Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 30

Eveleen approached Natalia with two glasses of wine, a knowing smile plastered on her face.

Natalia glanced at the drinks and instantly felt the onset of a headache. She knew what was

coming.

Sure enough, Eveleen extended one of the glasses towards her. “Ms. Jenkins, I’m really sorry about the delays at work recently and for any misunderstandings that may have arisen because of me. I just want to clear the air.”

Natalia met Eveleen’s gaze, eyeing the drink warily. “No need for apologies. Friction at work is normal. It’s all about communication. And I’ll pass on the drink; I haven’t been feeling well lately.”

She didn’t take the glass. With that, she continued walking, but Eveleen blocked her path. “Ms. Jenkins, are you not willing to forgive me? Is that why you won’t even accept a drink?”

Natalia chuckled lightly. “Ms. Schafer, as I said, it’s just work stuff, nothing personal to forgive. And really, I’m not up for a drink.”

But Eveleen was persistent. “It’s just a little drink. Weren’t you known for holding your liquor back in the day?”

Back then, as Hamilton’s secretary when the company was just finding its footing. Natalia had been fearless with a glass in hand, but times had changed. The guilt from yesterday’s sip was still fresh, and today’s offer was out of the question.

“Ms. Schafer, I’m sorry. When I’m feeling better, let’s have a drink, just you and me, okay?”

Eveleen pouted. “It seems you really won’t forgive me.”

Natalia took a deep breath to calm her nerves. “I simply don’t want to drink because I’m unwell.”

“How can you be unwell? You look fine to me.”

Natalia’s head buzzed with irritation. She didn’t understand Eveleen’s insistence on this drink. Was it truly just about forgiveness? Eveleen was never that kind–hearted.

If not for forgiveness, then what?

The memory of Eveleen with her antiabortifacient flashed through Natalia’s mind, and her heart sank.

If so, did that mean Natalia had to drink tonight

Ms. Schafer.

tears, painting Natalia as the villain. “Sorry, did I put

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I just wanted your forgiveness.” Eveleen said, her voice breaking as tears started to fall.

chimed in, “Ms. Jenkins, it’s just one drink. Just have it,

gesture.

just drink up, and it’s all water under

and Eveleen’s tearful gaze never

looked helplessly toward Hamilton at the head of the table, his

Did she really expect Hamilton to step in? Maybe he had a shred of kindness to spare, but only if it didn’t clash with Eveleen’s wishes.

memory of Hamilton’s cold warning from the night before was vivid in her mind. She had no right to stand up to Eveleen. Any resistance would only backfire on her. Refusing the drink

the glass from

I leave

anything by it, Ms. Jenkins. Please don’t be

overthinking it, Ms.

her reply, Natalia turned and left the room. As the door closed behind her, she saw Hamilton pass a napkin to Eveleen. Eveleen didn’t take it. He wiped her tears away. half–heartedly chastising her. “You’re too old for

help it,”

look a mess.”

the smile on

him. In her experience, Hamilton’s heart had been as hard as a stone. He never softened for her tears or gave in to her pleas. The Hamilton with Eveleen was nothing

made it hard to breathe. She let go of the door handle and rushed to the restroom, vomiting

she left the restaurant. She didn’t hail a cab but walked to a nearby market, blending in with the crowd.

street vendor and filled her stomach with a warm bowl of chicken soup. Only then did she

of a street performer, listening to one song

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favorite song? I can play it for you.”