Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 42

Natalia had barely stepped out of the police precinct when her phone rang with Scarlett’s voice on the other end. “Did you get hurt last night?”

Natalia chuckled. “Yeah, but it’s nothing serious. Don’t worry about it.”

“Jesus, Natalia, you scared the hell out of me, you know? | just saw the news online. Some crazed fan of Eveleen?”

“That’s right.” Natalia replied, her laugh tinged with irony. “Apparently, I’m the homewrecker who ruined Eveleen and Hamilton’s picture-perfect romance, so she was out to teach me a lesson.”

“Bullshit! Who's wrecking what here? Does Eveleen have anything to do with Hamilton now? Didn’t Hamilton himself admit it’s all in the past? Eveleen’s got nothing to do with him anymore. so what's there to wreck? And you, for heaven’s sake, you’ve been with Hamilton for three years and now you're carrying his child. Who's the real other woman here?”

The bitterness in Natalia’s heart deepened. “What can | do when I’m the one without the ring on my finger?”

Scarlett choked up. “And Eveleen’s got the right? She’s in the same boat, with no official title. How’s she any better than you? No one has the right to point fingers!”

Natalia’s laughter broke through her somber mood. “Don’t worry, I’m alright.”

“And the baby? Why don’t you come over, and I'll do an ultrasound for you?”

The corners of Natalia’s lips curved slightly. “I already had one at the hospital last night. The doc said everything's fine.”

Scarlett exhaled a sigh of relief. “Thank God the baby’s okay. If anything had happened, I'd have gone after Eveleen myself!” “Relax, the little one’s fine, snug as a bug in my belly.” Natalia paused, then, added, “And besides, this thing isn’t Eveleen’s fault.” “Ha! You think | believe that?” Scarlett scoffed. “If this isn’t Eveleen’s doing, I'll eat my hat!”

Natalia smiled without comment. She knew all too well that Eveleen was involved somehow. “But without proof, what can | do? I've just left the station, and it seems the case is closed.”

And Hamilton’s intentions were crystal clear. Despite her protests that Eveleen owed her no apology, that man had still offered her compensation.

It couldn’t be more obvious: take the money and let the matter drop.

“Damn it!” Scarlett cursed, “Natalia, mark my words, Eveleen will get hers in the end. Just wait!” 4/4

Natalia simply smiled and watched the man by the car end his call. He was tall and impeccably dressed, exuding an effortless charm with every casual gesture.

A bitter smile crossed Natalia’s face. She wasn’t sure if Eveleen would ever face her comeuppance, but knowing Hamilton’s fondness for her, even fate’s cruel hand would likely be stayed by his protection.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

And as for retribution—If it were indeed possible, Eveleen wouldn't be the only one. Patrick ought to be first in line for a taste of karma!

For years, Natalia harbored resentment towards Patrick for his abandonment, which had left her mother bedridden.

After ending the call, she took a deep breath and walked towards Hamilton.

Hamilton raised an eyebrow as she approached and quickly wrapped up his phone conversation.

“Let's go. We need to get you to the hospital to change that dressing. Alden will bring the lawyer by later to deal with the rest.”

Natalia nodded, about to speak, when a figure rushed toward them from the side. Instinctively. she tried to dodge. But the figure was too quick, and before she could react, she was shoved forcefully out of the way.

Standing at the top of the station’s steps, the push sent Natalia tumbling down.

“Natalia, watch out!”

Hamilton’s cry of alarm came too late; he could only watch in horror as Natalia rolled down the steps.

The station staff quickly subdued the assailant.

“It's all your fault, witch! You're the reason my daughter’s suffering, and now Ill make you pay! Why? Why won't you forgive my baby girl? She’s just a child!”

The man’s voice was filled with fury, but Natalia could hardly hear him over the pain. Her abdomen throbbed, the pain so intense she struggled to breathe.

“Natalia?” Alden arrived, concern etched on his face at the sight of her pallor. “Are you okay?” She clutched at Hamilton’s hand desperately. “My stomach... hurts... hospital... now!” Hamilton’s eyes narrowed as he scooped her up and strode toward the car.

Looking back at the man, he spoke with icy calm, “Attacking someone right outside a police station? | expect a thorough investigation.”

The staff member broke out in a cold sweat, hastily responding. “Mr. Fowler, rest assured, we will get to the bottom of this.” With that, the staffer cuffed the man, who stood in stunned silence.

12:20

“It was just a shovel She’s faking it, trying to frame me! That woman’s got poison in her veins. | didn’t do anything but push herl We have surveillance; everyone here can vouch for me. She ruined my daughter, and now she’s after me! Natalla, you vile woman, you deserve to be the mistress!”

The man continued to rant as the officers dragged him away.

“Shut up! You pushed her; that’s all we need to know!”

Alden and the lawyer had just arrived to see Hamilton carrying Natalia out.

“What happened, bro? What's wrong with Ms. Jenkins?”

Hamilton spared him only a glance, remaining silent as he headed for the car parked at the curb. In those few steps, Hamilton’s expression grew darker.

Natalia’s face was devoid of color, sweat beading on her forehead as they reached the car.

He furrowed his brow, his voice so icy it could freeze hell over. “Natalia, you better come clean with me. What the hell is going on?”

Natalia clung to Hamilton’s shirt as if her life depended on it. “Baby, Hamilton, I’m so sorry, I’m pregnant. | didn’t mean for this to happen, Hamilton. I’m begging you, please save our child. Please!”

As her words trailed off, Hamilton’s expression turned stone cold. He scooped up Natalia in his arms and rushed her to the car, carefully placing her inside before slamming the door shut. The car shot off like a bullet from a gun.

Natalia slumped in the seat, her whole body racked with chills. Her stomach twisted with pain, sharp as a knife’s edge. She knew, deep down, that this child was likely doomed. The pain in her heart was suffocating.

Was this child truly not meant to be? She was trying her hardest to hold onto this little life.

No, she wouldn’t give up. Even with the faintest sliver of hope, she refused to give up. She wanted to keep this child. She wanted to be a mother. She genuinely wanted this baby. She wanted this child she shared with Hamilton. It could be the only child she would ever have in her lifetime.

“Hamilton, if it's possible, can | keep this child?” Natalia’s pale hand grasped Hamilton’s. “I want this baby. | don’t need you to take responsibility. I'll raise it on my own. Hamilton, please.” She had never expected Hamilton to be responsible for the child. All she hoped for was that if the child could be saved, Hamilton would agree to let her give birth. Even if, after the birth, she and the child would vanish from his life forever.

Natalia’s eyes reddened, filled with earnest pleading. She truly wanted this child.

Hamilton's profile was stern, and his brows were frosty ramparts. He took Natalia’s hand in his, Chapter 42

his tone the epitome of gentleness yet utterly merciless.

He sald. “Natalia. a child not blessed by its parents shouldn’t exist in the first place!”