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

Ms. Schafer. I know how I feel. Please, just

the villain. “Sorry, did I put you in a

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Eveleen said, her voice breaking as

just one drink. Just have it,

such a sweet gesture. What more

up, and it’s all water under the

Eveleen’s tearful

helplessly toward Hamilton at the head of

step in? Maybe he had a shred

had no right to stand up to Eveleen. Any resistance would only backfire

took the glass from Eveleen’s hand and downed it

I leave

mean anything by

it, Ms. Schafer.”

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 this crying business.”

help it,”

look a mess.”

thing, but the smile on his face said another.

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

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

left the restaurant. She didn’t hail a cab but walked to a

pair of socks from a street vendor and filled her stomach with a warm bowl of chicken soup. Only then

to one

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said. “Got a favorite song? I can play it