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?”

lifted, cold as winter Ice. “What, you feel

his head quickly

because of Graham. After

“She had a shortcut but she didn’t take it.

brother’s heart was

he was going about it

way.

could 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

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

deep breath to calm her frazzled nerves, Natalia returned to her tasks.

plan is ready. You’ll need Mr. Fowler’s signature. The secretary mentioned you haven’t processed your resignation yet, so it’s

leave

reviewed the marketing plan and made her way to the CEO’s

ajar. She knocked twice and a

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

today. I’ll take care

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

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

time examining the document thoroughly, his approach

didn’t dismiss her, so Natalia stood waiting as he scrutinized each page with precision.

and handed the document back to Natalia.

wanting to say something more

Jenkins?” Hamilton’s

14:20

Chapter 6

“No, that’s all.‘

on

that, Hamilton dove back into his work.

but quickly dismissing it. The thought of seeking aid from

desk, Natalia tried to refocus. After work, she called Lionel, the

asked, “Lionel, could

prosecute under extortion. He’s your legal father, and you have a duty 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 he

there really no

for divorce on behalf of your mother,

She

be more