Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 65

The next morning. Natalia awoke to find Hamilton already out of bed.

He was standing by the window, in a sharp sult, talking on the phone, his profile cutting a distinct silhouette against the morning light. At the sound of movement, Hamilton ended his call and turned, his gaze meeting Natalia’s.

“Ms. Jenkins, you enjoy watching me, I take it?” he teased, a playful smirk on his lips.

Natalia averted her eyes, feeling a flush creep up her cheeks.

*Why are you still here?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“I promised I’d be here to take you home from the hospital,” he said, taking a seat beside her.

Noticing her flushed cheeks, he chuckled lightly. “Ms. Jenkins, are you blushing?”

Her discomfort was evident, but she tried to dismiss it. “You’re mistaken.

But Hamilton, undeterred, reached out and gently pinched her cheek. “Ms. Jenkins, surely you don’t think I’m blind?”

He paused, a teasing lilt to his voice. “Do you find me attractive?”

Natalia’s expression tightened even more, her eyes darting away.

“No,” she lied.

Hamilton released her, his laughter soft and knowing. “If you like what you see, there’s no need to hide it. I’m not stopping you.”

Natalia bit her lip, wanting to clarify things, but some things just get more awkward the more you try to explain. So she swallowed back the words she had been about to say and let Hamilton think what he wanted.

She got up and went to the bathroom to change. When she was ready, Scarlett walked in.

“You need to take care of yourself when you get home, understand? Your health is your own responsibility,” Scarlett said with a note of concern.

Natalia nodded in agreement.

After a few more words of advice, Scarlett’s attention turned to Hamilton. “Mr. Fowler, I really think you should reconsider my earlier suggestion. If it’s inconvenient for you to look after Natalia, she’s more than welcome at my place.”

Hamilton’s brow furrowed instantly, his demeanor darkening.

irritation and quickly stepped in front

just go straight home,” she

well. The girl kept

was

thought of her friend’s concern. But the more Scarlett cared, the more Natalla didn’t want

to see that Hamilton, despite his polished appearance, was as domineering and unreasonable as any privileged scion could be. She had intended her suggestion as a reminder for

flashed her a sheepish smile.

up, call me,” Scarlett said before turning to Hamilton and adding with a firm tone, “Mr. Fowler, Natalia is in this condition because

I haven’t been kind

“Then, please

hospital. Natalla had always

visiting her at the hospital when he could, so Scarlett held back from saying more. But his tone and attitude today, as if they were the ones being unreasonable, grated on her nerves.

to Scarlett’s challenge. “Dr. Scarlett. don’t make me remind you that what happens between Natalla and me is our business, not yours. If you’re really that bored, I

of the moment. caused trouble for Scarlett, it wouldn’t be worth it. Besides, Hamilton was not one to go easy. on someone who

you go ahead. I’ll call you when I get home,” Natalla sald,

a look full of sympathy before huffing at Hamilton

“Scarlett is just protective

you also think I haven’t been treating you well?”

sadness. “You’ve been more than generous. Which benefactor personally takes care of his mistress in the hospital? You’ve done well, Mr. Fowler.

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you to treat me like a girlfriend or a wife.

somber. He lifted her chin with his long fingers, his gaze intense

your expression

face stiffened, and after a moment, she managed a wistful smile. “Would you consider treating

but his laugh was laced with sarcasm. “Well, that

speaking and released Natalia.

“You don’t think I’ve

did quite well,” Hamilton said, giving

tensed

they clenched together. “Then I should thank you for your

laughed lightly. “Ms. Jenkins, you’re too

he grabbed his things and

took a good while to get

downpour, the weather in Silkwood

brisk, and Natalia, still in