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 I’ll be

didn’t look back at Hamilton. She feared that one

her heart for so many years. Just one look from him

chalked up to a momentary impulse.

she wouldn’t allow herself

mere spectator, watching

Natalia left, an eerie silence fell over the room.

cold

felt something

glanced at his brother nervously, realizing the

were silent, not daring to speak as

tried to seize the opportunity to climb the

you’d be better off without

voice was calm

taken aback, “Why are

a

away. “I’m sorry, Mr. Fowler. I’ll leave.”

other women made their exits, leaving the group of

the joke he had made

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

chuckled nervously, suddenly not daring to

couldn’t see something was up between Hamilton and Natalia by now,

was just a joke. Who would dare to take Mr. Fowler’s

Hamilton, but only darkened his mood further.

Hamilton’s employees. But it didn’t stop someone from no longer wanting

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Chapter 3

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

and was often drunk, lashing out at her and

mother.

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

into the street in a quarrel. Since then, Graham had worsened, often going

not only was he there, he had brought

listening to the sounds of her stepfather and the woman inside, Natalia’s hand holding

turned, and walked downstairs. Only on reaching the ground floor did she