Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 5

Just as Natalia left the hospital, her phone buzzing incessantly in her purse.

Tess’s voice came through, tinged with urgency. “Boss, your dad’s causing a scene at the office again. You’d better get here fast. Mr. Fowler’s gonna blow his top if he finds out.”

Natalia felt a sudden knot in her brow as she hung up and rushed to the company.

Stepping into the lobby, she found Graham lounging on a sofa, puffing away like a chimney.

“Put out the cigarette.” Her voice was cold, her face a mask of barely contained anger.

Graham chuckled, “Alright, I’ll do what my daughter says.”

Natalia’s headache intensified just looking at him. “Let’s talk outside.”

She ushered Graham out to a nearby coffee shop beneath the company’s towering office. building.

As they entered. Graham broke into a grin. “My little girl’s done well for herself, hanging out in places this fancy!”

Natalia eyed him, “If you’re not scared of Hamilton, feel free to keep showing up to bother me.”

Graham scoffed, “Scare me with what? You think Hamilton can stop me from seeing my own. daughter?”

“You’re welcome to test Hamilton’s limits, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. If he steps in, your little ‘insanity plea‘ won’t save you!”

Years ago, after Natalia’s mother had been pushed into a tragic accident by Graham, Natalia had been determined to put him behind bars. But Graham had somehow obtained a document certifying mental illness and escaped punishment. It was something Natalia could never let go of.

Seeing that she wasn’t joking, Graham’s smirk faded. “Just give me money, and I swear I’ll never come here again!”

“I don’t have money!” Natalia cut him off without hesitation.

Graham had recently gotten into gambling and had come begging for money more than once.

Natalia truly had none. To prevent Graham from getting to her funds, she had allocated everything to her mother’s medical bills.

“Bullshit!” Graham bellowed, “You work at this upscale company and you’re telling me you’ve got no cash?”

Passersby started to turn their heads their way.

Natalia fought to keep her anger in check, attempting to stay as calm as she could.

1/4

14:19 M

Chapter 5

“Do you even know how much my mom’s medical bills are each month? Have you ever contributed a dime since her accident? How can you have the audacity to ask me for money?”

“Why the hell should I pay for her medical bills!” Graham roared, “She never gave me a child, and now she expects me to pay? Dream on!”

you money? I’m not

you

Jenkins. I am your father!”

reached for Natalia’s hand, “Natalia, how about you give me a child? If you do, I promise to take care of your mother. Then she’s the grandmother of my child after all.”

recoiled in disgust, slapping his hand away and then his face.

bustling, and with that slap, all eyes turned to them.

me!” Graham lunged, grabbing Natalia’s collar, his hand raised to

before his hand could fall, someone grabbed

hell is meddling?” Graham’s roar was met with Hamilton’s icy stare.

of Hamilton made Graham shrink

his grip on Graham’s wrist tightening until the man

disdain, Hamilton released

see you near the company again, it won’t just

from pain but not daring to retaliate, glared

eyes were slightly red as she

Mr. Fowler.”

face remained expressionless, “Has he ever touched you

face, grope her backside. Her mother had fought with him

for college. But she

she simply said, “No.”

expression darkened, “I don’t want to see this happen again.”

meant Graham showing up

be a next time. I’m going to

2/4

14:19

Chapter 5

escaping him, “It seems Ms. Jenkins is determined

leave.”

voice was

then I won’t keep

Natalia nodded, “Alright.”

before heading to

then did Natalia notice a woman with Hamilton, who was watching her with a mix of challenge and mockery in

went in Hamilton’s life like birds of passage.

she couldn’t help feeling a sting in her heart. Her hand instinctively tightened over her belly. the

best that she was leaving. She’d forget Hamilton

she took a deep breath, managed her composure and walked in

the company chat was abuzz with

incident from last night at the Crest Club

Fowler’s ruthlessness, but most gossiped about Natalia’s alleged blunder.

inside and quickly

following, much less caring about.

door, the room fell into an immediate hush.

eyes reddened at the sight of

true you’re

She nodded, “Wishing you all the best of luck.”

she began packing her things quietly.