Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Natalia paused for a moment, her voice cool as she delivered her parting shot. "This is none of Mr. Fowler's business anymore."

With that, she strode into the building, the click of her high heels echoing down the hallway.

Alden stood by the car, transfixed by the sight of Natalia.

She seemed so different now. Sure, she was as beautiful as ever, but there was this new layer of detached independence about her.

"Bro, did you even try talking to Natalia?" Hamilton leaned back in his seat, letting out a rueful chuckle.

"Talk about what?"

The past?

Their child?

It had been three years since Hamilton had touched a cigarette.

After coming back from abroad, he had quit smoking. But now, the urge struck him fiercely.

Natalia arrived home to find Scarlett just waking up.

Natalia had left that summer, and Scarlett had gone abroad for further studies, only returning a few days ago, still jet-lagged.

Stretching languidly, Scarlett wandered into the kitchen for a glass of water.

"Won't you have trouble sleeping tonight if you're up now?" Natalia asked, her tone laced with mild exasperation.

Scarlett suddenly cursed under her breath.

"Why is Hamilton's car downstairs?"

Natalia's movement of changing her shoes paused momentarily.

"He drove me home."

Scarlett nearly choked on her water.

"You've seen him already?"

Natalia carefully removed her earrings, placing them gently into a jewelry box inside her bag, before finally speaking, "I was the one who reached out to him."

Scarlett rushed over in disbelief.

"You reached out to him? Natalia, what are you thinking?"

She remembered how devastated Natalia had been when she left. Hamilton had been so cruel, Scarlett couldn't imagine Natalia would ever consider getting back with him.

Natalia avoided her gaze.

"I'm back to explore the domestic market, right? Silkwood City is now the largest hub for international trade here, so naturally, it's my first stop. And coming here... I had to see Hamilton."

frowned. "Just

the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of water. She looked down at Hamilton's car, still parked outside, before replying, "What

skeptical.

silent for

if —just if—your child was still alive, do you think there'd still be a chance for you

the question. If

likely would never

tears began to trace her

are no 'ifs'

quickly changed the subject. "Alright, let's not talk about it. What do you feel like

bowl of pasta," Natalia

"Sure thing."

her shower, Natalia's phone rang.

the details to your phone. Let me know

company names on her phone, pausing at one in

meeting with Lionel Larkin from Lio Law Firm for the

paused, then added, "Book it at the bistro beneath the

with

"You're home then?"

nonchalantly confirmed, drying her hair as she walked back to the

area.

thought you and Hamilton

cut it with

use it

do is make

Natalia

at the dining table, scrolling

at her. "How are things

could possibly be

visited you a few times

just him checking out the local hospital's attractive

you? Still got a thing for

"Absolutely. Emeric's the

settled

with his girlfriend last month. Perfect timing for

shook her head in amusement. "Ever looked

head. "Why bother? Background? He comes from a good family. Morals?

at a

turn in. Noticing Natalia reaching for

can't sleep on your

offered a resigned smile. "Seems

expression was filled with sympathy as she inwardly

quickly to spare

black dress, Natalia bought flowers and drove

was a beautiful day. As she ascended the steps, she