Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 76

Natalia emerged from the mall, her heart racing like a mustang across the plains. It took a good long while before she could lasso her emotions back under control.

She hailed a cab to the hospital where Tatiana lay ill, staying by her side until the world outside was swathed in darkness.

Upon returning home, she found Hamilton already there.

“Are you a wild kitten? Can’t find your way home after a night out?” he quipped with a raised eyebrow.

Natalia shot him a look, her tone edged with a hint of frost, “Are you so idle every day?”

His face clouded over like a summer storm, “You come back here loaded for bear, Natalia?”

She turned to face him, the sting of Eveleen’s scorn flashing through her mind. She thought she wouldn’t care, yet she couldn’t help but be affected.

But she had no desire to exchange another word with him, so she just headed straight for the bedroom.

Hamilton followed with his brows knitted. “Did I ruffle your feathers somehow?” he asked.

She paused and added, “No.”

His frown didn’t lift at her response, “Then who exactly are you showing that face to?”

Her lips twitched, tempted to ask if Eveleen was on the guest list for his birthday bash. But she swallowed the words. What did it matter to her?

“Sorry,” she had regained her composure as she cracked open again, “I was just upset after visiting my mother.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t press further. Anyone’s mood would darken after seeing a mother in ICU for three years.

He grunted, “Don’t let it happen again.”

She nodded nonchalantly and disappeared into the changing room.

When she reemerged, she found Hamilton perusing her invitation to the high school reunion that should have been tucked away in her purse.

“You planning on attending this little walk down memory lane?” he asked, his expression unreadable.

She didn’t deny it, “Yes, I suppose I’m still allowed that much freedom, am I?”

His laugh was soft as he quipped, “Going to see that old flame from high school?”

slightly. She hadn’t expected him to go there. After a moment, she looked down and murmured, “No, he won’t be there.”

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Chapter 76

was skeptical, “And how do you know

just do. He

sign of truth but found only sadness, which sent a chill through his

upsets you?” he

gave a sad smile, “Yes, it does. After

to ice. Reaching over, he grasped her waist and let his cold gaze crawl over her delicate features, “Natalia, don’t you dare pine for

grip on her waist was almost crushing. She bore the pain and managed a smile, “Sure, whatever Mr. Fowler says goes.”

mean by that? So

you are.” He reminded

gaze, and her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears, “I always remember.”

watery eyes. Suddenly, he captured her lips with

he was already ravishing her lips and tongue before she could. react. She pushed against him, but his grip only tightened. In a moment of defiance, she bit down on

a hiss,

glared at him in

in their color, and slipped his

wave of humiliation. She was so upset

plaything.

struggle, but he held her chin firmly. “Don’t

at her sharp tooth. “Bite me again

he withdrew

again and headed for the bathroom.

her storm off, Hamilton’s mood lightened, and he didn’t know why. This fiery Natalia was alive, always better than the distant, cold woman who had kept him at arm’s

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while he leisurely wiped his hand with a tissue.

tracks and turned to look at him, “What

join you,” he

grip on her nightgown tightened,

frowned, “Because I want to. Do I

what… what will you be going as?” she

to class reunions. But what role would Hamilton play by accompanying

you think my role

“I don’t

not hope, nor let her