Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 6

Stumbling back with a forceful shove from Graham, Natalia clutched her belly protectively. shooting him a glare that could shatter glass.

“Graham, don’t you ever fear karma will come knocking?”

“The biggest karma of my life was crossing paths with your mom and you!” he spat back venomously.

Trembling with fury, Natalia took a deep breath, trying to quell the throbbing in her belly.

She quickly dialed Scarlett’s number to ask for her help.

“It’s probably the stress causing the pain. Find a place to sit down and try to relax. If it doesn’t get better soon, head straight to the hospital.”

After hanging up, Natalia inhaled deeply, working to steady her swirling emotions.

Sitting on a nearby bench, the pain gradually subsided. When her stomach finally settled, she allowed herself a small sigh of relief. She checked on her mother before leaving, and reminded the caregiver once more.

“If Graham shows up again, please call me right away.”

The caregiver nodded earnestly, “Of course.”

Leaving the hospital behind, Natalia headed straight back to the office. The resignation letter sat untouched on her desk, but she didn’t have the heart to deal with it.

Tucking the letter into a drawer, she hesitated before picking up the phone and making another call.

Alden was clearly surprised to hear from her. “Ms. Jenkins, what a surprise! To what do I owe the pleasure?”

There was a moment of silence before Natalia spoke, “Alden, I’m in a bit of a bind. Could I possibly borrow some money from you?”

Sitting in his brother Hamilton’s office, Alden glanced over at the man who ‘seemed to anticipate every move in this chess game called life.

“Ms. Jenkins, I’m really sorry. But you might not know this – my big brother cut off my credit cards because of last night’s incident. I’ve been living off leftovers since then.”

A heavy weight seemed to settle in Natalia’s chest. After a brief pause, she simply said, “I’m sorry to have bothered you.”

Feeling guilty, Alden suggested, “Maybe you could wait a few days? I reckon my brother will cool off soon.”

“There’s no need, thank you,” Natalia replied before ending the call.

Alden looked at Hamilton, who was meticulously reviewing contracts, and ventured, “Bro, are you really going to let Graham mess with her like this?”

as winter Ice. “What, you feel sorry

head quickly he wouldn’t

suffer because of Graham.

shortcut but she didn’t take it. If she suffers,

His brother’s heart was indeed

though Hamilton wanted her to stay, he was going about it in such a

way.

was no good. Alden was the only on she was somewhat close to. If she couldn’t borrow from Alden, she didn’t know

only other person was Victor, but she wasn’t desperate enough to ask a man with ulterior motives for

breath to calm her frazzled

the final version of the new product’s marketing plan is ready. You’ll need Mr. Fowler’s signature. The secretary mentioned you haven’t processed your resignation yet, so it’s

nodded. “Just leave it

plan and made her way to the

door was ajar. She knocked twice and a deep voice beckoned

flicker of interest. “Ms. Jenkins hasn’t

her lip. “Something came up today.

do it soon. Don’t hold up the new manager’s appointment.”

plan before him. “Here’s the new product plan. Please

his time examining the document thoroughly, his approach always meticulous.

waiting as he

his name and

hesitated, wanting to say something more

Jenkins?” Hamilton’s expression was unreadable.

14:20

Chapter 6

“No, that’s all.‘

the door on your way

Hamilton dove back into

but quickly dismissing it. The

refocus. After work, she called Lionel, the attorney who had

her situation, she asked, “Lionel, could this

provide for him. If

there really

could potentially file for divorce on behalf of your mother, but

Natalia realized the bitter truth. She

couldn’t be