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?”

go there. After a moment, she looked down and murmured, “No, he won’t be there.”

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Chapter 76

how do

do. He wouldn’t want to see

eyes searched hers for a sign of truth but found only

upsets you?” he frowned.

sad smile, “Yes, it does. After all,

Reaching over, he grasped her waist and let his cold gaze crawl over her delicate features, “Natalia, don’t you

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

displeasure deepened at her words. What did she mean by that? So she just wouldn’t obey if he

are.” He reminded her.

and her eyes were shimmering

tugged at his heartstrings as he saw her watery eyes. Suddenly, he captured her lips with his own.

pushed against him, but his grip only

her with a hiss, “Are you mad,

at him

more vivid in their color, and slipped his finger into her mouth

so upset about being

plaything.

held her chin firmly. “Don’t move!”

and paused at her sharp

his warning, he withdrew

glared at him again and headed for the bathroom.

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 length.

15.42

declared while

in her tracks and turned to

I’ll join you,” he replied casually.

her nightgown tightened, “Why?”

“Because I want to. Do I need another

stood there, struggling. “And what… what will

would attend by themselves or bring significant others and family to class reunions. But what role would Hamilton play

gaze, “What do you think my role should be?”

looked away, “I

not hope, nor let her mind