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,

head quickly he wouldn’t

because of Graham. After all, she is your

she didn’t take it. If she

His brother’s

stay, he was going about it in such a roundabout,

way.

help her financially. Hamilton’s crowd of fair–weather friends was no good. Alden was the only on she was somewhat close to. If she couldn’t borrow

enough

to calm her frazzled nerves, Natalia returned to

You’ll need Mr. Fowler’s signature. The secretary mentioned you haven’t processed your

leave it to me.”

plan and made her

knocked twice and a

of interest. “Ms.

“Something came up today. I’ll take care of it

“Please do it soon. Don’t

“Here’s the

time examining the document thoroughly, his approach always

Natalia stood waiting as he scrutinized each page with precision.

Hamilton signed his name and handed the document back to Natalia.

to say something more but

there anything else, Ms. Jenkins?” Hamilton’s expression was unreadable.

14:20

Chapter 6

“No, that’s all.‘

the door on your way out, please.”

dove back into his

urge to ask Hamilton for help moments ago but quickly dismissing it. The thought of seeking

tried to refocus. After work, she called Lionel, the attorney who had helped her

she asked, “Lionel,

to provide for him. If he claims it’s just for support, you wouldn’t have much of a case, at best a reprimand. I fear

sank further. “Is there really no way

of your

bitter truth. She was trapped in Graham’s malicious

I couldn’t be more help.”