Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 3

Natalia felt as if she was encased in a tomb of ice. She saw the subtext in Hamilton’s words all too well. A simple nod from her, and he wouldn’t stand in her way. Hamilton didn’t care whether she stayed or left at all.

She harbored no romantic feelings toward Victor. In the past, she would have rejected him

without hesitation.-

But today, a rebellious streak surged within her. She was tired of Hamilton’s indifference. Her hand gravitated to her belly unconsciously. She didn’t want to use the baby to force Hamilton into responsibility.

It was just a game, after all. Talking of responsibility seemed so out of place.

Besides, Hamilton wasn’t the kind of man she could corner. It wasn’t as if she absolutely needed this baby.

But if not this one, what about the next? Hamilton had been meticulous about contraception. He took great care to avoid pregnancy at all costs, always using protection, except for last month, when things got rough, and the condom broke.

But he had her take emergency contraception immediately afterward. However, that pill hadn’t stopped this baby from coming.

She knew, this baby wasn’t going to be kept. But who could guarantee that if she didn’t keep this one, another wouldn’t come along?

She had already spent her youth on him and didn’t want to sacrifice her health as well.

She had saved some money for her mother’s medical bills so far. And she didn’t want to waste any more time with him. She had been undecided before. But now that he brought it up, she didn’t want to back down anymore.

She looked up into Hamilton’s eyes. “So, if I agree, I can leave with Mr. Henkel?”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Looks like Ms. Jenkins is indeed interested in that proposition?”

With a bitter smile, Natalia uttered words she never thought she’d say. “If Mr. Henkel’s offer is more attractive, I’ll consider it.”

“Crash!” The sound of a glass tumbling off the table and smashing onto the floor sliced through the quiet of the room.

Hamilton’s gaze was frosty, yet his face remained impassive.

Those who knew him understood that he was furious.

“So Ms. Jenkins‘ heart has already shifted allegiance?” After a cold laugh, he continued, “In that case, Ms. Jenkins, you may as well process your resignation tomorrow.”

Chapter 3

“Sure,” Natalia said with a smile, standing up.

Mr. Fowler. I’m feeling a bit tired, so I’ll

Hamilton. She feared that one glance would make it too hard

her heart for so many years. Just one look from him could make her walk

a momentary impulse. But she wouldn’t regret it.

allow herself to regret.

mere spectator, watching her fall

an eerie silence fell

cold as ice.

suddenly felt something was amiss.

nervously, realizing the previous joke had gone too

were silent, not daring to speak

young actress beside Hamilton tried to seize the opportunity to

off without

out.” His voice was calm but chilling.

aback, “Why are

Hamilton, usually composed, now had a hint of red in

backed away. “I’m sorry, Mr.

the other women made their exits, leaving the group of men behind.

the joke he had

mask of indifference. “I don’t lack for a

nervously, suddenly not

up between Hamilton and Natalia by now, he’d be

on, it was just a joke. Who would dare

but only

take Hamilton’s employees. But it didn’t stop someone from no longer wanting to be

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Chapter 3

hailed a cab back to her parents‘ house. Ever since her mother got sick three years ago, she

temper and was often drunk,

mother.

than once to divorce him. But her mother never had the nerve to do

in a quarrel. Since then, Graham had worsened, often going days. without returning home.

home tonight. But not only was he there, he had brought another

stepfather and the woman inside, Natalia’s hand holding

She fought the urge to vomit, turned, and walked downstairs. Only on reaching the ground