Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 82

Natalia thought she could shrug off the rumors like a light dusting of snow from her shoulders. But the whispers and stores that followed her through the office comidors all afternoon were enough to chill her bones. It was uncomfortable, to say the least.

Hamilton paused mid–stride, arching an eyebrow at her.

“Giselle’s getting the boot.” He promised.

A laugh escaped Natalia’s lips, “Good.”

That must be the biggest concession Hamilton was willing to make. He wouldn’t step forward to squash the rumors himself. After all, by doing so, he’d practically be confirming their relationship to the world.

Of course, that would also mean admitting that the real homewrecker was Eveleen all this long.

And when it came to Eveleen, Hamilton would never act against her.

So, firing Giselle seemed like the best solution; it would shatter the gossip without exposing their relationship.

Just perfect.

By the next morning, word of Giselle’s dismissal spread through the company like wildfire. The tongues that had wagged about Natalia now lay still.

Yet some things, once rooted in the heart, were hard to uproot. Especially for this kind of salacious rumor

Natalia knew that all too well. Though the chatter had ceased, she could still feel the weight of weird glances from her colleagues. But it seemed all she could do was pretend not to

notice.

After the morning meeting, as Natalia was gathering her reports to update Hamilton on their progress, Tess burst in.

“Boss, Giselle’s been canned!” She cried with excitement.

Natalia nodded in acknowledgment, “Yeah, I heard.”

“Now let’s see who dares spread lies about you,” Tess was puffing up with a triumphant air.

“Pfft, Eveleen’s cousin or not, she still got the axe. Boss, I’ve gotta say that Mr. Fowler’s a decent man.”

Natalia couldn’t help but chuckle, “Decent? Remember when he almost fired you?”

from Mr. Fowler himself, kicked right out the door and dragged off by security.” Tess shuddered at the thought. “They say Orpheus was sent flying out of the office, coughing up blood on the spot.

15. 15.

were as shocked, they humed pate is ghosts. Boss, how

he needs for teen

towered her gase Her eile Inded as she contemplated the turn

at work, yet she wouldn’t have ques and he’d physically confront

course, the alen know that Hamiliars

was the epitome of courtesy and grace. But those who knew him understood his

but truly kind? Natalia’s mind suddenly wandered to Hamilton as a

have hardened such a sweet boy into the man he was now? It was a puzzle beyond

these thoughts, choosing not to dwell on them.

up the reports from her desk and

placed the documents in front of Harnilton, “Mr. Fowler, I need your signature on these

them casually and signed his name. Instead of handing them back to

detached smile, “Much better.”

health?” he probed further.

a moment and continued, “Fine as

“Don’t overdo it. Delegate what

do.” She hesitated before asking,

moment in silence. “Are you in such a hurry?” he asked.

it, “I’ve got work to

asked, “The class reunion is this weekend,

was surprised he

she added, “If you’re busy, Mr. Fowler, you don’t have to

come.”

Chapter 82

accompany her to the

excitement had drained away. What was the point of

was inscrutable. And he finally said, “Since I promised you, I intend to keep my

Hamilton, “Are you worried I’ll meet someone at the reunion? Don’t worry. He won’t be there.”

do you have something to hide, something you fear that I might

with a touch of

me otherwise. It’s perfectly normal to bring a boyfriend to a class reunion, right, my girlfriend?”

corners as a pang of sadness gripped her heart. She had never imagined that one day, these terms of endearment would become the last thing she wanted to hear. Words that once

a smile, “Alright. Then, Mr. Fowler, please be sure

on time.”