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.

I’m feeling a

one glance would make it too hard to leave.

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

up to a momentary impulse.

she wouldn’t allow herself

keep sinking beside him while he remained a mere spectator, watching her fall deeper,

eerie silence fell over the

was as cold as

something was

the previous joke had gone

friends were silent, not daring to

actress beside Hamilton tried to seize the opportunity to climb the social ladder.

Fowler, you’d be better off

was calm but

actress was taken aback, “Why are you still

now had a hint

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

left, the other women made their

regretted the joke he had

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

nervously, suddenly not daring to agree.

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

on, it was just a joke. Who

soothe Hamilton, but only darkened his

But it didn’t stop someone from no longer wanting to be one of them.

2/4

14:19

Chapter 3

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

had a temper and was often drunk, lashing

mother.

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

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

wouldn’t be home tonight. But not only was he there, he had brought another woman

at the front door, listening to the sounds of her stepfather and

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