Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13 

Scarlett held the ultrasound results in her hands with a furrowed brow. “Threatened 

miscarriage,” she muttered, handing the sheet to Natalia. 

“That darned man, would it kill him to take a break for once?” Natalia’s voice was tinged with bitterness as she lay back on the bed, eyes shut, trying to steady her swirling emotions. 

Scarlett paced the room restlessly. “Maybe we should just tell him.” 

Natalia opened her eyes after a moment of silence. She contemplated, yes, perhaps it was time to confront Hamilton. If she didn’t, the stress he put her through could very well end this pregnancy prematurely. Even if telling him wouldn’t guarantee the baby’s safety, she couldn’t bring herself to make the tough call alone. It was time to let Hamilton share the burden. 

“I’ll think of how to break it to him.” 

Scarlett looked at Natalia, concern etched on her face. “You’ve made up your mind?” 

Natalia forced a wry smile. “Dragging this out isn’t solving anything.” 

Scarlett nodded in agreement. “Better to make the decision and cut ties now. Then you can kick him to the curb and live your life–free and happy!” 

The bitterness returned to Natalia’s throat. “I still need to earn money for my mom’s medical bills. Where’s the freedom in that?” 

Scarlett clucked her tongue sympathetically. “How’s your mom doing lately? Any better?” 

Natalia shook her head. “Same as always.” 

They were interrupted by a sudden call. 

“Natalia!” 

Turning around, Natalia saw Graham, his face swollen beyond recognition, his hands wrapped in thick bandages. 

“Bitch! Was it you who had me beaten up?” Graham’s voice was a roar of anger directed at Natalia. 

Natalia looked at him with utter coldness. “If I had wanted you hurt, I’d have had you taken out for good.” 

“You-” 

raham, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Scarlett quickly stepped between them. “Make one more move, and I’m calling security!” 

Graham sneered but continued to glare at Natalia. 

“You’ll pay for this,” he spat before storming off. 

Chapter 13 

Scarlett frowned at Natalia. “What’s all that about?” 

After Natalia explained the situation with Graham, Scarlett couldn’t help but curse. She looked at Natalia and asked, “Why do you always end up with these kinds of guys?” 

Natalia chuckled dryly. “Must be what they call a ‘dirtbag magnet“,” 

Scarlett glared at her. “You find this funny?” 

“What else can I do? Cry?” 

Crying never solved anything. Graham had taught her that lesson early on, and Hamilton had only confirmed it. Tears were useless. 

“But you didn’t have Graham beaten up, did you?” 

“No.” 

“Then who did?” 

Natalia shook her head, clueless. But there were plenty of people who might want to take a swing at Graham–he owed money to half the city. Any one of his creditors might have decided to give him a taste of his own medicine. 

Without giving it another thought, Natalia dialed Hamilton’s number. The phone rang twice before he abruptly hung up. She stared at the screen for a moment before trying again. She needed to tell him, or she’d lose her nerve. 

But Hamilton never picked up. 

By the time Natalia’s IV drip was finished, it was two in the morning. Scarlett had work the next day, so she took Natalia back to the hospital dormitory with her. 

Inside, several colleagues were still up, whispering among themselves. 

“What’s got everyone up and chattering at this hour?” Scarlett asked. 

One of the nurses rolled her eyes. “Eveleen Schafer just came in. Man, you have no idea what a diva she is.” 

Scarlett’s gaze snapped to Natalia, who seemed unaffected by the name.. 

Another nurse chimed in, “Eveleen just flew back in tonight. Got into a little scuffle at the airport with some fans. Really, it was nothing, not even a scratch, but you know stars–they make a drama out of a hangnail.” 

The nurses continued gossiping, speculating about the handsome man who had accompanied Eveleen, wondering if he might be her new beau. 

As the conversation drifted, Scarlett decided not to pry further and looked at Natalia. 

“I think I’ll head home,” Natalia said calmly, though Scarlett knew Natalia must be feeling uneasy.