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 | 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, | 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?”

Her body tensed ever so slightly. She hadn’t expected him to go there. After a moment, she looked down and murmured, “No, he won't be there.”

1/4

15.47

Hamilton was skeptical, “And how do you know he won’t show?”

She didn’t look at him, “I just do. He wouldn’t want to see me, anyway.”

Hamilton’s eyes searched hers for a sign of truth but found only sadness, which sent a chill through his heart. “That upsets you?” he frowned.

She gave a sad smile, “Yes, it does. After all, I’ve liked him for a long time.”

His face immediately turned to ice. Reaching over, he grasped her waist and let his cold gaze crawl over her delicate features, “Natalia, don’t you dare pine for another man in my presence!”

The grip on her waist was almost crushing. She bore the pain and managed a smile, “Sure, whatever Mr. Fowler says goes.” His displeasure deepened at her words. What did she mean by that? So she just wouldn’t obey if he didn’t command? “Natalia, remember who you are.” He reminded her.

She lifted her gaze, and her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears, “I always remember.”

Something tugged at his heartstrings as he saw her watery eyes. Suddenly, he captured her lips with his own.

She was caught off guard, but he was already ravishing her lips and tongue before she could. react. She pushed against him, but his grip only tightened. In a moment of defiance, she bit down on his lip.

He released her with a hiss, “Are you mad, Natalia?”

She glared at him in silence.

He rubbed her swollen lips, now more vivid in their color, and slipped his finger into her mouth with a sly smile.

She felt a wave of humiliation. She was so upset about being treated as if she was a

plaything.

She began to struggle, but he held her chin firmly. “Don’t move!” he requested.

He explored her mouth with his finger and paused at her sharp tooth. “Bite me again and see what happens, you little shark!” After his warning, he withdrew his hand.

Natalia glared at him again and headed for the bathroom.

Watching her storm off, Hamilton’s mood lightened, and he didn’t know why. This fiery Natalia was alive, always better than the distant, cold woman who had kept him at arm’s length.

15.42

“I'll join you for this reunion,” he declared while he leisurely wiped his hand with a tissue. She stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him, “What did you say?”

“| said I'll join you,” he replied casually.

Her grip on her nightgown tightened, “Why?”

He frowned, “Because | want to. Do | need another reason?”

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

People would attend by themselves or bring significant others and family to class reunions. But what role would Hamilton play by accompanying her? He couldn't possibly attend as her patron, could he?

Hamilton met her gaze, “What do you think my role should be?” She looked away, “I don’t know.”

Natalia dared not hope, nor let her mind wander.

He chuckled softly, “Really?Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“| really don’t know.” She offered the same answer.

“Don’t you remember that you can introduce me as your boyfriend?” he reminded her.

Of course, she hadn't forgotten. Just attending a class reunion is a whole different ballgame. than dealing with Graham. Hamilton raised an eyebrow at her, “What’s the matter, Ms. Jenkins? Not feeling it?”

Natalia masked her emotions, “No, it’s nothing.”

Hamilton hummed in acknowledgment, “Good, go freshen up.”

Once the door closed behind her, Natalia leaned against it and let out a sigh of relief. She knew his words were hollow. Yet, her heart was in turmoil.

She knew how pathetic it felt. But she couldn’t help herself. He’d throw her a bone, and she’d forget all the bitterness. She kept reminding herself not to fall back in even as she sank deeper.

After her shower, Natalia emerged to find Hamilton had retreated to his study.

Her phone was buzzing with updates on the class reunion attendees. She hesitated for a moment, then added her plus one. “Two people.”

The chat exploded.

“Wow, has our prom queen finally found her king?”

“Is Natalia bringing a boyfriend?”

15:42

The questions came fast and furious, her phone lighting up with notifications

Eventually, she simply typed a confirmation, “Yeah.”

No sooner had she sent the message than the doorbell rang. She didn’t bother to follow up on the chat, instead glancing at the slightly ajar study door.

“It's the executive secretary. Please get the door,” Hamilton’s voice carried from within.

Natalia made her way to the entrance and opened it, only to find Eveleen standing on the doorstep.