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?”

expected him to go there. After a moment, she looked down and

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Chapter 76

“And how do you

look at him, “I just do.

a sign of truth but found

you?” he frowned.

gave a sad smile, “Yes, it does. After all, I’ve liked

he grasped her waist and let his cold gaze crawl over her delicate features, “Natalia, don’t you dare pine for another man

She bore the pain and managed a smile,

What did she mean by that?

who you are.”

her gaze, and her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears,

saw her watery eyes. Suddenly, he captured her lips with his own.

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

with a hiss, “Are you mad,

him

in their color, and slipped his finger into her mouth

humiliation. She was so upset about

plaything.

to struggle, but he held her chin

his finger and paused at her sharp tooth. “Bite me again

his warning, he withdrew

again and headed

off, Hamilton’s mood lightened, and he didn’t know why. This fiery Natalia was alive, always better than the distant, cold woman

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you for this reunion,” he declared while he

in her tracks and turned to look at him,

I’ll join you,”

grip on her nightgown tightened, “Why?”

I want to. Do

stood there, struggling. “And what… what will you be going as?” she asked.

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

met her gaze, “What do you

“I

nor let her mind