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.”

tinged with

had other matters to attend to that afternoon,

parting ways with Scarlett, Natalia

remained unchanged. Natalia spent some time

did, a few nurses

so handsome, and they say

the guy from the

they’re dating?”

But they do look good

her attention. She edged closer, curiosity getting the better of her. “Hey, what are

nurses eagerly handed her

at this, the latest juicy story,”

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

looked perfectly matched, just as the nurses had

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

returned the phone with a smile and left the

with starlets, but he had never been one for

scandal. This was the first time.

first loves truly

her head again–she felt like a thief

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

he would ask,

ducking behind a nearby tree. Hiding there, her mind buzzed with questions.

for her again? Had he blown through the million

send Graham away several times to no avail. He

to simply

was from the executive

breath and answered

Jenkins, Mr. Fowler has requested that you pack your things. A driver will be along shortly to take you

brow furrowed deeply. “May I ask what business takes me to Boria City?”

Fowler

Arts Festival with Eveleen. What could he possibly want with her

thank

“Can I decline?”

before replying, “Mr. Fowler said that you would need a valid reason to

She had no such reason. After all, Hamilton was her boss. If he said travel, she would be

feeling well.”