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.

feeling a bit tired, so I’ll be

back at Hamilton. She feared that one glance would make it too hard to leave.

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

up to a momentary

wouldn’t allow herself to

mere spectator, watching her fall deeper, unable

an eerie silence fell over the

was as cold

suddenly felt something was amiss.

at his brother nervously, realizing the previous joke had

not daring

beside Hamilton tried to seize the opportunity to climb

better off without such a

His voice was calm but

was taken aback, “Why

usually composed, now had a hint of red

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

made their exits, leaving the group

the joke he had made earlier.

mask of indifference. “I don’t lack for a manager. Mr. Henkel, if you want her,

chuckled nervously, suddenly not daring to agree.

something was up between Hamilton and Natalia

on, it was just a joke. Who would dare to take

didn’t soothe Hamilton, but

dared to take Hamilton’s employees. But it didn’t stop someone from

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Chapter 3

to her parents‘ house. Ever since her

a temper and was often drunk, lashing out

mother.

to divorce him. But

her mother went to pick up a drunken Graham, and he pushed her out into the street in a quarrel. Since then, Graham had worsened, often going days. without returning home. When he did, he was drunk to

only was he there,

her stepfather and

the urge to vomit, turned, and walked downstairs. Only on reaching the ground floor did