Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 54

Natalia avoided his gaze, “I had my phone on silent so | didn’t see the call.”

Hamilton snorted, striding over to tower above her with a challenging look, “Really? You just didn’t see it?” She met his steely eyes. “What else? Did you think I’m ignoring you on purpose, Mr. Fowler?”

His gaze turned icy, “Ms. Jenkins, haven't | told you before? Drop the attitude. It gets us nowhere.”

“What's ‘somewhere’?” Natalia’s voice cracked with restrained emotion. “Is it true that Eveleen’s tears are the only thing that work out here, Mr. Fowler? Does her distress matter more than mine? Do | not even have the right to be upset?”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed, his cool fingers reaching out to tilt her chin up, “Why do you make it sound like you’re so hard done by, Ms. Jenkins? | hired that nanny you wanted and paid the right amount of compensation. What more do you want now? Are you upset just because | didn’t drive you to the hospital?”

A bitter laugh escaped Natalia, and to her dismay, tears welled up. She fought back the impending tears and held his gaze.

“Yes, that was because you didn’t take me to the hospital. Is Eveleen the only one who deserves care? What about me? When | found out | was pregnant, it wasn’t planned; and when they said | needed support, you told them I'd be fine. Hamilton, do you really think a nanny and some money can heal the wounds in my heart? People have emotions. They can’t be patched up with cash or a stranger pretending to care.”

As she finished, tears spilled over despite her efforts to contain them. She turned away to wipe her eyes. She didn’t want to cry, but she just couldn’t control her tears.

She never used to cry even when Graham left her bruised and battered. But with this man, she found herself crying too often.

Hamilton watched her stubborn, pale face and felt an inexplicable frustration rise within him. After a moment of silence, he literally offered an explanation, which was so unexpected.

“There was an emergency at the office. | had to head straight there.” He said. “Okay.” Natalia’s response was terse, and she said nothing more. The room fell silent just like that; it was so quiet that it felt suffocating.

After what seemed like an eternity, just when Natalia thought he wouldn’t speak again, Hamilton finally asked, “How are you feeling? Still feverish?”

4 She didn’t look at him, “No fever. Thanks for asking, Mr. Fowler.”

Hamilton found her politeness irksome. He chuckled dryly, “Please, Ms. Jenkins, your thanks 4/4

are more than | deserve.”

Her lips twitched slightly, but she remained silent. Arguing seemed pointless. It wouldn’t change anything or earn her a shred of his affection.

Hamilton continued to observe her, “What caused the sudden fever?” he added.

After a brief pause, she replied, “A minor infection. Some IV fluids should do the trick.”

He nodded, casually adjusting the fabric of his damp shirt, “Next time, just keep calling if you can’t reach me,” She scoffed, “And if | do, Mr. Fowler, will you leave Eveleen behind to attend to me?”

He laughed, and his eyes were filled with mockery, “Who knows? How will you know unless you try?”

Natalia refused to delude herself. She had tried before. She had called Hamilton when she

was sick, but whenever he was with Eveleen, he never answered her calls.

“Let's not bother. | know my own worth.” She answered.

His discomfort grew at her words, yet he couldn't pinpoint why. His expression darkened, “If you won’t try, then don’t blame me for abandoning you.”

Her mouth was a tight line, but after a moment, she met his eyes and managed a laugh, “That won't happen again, Mr. Fowler. Rest assured, | won't make a scene over such things in

the future.”

His gaze was heavy on her. He had meant to say that he would try to answer her calls from

now on, but now...

He scoffed at the thought.

Agitated, he tugged at his soaked shirt, “Call Alden. He’s nearby. Have him bring a change of

clothes.”

Her lips moved slightly. She wanted to tell him that he didn’t need to stay. She was fine now; why linger? But before she could speak, Hamilton had retreated to the bathroom.

Hamilton was meticulous about his appearance; he wouldn't be caught dead wearing a wet shirt again. She would likely have to wait for Alden to bring fresh clothes before she could leave,

With a sigh, Natalia made the call.

Alden must have been close by, as he quickly delivered the clothes. To her surprise, he even brought a set of Hamilton’s pajamas.

“Actually, he won’t need pajamas. He won't be staying here,” she pointed out.

13:02

Before she could finish, Hamilton’s voice echoed from the bathroom, “Natalia, bring me those pajamas.” Natalia was taken aback as Alden winked at her, “See? | know my brother best.”

She pursed her lips, looking at Alden who was hastily gesturing, “Go on, Ms. Jenkins.”

She handed the pajamas to Alden. The latter looked like he’d been handed a live grenade and quickly pushed back, “He asked you to bring them. Can you imagine the death glare I'd get if | walked in there?”

After a moment's hesitation, Natalia took the pajamas to Hamilton.

The bathroom door swung open, revealing Hamilton in the steam-filled room. His physique was impressive, the kind that seemed slim clothed but surprisingly muscular without.

Standing at the threshold, Natalia fought to maintain her composure under his intense scrutiny.

Hamilton chuckled, “What’s the matter? Seen it enough times and still shy?”

Natalia averted her gaze and handed him the pajamas.

Thankfully, Hamilton didn’t say anything more. He just accepted the pajamas and started to dress.

Alden stood by with a meaningful grin on his face.

Natalia pretended not to notice the smirk and said, “Sorry to bother you so late at night, Alden.”

Alden waved his hand dismissively. “What are you being formal for? By the way, why are you in the hospital again?” he asked. Natalia gave a noncommittal answer.

Alden’s eyes twinkled and he leaned closer to Natalia. “Ms. Jenkins, did my brother come to see you through the rain?” Natalia nodded. She didn’t quite understand why Hamilton would brave the rain to come here.

If he’d driven here, then theoretically, he shouldn’t have been wet.

But when he arrived, he was indeed soaked through.

Alden clicked his tongue and said, “Ms. Jenkins, |’ll be honest with you. Between you and Eveleen, I’d much rather have you as my sister-in-law. So, Ms. Jenkins, while my brother is feeling guilty, you should seize the opportunity.”

4

Natalia was taken aback. She hadn't expected Alden to say something like that to her. She laughed bitterly, “Alden, you're thinking too much. My relationship with your brother is just a business deal. You know that better than anyone.”Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Alden pouted, “Don’t be so sure about that. What if my brother has already fallen for you?”

Natalia laughed. How could that be possible? She knew what real affection looked like.

Hamilton's feelings for Eveleen-that was what you'd call being smitten.

Yet, even so, hearing Alden’s words made her heart skip a beat. She still couldn’t completely give up on Hamilton.

She laughed with a self-deprecating sound, “Alden, don’t make those kinds of jokes in the future. Your brother and | are impossible.”

Alden’s brows knitted together in a flash.