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.

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

that one glance would make it too hard to leave.

years. Just one look from him could make her walk through

tonight could be chalked up to a

wouldn’t allow herself

he remained a mere spectator, watching her fall deeper, unable to

an eerie silence

was as cold

something

brother nervously, realizing the previous joke had gone too

friends were silent, not daring to speak

seize the opportunity to climb the social

be better off without such a disobedient

voice was calm but

“Why are you still

composed, now had a hint of red in his

backed away. “I’m sorry,

their exits,

regretted the joke he had

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

chuckled nervously, suddenly not daring to

was up between Hamilton and Natalia by now, he’d be a fool.

it was just a joke. Who would dare to take Mr.

Hamilton, but

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

2/4

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Chapter 3

the Crest Club and hailed a cab back to her parents‘ house. Ever since her mother

temper and was often drunk, lashing out at her and

mother.

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

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

But not only was he there, he had brought

the sounds of her stepfather and

vomit, turned, and walked downstairs.