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."

"Natalia, who is this guy, anyway?" Scarlett suddenly gossiped, "Do I know him?"

"Probably."

"Holy smokes, I actually know this jerk?" Scarlett exclaimed.

Natalia laughed, amused by her friend's outrage. "Haven't you seen enough jerks?"

"True that." Scarlett sighed, "That's why I say, stay away from men, or you'll end up sad."

Natalia joked with her for a while before getting to the point.

"Scarlett, I need a favor."

"What's up?"

"He suspects I'm pregnant. Tomorrow he's sending his secretary with me for a check-up. Can you forge a negative pregnancy test for me?"

Scarlett fell silent.

"Scarlett?" Natalia frowned slightly.

"Is it Hamilton's?" Scarlett suddenly asked.

Natalia was taken aback by Scarlett's guess, but she had nothing to hide from Scarlett and simply admitted, "Yes, it's Hamilton's."

"Damn it, I knew it! Did he pull some power move on you? That son of a gun looks all decent, but he's just another sleazebag playing dirty games!"

Natalia was dazed by Scarlett's tirade of curses. After a moment, she let out a bitter laugh, "It's not like that."

Scarlett hit the brakes, "So did you climb into his bed?"

Natalia inhaled deeply and said, "He's been keeping me a mistress for three years."

Scarlett fell quiet. "It's a bit of a shock, huh?"

In everyone's eyes, Natalia was the epitome of a good girl. So Scarlett's first thought was that Natalia had been taken advantage of by Hamilton. But the truth was different.

"Hey, what's the big deal? Mutual needs, that's all. If I had your looks, I'd find a man to keep me too, sleeping on his dime, spending his money—how great is that!" After a pause, she added, "The only thing you shouldn't have is a kid."

Natalia's smile faded. Yes, a child shouldn't be part of their arrangement. Without the child, things between her and Hamilton could be straightforward. Whether they split or stayed together, she wouldn't have much to worry about.

But the child came without giving her any time to prepare.

Scarlett was also worried. If the man were just anybody, Natalia's charm could have easily led to marriage, but the man was Hamilton, a man at the pinnacle of the pyramid, not someone ordinary people could even aspire to.

"So what’s your plan? Keep it a secret for now? If push comes to shove, find a place to have the child. Once the baby's born, what's he gonna do, shove it back in?"

Natalia gave a half-hearted chuckle, “He can’t stuff it back, but he sure as hell won't make life easy for me and the kid.”

“Are you seriously considering... you know... ending it? If you're going down that road, better do it quick. The longer you wait, the harder it is on your body.”

She lay back on the bed, her hand gently resting on her belly.

“I'll make a decision soon.”

After the call, Natalia drifted into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile Graham, with a spring in his step and a grin on his face, strolled out of the hospital, his pocket newly lined with cash.

But his joy was short-lived. No sooner had he stepped out than a sack was thrown over his head.

He was then unceremoniously stuffed into a car.

After what felt like an eternity, the vehicle finally came to a halt. A few goons dragged him out and laid into him with a flurry of punches and kicks.

Hamilton sat in the car, casually holding a cigarette between his fingers, watching the scene unfold with an indifferent gaze that betrayed no emotion.

It wasn't until Graham inside the sack went still that he got out of the car. His cronies untied the sack, pulling out Graham's arms. Hamilton stepped forward without a hint of hesitation and crushed down with his foot.

A blood-curdling scream tore through the night air.