breath and answered the call.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler has requested that you pack your things. A driver will be along shortly to take you on a business trip to Boria City.”

Natalia’s brow furrowed deeply. “May | ask what business takes me to Boria City?” she inquired. The executive secretary's voice remained soothing. “Mr. Fowler didn’t specify, just that you’re needed there.”

But Natalia really didn’t want to go. Hamilton was supposed to be at the Boria City Arts Festival with Eveleen. What could he possibly want with her there? To watch them playing the happy

couple? No, thank you. “Can | decline?” The executive secretary paused before replying, “Mr. Fowler said that you would need a valid reason to refuse.”

Natalia was silent. She had no such reason. After all, Hamilton was her boss. If he said travel, she would be hard-pressed to justify saying no.

“I'm not feeling well.” There was a two-second pause before the executive secretary said, “I’m afraid that won't do. Mr. Fowler mentioned that your

health shouldn’t interfere with the trip. Also, you missed the medical check-up he arranged for you, so he assumes it’s nothing serious.”

Natalia bit her lip. She’d skipped out on a check-up with Hamilton’s personal physician a few days back, thinking he wouldn’t notice. But it seemed he had.

“Fine. No need to pack, just send the car.”

Her frown remained firmly in place all the way to the airport. She had no idea what Hamilton

14:38

wanted or why Graham had sought her out. Sitting on the plane, her mind was a tangle of thoughts.

When the plane touched down in Boria City at eight in the evening, someone was already waiting to whisk her away to Hamilton's hotel. It was ten by the time she arrived.

Hamilton was lounging on the sofa, his dress shirt undone at the collar, revealing a hint of chest. His long legs stretched out lazily as he perused a document.

Hearing her enter, he looked up, locking eyes with Natalia.

“Mr. Fowler.” She greeted him as she stepped inside.

He hummed in acknowledgment, then returned his gaze to the papers. “Freshen up.”

Natalia didn’t move. “I didn’t bring any clothes.”

Hamilton chuckled. “You rushed over so quickly you forgot to pack a change of clothes?”

With no choice, she said, “Yes, | guess | was just that eager to see you. It’s been a whole two days.” His laugh was enigmatic, “Go shower. I’ve had some clothes sent up for you.”

“Alright.”

After her shower, Natalia found a few outfits laid out on the bed. She hung them in the closet and then glanced at the tea set beside Hamilton. She went over and brewed him a cup.

“Mr. Fowler, you had me come all this way... is there something you need?” As she offered the tea, Hamilton didn’t take “Did you meet with Victor today?”

1. it. Instead, he grasped her wrist.