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. “What, you feel

head quickly he wouldn’t dare.

Ms. Jenkins to suffer because of Graham. After

“She had a shortcut but she didn’t take

brother’s heart was indeed

stay, he was going

way.

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 from Alden, she didn’t know who else to

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

frazzled nerves, Natalia returned to her tasks.

final version of the new product’s marketing plan is ready. You’ll need Mr.

leave it

left, Natalia reviewed the marketing plan and made her way

ajar. She knocked twice and a deep voice beckoned

flicker of interest. “Ms.

today. I’ll take care of

Don’t hold up the new

before him. “Here’s the new product plan. Please review it, Mr.

time examining the document thoroughly,

stood waiting

satisfied, Hamilton signed his name and handed the document back

more but then giving

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

14:20

Chapter 6

“No, that’s all.‘

the door on your

back into his work.

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

desk, Natalia tried to refocus. After work, she called Lionel, the attorney who had helped her mother years ago.

she asked, “Lionel, could this be considered extortion?”

difficult to prosecute under extortion. He’s your legal father, and you have a duty to provide for

“Is there

file for divorce on behalf of your mother, but it’s a lengthy process.”

She was trapped in Graham’s

be more