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

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Chapter 76

“And how do you

just do. He wouldn’t want

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

upsets you?” he

does. After all, I’ve

ice. Reaching over, he grasped her waist and let his cold gaze crawl over her

was almost crushing. She bore the pain and managed a

What did she mean by that? So she just wouldn’t obey if he didn’t

who you are.”

and her eyes were shimmering

her watery eyes. Suddenly, he captured her lips

before she could. react. She pushed against him, but his grip only tightened. In a moment of defiance, she bit down

hiss, “Are you

at him in silence.

and slipped his finger into her mouth

of humiliation. She was so upset about being treated as if she was a

plaything.

to struggle, but he held her chin firmly.

at her sharp tooth. “Bite me

his warning, he withdrew his hand.

and headed for the bathroom.

Natalia was alive, always better than the distant, cold woman who had

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declared while he leisurely wiped his hand with a tissue.

her tracks and turned to look at him, “What did

you,” he replied

her nightgown tightened, “Why?”

I want to.

“And what… what will you be

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

you think my role

away, “I

dared not hope, nor let her mind