Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 8

"What's up?" His voice was icy, his gaze landing squarely on her midriff.

Hamilton was always perceptive and suspicious. Natalia knew all too well that he must be harboring doubts, especially after the office gossip about someone on the twenty-sixth floor being pregnant.

Hamilton must have started suspecting her from that moment.

She had denied it, and he seemed to believe her—for the moment. But belief was fleeting.

Natalia hung her head low and said, "I haven't eaten all day, feeling a bit queasy."

Hamilton's expression was unreadable as he took her by the nape, forcing her to meet his eyes, "Is it really just an upset stomach?"

Natalia's gaze didn't waver as she replied, "Really. Graham and I had a fallout, and I haven't felt like eating. My stomach was already a bit off, and I guess I just had the soup too fast, and that's why I felt like throwing up."

Hamilton studied her, and after a long pause, he nodded, somewhat unconvinced. "Get it checked out tomorrow."

Natalia stiffened slightly, "Okay."

"Have the executive assistant take you."

Natalia's fingers clenched tightly, "Okay."

Her lips pressed firmly together, but she couldn't help probing.

"Do you suspect I'm pregnant, Mr. Fowler?"

Hamilton walked to the window and lit a cigarette, taking a drag before he finally spoke.

"It's always good to be cautious, Ms. Jenkins. We're in business, and the most important thing is integrity."

The color drained from Natalia's lips. Hamilton was reminding her not to breach their contract. There was, after all, an agreement between them.

"Mr. Fowler, you are right."

She managed a laugh, feigning nonchalance. "Do you not like kids at all?"

Hamilton gave her a look, his gaze heavy. "Ms. Jenkins, aren't you asking too many questions?"

Natalia's face tensed, aware she’d probably annoyed him again. Hamilton never liked her prying into his affairs. He never allowed her to delve into his private life. When it came to his personal matters, she was always kept at arm's length.

To him, she was always an outsider, let alone discussing children or emotions.

Natalia felt a sour twist in her heart. She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly several times before she felt a bit better.

Hamilton went into the bedroom and reemerged moments later, dressed and ready to leave.

"Going out?"

"Yep."

"Will you be back?"

"No."

Hamilton left without further explanation.

Back in bed, Natalia's phone pinged. She checked it to find a new bank transfer notification.

One million had been deposited into her account.

She laughed at herself cynically. Right, she thought, a relationship bought with money, what room is there for emotions or talking of children?

Staring at the text message, she transferred the money to Graham. Then, she called Scarlett.

"How's it going? Made up your mind?" Scarlett answered the phone.

"Not yet, it's not that easy to decide. This could be my only child."

Scarlett clicked her tongue. "Why not keep it then? I always say, it's a regret and a loss not to experience motherhood at least once."

Natalia chuckled, "Exactly, that's why it's tough to decide."