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.

Fowler. I’m feeling a

feared that one glance would

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

boldness tonight could be chalked up to a momentary impulse. But

wouldn’t allow herself to

couldn’t keep sinking beside him while he remained a mere spectator, watching her fall deeper, unable

silence fell over the

cold

something was amiss.

at his brother nervously, realizing the previous joke had gone

friends were silent, not daring to

to seize the opportunity to

you’d be better off without

was calm but

actress was taken aback, “Why are you still angry-”

usually composed, now had a hint of

backed away. “I’m sorry, Mr. Fowler. I’ll

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

the joke he had made earlier.

“I don’t lack for a manager. Mr. Henkel, if you

chuckled nervously, suddenly not

was up between Hamilton and

joke. Who would dare to take Mr. Fowler’s

but only darkened his mood further.

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

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Chapter 3

her parents‘ house. Ever since

a temper and was often drunk, lashing out

mother.

divorce him. But her mother never had the nerve

out into the street in a quarrel. Since then,

hoped Graham wouldn’t be home tonight. But not only was

the front door, listening to the sounds of her stepfather and the woman inside, Natalia’s hand holding the keys went stiff.

surged within her. She fought the urge to vomit, turned, and walked downstairs. Only on reaching the