Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 78

Scarlett could finally tell that something was off with Natalia’s mood the moment she heard her voice on the phone.

“What’s up, girl? Something wrong? Did that jerk Hamilton mess with you again?” she asked.

Natalia’s nose was feeling sour. She really wanted to open up to Scarlett, but the crappy relationship was such a shame to voice.

In the end, she managed only a weak remark, “No biggie; just a bit of a cold.”

Scarlett clicked her tongue sympathetically, “The weather’s turning chilly, babe. Layer up, will ya? You’re not back to full strength yet, and you gotta take care of yourself.”

“Okay.”

They chatted more before hanging up.

The doorbell rang again. Upon opening the door, Natalia found the executive secretary, Linda, standing there with a shopping bag and a box in hand.

“Mr. Fowler asked me to bring you these clothes and jewelry, said you’ll be starting work

tomorrow.”

Natalia glanced at them, took the items with a half–hearted thanks, and set them aside, “Appreciate you coming by.”

Linda hesitated, clearly having more to say.

“What is it? Something else on your mind?” Natalia inquired.

After a moment’s pause, Linda spoke up, “Ms. Jenkins, the person currently in your position isn’t the easiest to get along with. Just…be careful when you return.”

Natalia paused, then offered a thin smile, “Thanks for the heads–up.”

3

With a nod, Linda left.

Natalia closed the door; her gaze fell upon the clothes and jewelry. Perhaps this was just another one of a man’s tricks to woo a woman.

If it hadn’t been for tonight’s events, she might have been charmed. But now, she didn’t even want to spare those clothes a glance.

She tossed them onto the couch and poured herself a glass of wine

downing it in one gulp.

The bottle was empty in no time. As Natalia reached for a second bottle, the bedroom door swung open. She turned to see who it was, and a wry smile played on her lips.

“Back already?” she quipped.

Hamilton stepped inside and immediately noticed the woman by the bar, whose cheeks were flushed pink from drinking. An empty bottle stood witness to her indulgence.

15.43

had Vodka schnapps, and had already finished an entire bottle of it. Judging by the

the clothes and jewelry, untouched and

matter, my

eyes, red. and watery, fixed on Hamilton. And after a long silence,

but Hamilton’s hand

her bleary eyes to meet his, “Is Mr. Fowler

she

detached, “You sure

nothing, her gaze unwavering.

sneered and placed three more bottles

Jenkins, don’t even think about sleeping until you’ve finished these,” he challenged, sitting down beside

him and

of cold indifference, “Need me to pour

I

up unsteadily, intending to leave. “I’ve had enough. Sorry, I lost my composure.”

She claimed.

and pulled her back, “Natalia, life isn’t always about getting what

or don’t

filled a glass and pushed it towards her.

then the man across from

you force Eveleen to drink like this?”

was you who decided to drink. Adults

took the

until his own brows began to

down in front of him, “Pour, Hamilton. Why

I Z II

damn about him now. She was challenging Eveleen right

wanted to torment har a bit.

woman seemed pointless. He pushed the bottles aside, scooped Natalia up and camed her to the

Despite her high tolerance, she

bedroom, but she rushed to the

When she

water” he said.

refused, her only desire was

brow creased as he forced the water down her throat. The pain from his grip made her struggle

he roared,

crumbled, and her tears began to flow.

frown deepened. Before he could speak, Natalia accused him, “Why

Why are you treating

let out a cold laugh, “How have I mistreated you, Ms. Jenkins? Please enlighten me.”

filled with hurt, “You’re being so cruel

looked at her nonchalantly, “Is that even called cruel? There’s much worse, Ms. Jenkins. Would you like to