Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 44

The cries had persisted in the room without pause.

Hamilton stood by the doorway, his posture unchanged throughout the ordeal.

It was only when the weeping inside finally ceased that he glanced down at the cigarette in his hand. He tossed the crumpled stick into the trash and pulled out a fresh one, heading towards the smoking area.

Scarlett came by after her shift ended.

Natalia lay alone on the hospital bed, the remnants of tears still glistening at the corners of her eyes.

Scarlett mustered a forced smile. “You know, maybe it’s for the best. If you had to care for your mom and a baby all by yourself, it would’ve been too much.”

Natalia seemed to summon every ounce of strength not to cry. She nodded slightly and said, “Yeah, I know.”

How could she not be aware of her own situation? Maybe losing the baby was a blessing in disguise. Otherwise, the child would have just shared in her hardships.

Yet, her heart was still irrepressibly aching.

Seeing Natalia like this, Scarlett quickly changed the subject, “Hungry? Want me to grab you something to eat?”

Natalia shook her head. “I’m not hungry. How long do I need to stay in the hospital?”

“Just overnight for observation. If all feels well, you can be discharged in the morning. How about staying at my place after? I can take care of you during your recovery.”

“Sure.”

Natalia wasn’t in the mood for comforting words, and thankfully, Scarlett didn’t offer any. Scarlett tucked the blankets around her. “How did this happen so suddenly? Weren’t you fine when you called earlier?” Scarlett asked, her voice tinged with emotion.

Even she was struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of the child, let alone Natalia.

Natalia stared at the ceiling. After a long silence, she murmured, “I was pushed down the stairs and fell.”

Scarlett stared blankly and asked, “Pushed? By who? I thought maybe it was Hamilton…” She paused, biting her lip.

Natalia shook her head, a bitter taste in her mouth. “It wasn’t him.” She thought of the fan’s father who was responsible and felt unsure whom to blame.

“Let’s not talk about this anymore.” When Scarlett saw Natalia’s reaction, she swiftly shifted

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the conversation.

opened. Hamilton entered, carrying a thermos.

discomfort was palpable upon seeing him. She stood up promptly and said to Natalia, “Til head out. I’ll come by early tomorrow to check on you.”

Natalia nodded.

say something, but ultimately, she

and took out a wet wipe. He gently took Natalia’s hand and began to clean it

do it myself,” Natalia said,

never tended to her in such a manner. Now, his

her, but

just had a

then what? Let your friend call me a jerk again? Have her publicly tell me to get a vasectomy?”

smile, anger clearly etched on his face.

Scarlett had gone to such lengths. “She’s just straightforward. Mr. Fowler, please don’t take

around her

I’ve tolerated your friend’s insults only for

moment and then said, “I’ll

only out of deep concern for Natalia, but the nature of her relationship

clear agreement. The contract was explicit: no children. The child was an accident,

have been out of consideration

of chicken soup from the thermos, helping Natalia to sit up before handing it to

weakness, Natalia fumbled with the bowl, which Hamilton swiftly caught, his eyes holding a hint of exasperation.

Chapter 44

bowl steady?” he teased, raising

I can manage on my own.” Natalia reached for the bowl again, but Hamilton didn’t let go. He

After a heavy silence, she hesitated before speaking. “Keeping the baby was my choice, and I don’t blame anyone for not being able to

his hands. His face was stern as he

wronged you in any way. It’s your who breached the contract by hiding the pregnancy.”

heart skipped

pregnancy was indeed my responsibility. Taking care of you is my way of making amends for my negligence. I’m sorry for the miscarriage and the

the bowl of soup

never his apology. But it didn’t matter anymore. The baby was gone, and there probably wouldn’t be

back the sourness in her eyes and opened her mouth

soup.