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?”

winter Ice.

head quickly

Ms. Jenkins to suffer because of Graham. After

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

brother’s heart was

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

way.

fair–weather friends was no good. Alden was the only on she was somewhat close to. If she couldn’t borrow from Alden, she

she wasn’t desperate enough to ask a man with ulterior motives for

frazzled nerves,

“Boss, 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,

nodded. “Just leave it

Natalia reviewed the marketing plan and

She knocked twice and a deep voice beckoned

looked up with a flicker of interest. “Ms. Jenkins hasn’t

today. I’ll take care

soon. Don’t hold up the

placing the marketing plan before him. “Here’s the new

document

didn’t dismiss her, so Natalia stood waiting as he scrutinized each

signed his name and handed the document back to Natalia.

more but then giving up the thought.

Ms. Jenkins?”

14:20

Chapter 6

“No, that’s all.‘

Close the door on your way out, please.”

Hamilton dove back into his work.

quickly dismissing it. The thought of seeking aid from such a man was

After work, she called Lionel, the attorney who had

her situation, she asked, “Lionel, could this be

father, and you have a duty to provide for him.

sank further. “Is there really no

for divorce on behalf of your mother, but it’s a

bitter truth. She was trapped in Graham’s malicious

be more