Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Back when social engagements didn’t tie him up, Hamilton often enjoyed the luxury of meals prepared at home by Natalia.

He was a food snob, finicky about every detail from the ingredients to the plating. Unless he had to, he seldom dined out.

In the early days of their relationship, Natalia went to great lengths to satisfy his

s gourmet inclinations. She once basked in the glow of his casual “not bad” for days on end. It seemed she had given him all of her efforts, youthful days, and heart–fluttering moments.

The memory of cooking his favorite meal with a heart full of happiness now felt so distant.

“What’s wrong?” Scarlett asked.

Natalia hung up the phone, her face a shade paler than usual. “I have to go back.”

Money was tight for her. She had to admit she still needed to rely on Hamilton for financial support.

Her mother’s medical bills were a bottomless pit. And now, with a child on the way, a child she hadn’t initially planned for, she needed a solid financial foundation more than ever.

After parting ways with Scarlett, Natalia made her way to the local farmer’s market.

Hamilton insisted on the freshest ingredients; leftovers never lasted overnight in their fridge.

By the time Natalia returned from the market, the evening had settled in. She spent two full hours in the kitchen conjuring up a meal of four dishes and a soup. Hamilton’s dining preferences were nothing short of ritualistic and Natalia could not afford to be careless in the

kitchen.

After two hours amid the greasy fumes, she felt nauseated and had to take antiemetic medication before calling Hamilton. But his phone went unanswered.

She glanced at the clock on the wall. It was eight o’clock.

He shouldn’t be in a meeting or working late at this hour. Did he not hear the phone, or was he ignoring it?

After a moment’s hesitation, she dialed again. This time, he rejected her call straight up.

Staring at the disconnected call, a wave of frustration washed over her. She exhaled softly and sent him a message.

ready. When are

later, her phone buzzed.

coming home for

the message before replying with a simple:

1/4

14:34

she found herself fixated on Hamilton’s text. It was a peculiar feeling, a blend of hurt and disappointment and an unmistakable

isn’t with you, he’ll

nausea overwhelmed her, and she rushed to the bathroom.

disheveled, pale reflection in the mirror for a long while before regaining her composure. Her

cry.

had already claimed too many of her tears. This had happened before; it was happening now, and it might

and she didn’t want

cooking was actually quite good. Over the years, she

and carried it downstairs. The neighborhood’s stray

down small bowls and portioned out the food, dividing it among the eager animals. After feeding them, she didn’t leave. She squatted in the garden,

wasn’t even sure why she was

was unnecessary, wasn’t

emotions during pregnancy are

leather shoes stopped in front

didn’t want Hamilton

silent before her, simply watching her feed the

he finally spoke. “Get

was low, and his tone

anger from an encounter with Eveleen? Natalia

up at Hamilton. “You’re

down at her. “Have

a wry smile. “No, just

seemed indifferent; his question was probably just a

“Are you done here? If so,

Chapter 22

to stay out here a

glanced at her. “Throwing

Fowler. Rest assured, I do have that much self–awareness.” “Good.

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