Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 34

Scarlett froze in place, her mind racing. Natalia had insisted on terminating her pregnancy before, claiming she wanted to cut ties with Hamilton.

But when the procedure didn’t go through, for reasons Scarlett could only guess at–perhaps the baby–the topic faded into the background.

Lately, Natalia hadn’t been mentioning Hamilton much at all. So why bring him up now?

“Did that jerk do something heartless again?” Scarlett asked. She peered at Natalia. “Is it because of Eveleen?”

Natalia shook her head; the thought of leaving had been there all along, simmering beneath the surface, held back by various reasons. Whether it was Graham, her mother’s medical bills, or now the child growing inside her, they were all chains holding her back.

She had managed to save up for her mother’s treatments over several months, but with a baby on the way, she couldn’t guarantee immediate employment post–Hamilton. And with the cost of childcare and the time it demanded, her savings were far from enough to promise stability.

So, she had stayed by Hamilton’s side, enduring his tenderness toward Eveleen and his consistent indifference toward her.

She had thought she could endure it for the sake of her child, that she could wait until she could walk away without a backward glance, until she would be unmoved even if she witnessed Hamilton and Eveleen in bed together.

But now, she realized how hard it was. She had thought herself impervious to pain. Yet, Hamilton always found a way to throw her off balance and wound her deeply.

“Have you really thought this through?” Scarlett frowned, a crease forming on her forehead.

Even though she always called Hamilton a jerk or scoundrel, a small part of her clung to the hope that he might develop genuine feelings for Natalia. After all, a child is best raised by both parents.

And then there was Natalia’s mother’s medical debt–over 200 thousand dollars a month.

If Natalia left Hamilton, Scarlett feared the bills would crush her, especially now with a child in the picture. So, when Natalia’s plans to leave Hamilton fizzled out, Scarlett never brought it up again. The child was Hamilton’s doing, after all. It didn’t seem right that her dear friend should bear all the hardship while Hamilton escaped responsibility.

So, Scarlett had reasoned that staying with Hamilton, living off his money, and sharing his bed weren’t the worst option. Sure, the occasional run–in with his first love was a bit nauseating. but as long as Natalia didn’t take it to heart, it was no big deal.

This thought froze Scarlett. She suddenly grabbed Natalia’s arm. Natalia turned to look at her.

Scarlett’s frown deepened. “You’re not falling for Hamilton, are you?”

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Natalia’s expression stiffened momentarily. She had never confessed her feelings for Hamilton to anyone, not even Scarlett.

Scarlett had always assumed that between Natalia and Hamilton, it was merely a transaction of body and wealth.

Natalia forced a laugh. “How could I? Falling for him would be like asking for misery.”

Scarlett wasn’t entirely convinced but still cautioned her. “Natalia, the last thing you want in a financial arrangement is to involve feelings.”

with bitterness.

to attend to that afternoon, so she

Scarlett, Natalia

unchanged. Natalia spent some time by

she did, a few nurses were gathered,

they

from the

think they’re

do look good

curiosity getting the better of her. “Hey, what

eagerly

the latest juicy

and saw a photo of Hamilton and Eveleen together, attending the art festival in Boria City.

looked perfectly matched, just as the nurses

was why Hamilton had been absent these past days–to accompany

she even ask? Natalia thought, berating herself. She returned the phone with a smile

his share of flings with starlets, but he

This was the first time.

loves

together made Victor’s words echo in her head again–she felt like a thief who had stolen

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by bus, Natalia spotted Graham from a distance, bottle in hand, slouched

by, he would ask, “Do you know Natalia Jenkins?”

quickly ducking behind a nearby tree. Hiding

was Graham looking for her again? Had he blown

already tried to send Graham away several times to no avail. He wasn’t

debated whether to simply confront him,

was from the

a deep breath and answered the call.

you pack your things. A driver will be along shortly to take you on a business

I ask what business takes me

“Mr. Fowler

want to go. Hamilton was supposed to be at the Boria City Arts Festival with Eveleen. What could he possibly want with her there? To

thank you.

“Can I decline?”

paused before replying, “Mr. Fowler said that you would

reason. After all, Hamilton was her boss. If he said travel, she would be hard–pressed to justify saying no.

not feeling well.”