Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 18

hapter 18 

The words teetered on the brink of Natalia’s lips before she swallowed them back down. 

She knew Hamilton’s temper all too well. The fact that he’d said as much meant he was determined to see her today. Natalia wasn’t in the mood for trouble. 

“be right there.” 

The secretary chuckled. “Hurry back.” 

When Natalia arrived home. Hamilton had just come out from the shower. The oversized bathrobe did little to conceal his chiseled physique. Settling onto the couch, he lit a cigarette. peering at Natalia through the smoke. After a moment, the corner of his mouth twitched with ambiguous intent. 

“I never knew Ms. Jenkins could be so… formidable.” 

Natalia didn’t move from her spot, nor did she speak. She knew he was referring to the altercation she had on set, the one where she didn’t hold back in both action and words. 

“I can’t just let people walk all over me. Are you here on Ms. Schafer’s behalf to settle scores, Mr. Fowler?” 

Hamilton’s gaze lingered on her, snuffing out his cigarette after a beat. 

“Come here.” 

“If you have something to say, say it from there.” 

But Hamilton just watched her, unmoving. 

Natalia had no choice but to walk over. 

He slid a box across the table towards her. 

“Open it. See if you like it.” 

Inside was a necklace, its diamond cut to glittering perfection under the light. – 

Natalia was momentarily taken aback. Hamilton had never given her anything before. After all giving gifts meant caring, and he had never cared–not for her, so gifts were out of the question. He would give her money, but never presents. 

In the past, it was always her buying him things: clothes, shoes, ties, nothing high–end since she didn’t have much money. Yet he would wear them. Thankfully, he could make even a flea market find look designer. 

It made Natalia’s desire to buy him things even harder to resist. Yet he had never reciprocated, probably never even thought to. 

Today’s gift was unusual 

Chapter 16 

“What’s with the sudden gift?” She looked at the man in front of her. 

To say her heart didn’t flutter at the sight of the necklace would be a lie. Natalia admitted she was materialistic. Any small kindness from Hamilton could keep her elated for days. 

His lips curled slightly and said, “It suits you. Try it on.” 

She did so in front of the mirror. The radiant diamond enhanced her delicate complexion, making her look even more stunning. 

Hamilton wrapped his arms around her from behind, his lips tracing the line of the necklace. 

Natalia turned to him and asked, “Why the sudden gift?” 

He kissed her, “Are you sure you want to discuss this now?” 

Her heart chilled at his words. “Because of Eveleen?” 

“Let’s not bring Eveleen into this anymore,” Hamilton’s voice was tinged with desire, but his words were devoid of warmth. 

Natalia’s heart plummeted. “So are you convinced I’m the troublemaker?” 

His lustful gaze faded to indifference. “Whether you’re stirring trouble or not isn’t the point. Just steer clear of her.” 

It hurt, wave after wave. She maintained her composure with difficulty as she asked, “And if she provokes me?” 

“Avoid her.” 

Two words, enough to shred Natalia’s heart to pieces. 

This baseless favoritism reminded her of her childhood back in Silkwood City – a stranger in town with no friends, while Eveleen was the renowned high school queen bee. Under her influence, Natalia was constantly harassed by bullies who would pelt her with stones and mud, sometimes even dead animals. 

Once, unable to bear it any longer, Natalia fought back against Eveleen. Their father Patrick showed up at her doorstep, belt in hand, and whipped her without a word. 

Even after she told him about Eveleen’s bullying, Patrick had said, “Even if she kills you, you’d better endure it!” 

Now, Hamilton’s words cut deeper than Patrick’s ever could. 

Suppressing the bitterness rising in her throat, she asked, “Why should I?” 

Why should she avoid Eveleen? 

Why was she always the one to step aside? 

She wasn’t the other woman. She had done nothing wrong–why should she hide? 

Hamilton met her gaze and answered, “Because she’s Eveleen, and you’re just Natalia.” 

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14:26 

Chapter 18 

The words plunged into Natalia’s heart like a dagger. 

She forced a smile. “And if I refuse?” 

His eyes darkened, “Ms. Jenkins, I’m just advising you. Playing nice saves you trouble. It’s for your own good.” 

Natalia laughed bitterly. 

What difference did it make, being obedient or not? 

The outcome was always the same. 

“Fine, whatever you say.” 

Hamilton nodded, satisfied. “Now make me some tea.” 

He never drank coffee and was fussy about his tea. 

Natalia had learned the art of tea preparation for him, even carrying a tea set on trips. But tonight, she felt less than willing.