Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 32

Chapter 32 Natalia’s thoughts drifted back to the present as she toweled off and returned to her room.

The insistent jingle of Hamilton’s phone pierced the silence. Someone was bombarding him with messages, but Natalia had no idea who.

With a flicker of irritation, Hamilton glanced at the screen before dialing out. “Just get her home,” he instructed curtly.

Victor's voice came through, tinged with confusion. “Hamilton, Eveleen’s plastered, keeps calling out for you, saying you don’t like her anymore and stuff like that. Did you two have a row?”

Hamilton lit a cigarette and took a drag. “No.”

Eveleen could be a real drama queen when she wanted to, kicking up a fuss just to get his

attention.

Like today, she hadn’t been keen on him coming home, but he had insisted on it anyway.

“You better come and fetch her soon,” Victor said.

Hamilton scowled. “If you don’t want to drop her off, then call her folks to send a driver.”

Victor prodded. “What’s got you so tied up that you can’t even look after Eveleen?”

He paused before adding. “You're not with Natalia, are you? Hamilton, are you really tossing Eveleen aside for that girl?” Ashadow passed across Hamilton’s face. “Who I’m with is my business. Just make sure she gets home.”

With that, Hamilton hung up and turned to face Natalia.

“Make it clear to Lionel tomorrow. If he really needs a translator, he can hire one elsewhere. If he can’t afford that much, he shouldn’t be running a law firm.”

Natalia remained silent. She didn’t want to push this part-time gig away. Money was one reason. But there was also a tiny, unspoken hope she harbored-she longed to reclaim her own dreams someday, to be her own person again; not just Ms. Jenkins, Hamilton’s so-called ‘add-on’; not just an accessory in the eyes of others, belonging to Hamilton.

“| want to keep it. Our contract never said | couldn’t take a side job.”

Hamilton chuckled. “So, you want to discuss contracts now? Maybe we should examine some of your recent breaches of the agreement.”

Natalia stiffened.

The terms of their original deal were spelled out in meticulous and unfriendly detail. She had, more or less, broken several of the stipulated rules lately. If they really got into it, Hamilton’s

4/4 14:37

team of sharks could tear her apart

“| didn’t mean that, Mr. Fowler. | won't cross any lines with Lionel that aren’t strictly platonic. Besides, we’ve known each other for three years, and he’s never hinted at anything more. You can trust that.”

Natalia’s persistence only darkened Hamilton’s mood.

Just then, his phone rang again. With an annoyed glance at Natalia, he muttered, “As you wish.” He then retreated into the bedroom.

Moments later, he emerged, dressed and ready, and left without another glance.

Hamilton was gone. Natalia lay in bed alone, pondering. It was probably another Eveleen.

situation.

She couldn’t quite name her feelings. Probably a mix of discomfort and, strangely, a sense of routine.

As for Lionel, she guessed Hamilton had acquiesced.

The Royal Nightclub was buzzing when Hamilton arrived.

Eveleen was tipsy but not wasted. When she saw Hamilton, she huffed and moved closer to Victor.

Hamilton chose a seat away from her.

Eveleen’s eyes welled up as he decided not to join them.

“Hamilton, come over here. Why are you sitting all the way over there!” Victor, playing peacemaker, tried to soothe the situation.

Hamilton remained indifferent. His mood was sour. Natalia’s defiance had stirred something violent within him, which he forcefully suppressed. He disliked this loss of control, especially over someone like Natalia. Perhaps his pet had obeyed for too long, and her sudden rebellion was unsettling.

So, he let her be.

Let her do as she pleased.

As long as she didn’t tarnish herself before the contract ended, he didn’t care.

Hamilton held an unlit cigarette, his expression unreadable, continuing to ignore Victor and Eveleen.

The room was tense, everyone sensing the couple’s discord.

Eveleen, truly heartbroken, rose to leave. However, Victor quickly pulled her back, pushing her towards Hamilton. Chapter 32

Eveleen was the picture of hurt as she turned to Hamilton. “Are you mad at me for making her

drink?”

Hamilton met her gaze. “If you knew it might upset me, don’t do it again.”

Eveleen pouted. “I didn’t mean anything by it; | just wanted to apologize for holding up

o work.”

“Okay.” Hamilton murmured, not really mad at Eveleen over Natalia.

“It’s late. I'll have someone take you home. It’s not safe for a young lady to be out this late.” His tone was as gentle as ever. Eveleen’s tears turned to a grateful smile. “Okay.”

After Eveleen left, Victor settled beside Hamilton. “What are you thinking? Eveleen’s back: why not make up with her?” Hamilton lit his cigarette. “Mind your own business.”

“Just looking out for you.” Victor chuckled.

He paused, then added, “You're not hung up on Natalia, are you?”

Hamilton took a drag, offering no reply, but to Victor, his silence spoke volumes.

“Hamilton, don’t be a fool. Natalia is the kind of gal you have a fling with, nothing more. Falling for someone like her is like begging for trouble. She’s got dollar signs in her eyes and nothing else.”

Hamilton took a drag of his cigarette, chuckling softly through the smoke.

“Sounds like you’ve got her all figured out,” he said.

Victor clicked his tongue. “Well, | did chase her for over a year, didn’t I? If | had known she was all about the cash, | would’ve made my offer sooner instead of courting her like she was some kind of saint.”

Hamilton glanced at him. “You could keep chasing her or maybe up your offer and see if she bites.” Victor snorted. “How about a bet to see if | can get her to go out with me?”

Hamilton sprawled lazily on the couch, the cigarette dangling from his lips. “Suit yourself,” he drawled. “What if | actually pull it off?” Victor grinned.

Hamilton's eyes flicked toward him, a sly smile on his face. “If you do, then she’s all yours,” he said. Natalia hadn’t seen Hamilton in two days. Not at the office, not at home.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

She didn’t think much of it; she just went about her business as usual.

14:38

That weekend, after tidying up her apartment, she headed straight to the hospital.

Scarlett performed an ultrasound for her. “There's a heartbeat already. As for the threatened miscarriage...”

Scarlett sighed but understood Natalia’s situation. “You have to be careful. If you can avoid having sex, don’t have any. If you must, just remind him to be gentle and not to go too...”

“Got it, got it.” Natalia interrupted quickly, nodding her head to stop Scarlett from elaborating. “Is the risk of miscarriage any lower now?”

Scarlett nodded. “It’s better than last time. Those medicine to stabilize the pregnancy seem to be working.” Natalia breathed a sigh of relief. Scarlett eyed her. “His first love is back in town, right? Why is he still Keeping you around?”

“Probably to get a rise out of Eveleen,” Natalia guessed. It was the only reason that made sense to her. She had heard bits and pieces about Hamilton and Eveleen.

Rumor had it that Eveleen was the one who ended things with Hamilton. For someone as proud as Hamilton, being dumped wasn’t something he would likely let go of easily. Maybe that’s why he was still playing this game with Eveleen.

Scarlett’s gaze sparkled with mischief. “Do you think maybe he can’t let you go?”