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 be

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

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

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

she wouldn’t allow herself

beside him while he remained a mere spectator, watching

an eerie silence fell

was as cold as ice.

felt something was

brother nervously, realizing the previous joke had gone too far.

silent, not daring

seize the opportunity to climb the social ladder.

you’d be better off without such a disobedient woman.”

was calm

“Why are

had a

actress backed away. “I’m sorry,

made their exits, leaving the group of men behind.

he had

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

nervously, suddenly not daring to

couldn’t see something was up between Hamilton and Natalia by now, he’d be a fool.

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

words didn’t soothe Hamilton, but only darkened

it didn’t stop someone from no longer

2/4

14:19

Chapter 3

house. Ever since her mother got sick three years ago, she had seldom visited.

and was often drunk, lashing out at

mother.

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

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 the point of collapse.

not only was he

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

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