Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Natalie knew that Hamilton was not one to overshare. She didn’t press further, simply closing

her eyes.

Out of nowhere, Hamilton cupped her chin and planted a kiss on her lips. It was a kiss laced with longing, tender like none before.

Natalie’s brows furrowed ever so slightly. Before she could react, Hamilton had rolled on top of

her.

“Hamilton, I…”

“Shh, don’t move; we’re just kissing. But if you stir, it might not stop there,” Hamilton’s voice was husky, and his body pressed against her was all too intense.

Natalie immediately stilled.

Hamilton chuckled softly. “Are you really that scared of doing it with me?”

She averted her gaze. “I’m not feeling well.”

She knew all too well how demanding this man could be in bed. In her current state, she was definitely not up for it.

Hamilton wasn’t actually intent on taking it further. Even at his most beastly, he wouldn’t force a sick person.

After kissing her lips again, he finally got up and went into the bathroom.

When he reemerged a good half–hour later, he was refreshingly cool. He slid into bed, and only after warming up did he pull her close.

The next morning, they boarded the flight back to Silkwood City.

Once they landed, Hamilton gave her a look. “Where do you plan on staying?”

After a moment of silence, Natalie replied, “I was thinking of going back to my apartment.”

She half expected him to say more, but he remained silent.

An hour later, they stopped at her rented place. She muttered a thanks and moved to get out.

Hamilton glanced at her, then stepped out first with her suitcase in tow. He also had his own luggage.

Natalie’s mouth opened slightly as if to speak, but Hamilton cut in.

“You’re unwell; I can’t have a sick person shuttling back and forth.”

Natalie’s lips twitched slightly, but she swallowed the words she had almost spoken. Taking a deep breath, she followed Hamilton inside.

1036

No sooner had they entered than Hamilton’s phone rang,

That familiar ringtone was like a spell, instantly tensing the air between them.

Natalle glanced at Hamilton before wheeling her suitcase into the bedroom. She didn’t tidy up much; she just stood in front of the closet, lost in thought.

Hamilton’s voice came in fragments from outside.

Natalle didn’t listen closely, but she knew they were discussing Eveleen’s birthday party.

A bitter smile crossed her face–her own birthday was approaching, as was Eveleen’s.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself back to the present.

Hamilton hung up the phone and stood at the bedroom doorway.

“I’ll have someone bring my things over later.”

Natalie pressed her lips. “Okay.”

“I need to stop by my family estate; I’ll be back later tonight.”

Natalle lowered her gaze in acknowledgment. She said nothing more, focusing on tidying up her clothes.

Hamilton’s phone rang again. He answered with a frown, and Natalie faintly heard the name ‘Orpheus‘.

Hamilton’s expression darkened, and he murmured a terse response.

After hanging up, he leaned in for a quick kiss on Natalie’s lips. “I have to go. Rest up at home. I’ll have someone send over some food.”

Natalie paused and said, “No need, I can cook for myself.”

Hamilton’s brow creased, but Natalie had already turned back to her organizing. He watched her for a moment, then left without another word.

After tidying up, Natalie lay down and fell asleep.

When she awoke, it was evening, and she felt almost fully recovered. She got ready to check in on Tatiana.

Unexpectedly, she received a call from an old acquaintance–her biological father, Patrick Schafer.

It had been over three years since she had last spoken to Patrick. What could he possibly want now?

Staring at the vibrating name on her phone’s screen and knowing it was definitely not going to be a pleasant conversation, she decisively ended the call

After a quick freshen–up, she left the apartment.

Arriving at the hospital the nurse greeted her warmly.

“Ms. Jenkins, Happy New Year!”

Natalie responded with a smile, handing over the fruit she had bought on the way. “Happy New Year. Thanks for all your hard work this past year.”

The nurse was overjoyed with the gift.

“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. It’s what I’m paid for,” she said before sighing at the sight of Tatiana in her bed.

It had been four years now, with no end in sight. She could not help but feel sympathy for Natalie.

She didn’t linger, leaving Natalie with some privacy.

Natalie massaged Tatiana’s muscles for a while before smiling. “Mom, Happy New Year.”

Tatiana lay motionless, unresponsive.

Natalie’s smile faded as she sat quietly, then left without further word.

Outside the hospital, she came face to face with Patrick.

Despite the years, she recognized him instantly, yet all she could remember was his cold rejection outside his family’s mansion three years ago.

Back then, though Tatiana had lost her memories, she still had some rather expensive jewelry in her possession. However, Patrick had swindled all her jewelry, claiming he needed it for marriage and buying a new house. Thus, Tatiana gave all her jewelry to him without reservation.

Three years ago, wheh Natalia visited the Schafer family, she never dreamed of getting money from Patrick. She only wanted him to return her the money he had obtained by selling those jewelries.

She could still vividly remember what this scumbag said back then.

“I saved her life! These jewelries are payment for that! She should’ve died when I told her to get an abortion, and she refused to!”

Biting back her anger, Natalie turned and walked away swiftly, leaving the ghosts of the past behind her.

“Hold it right there!” Patrick called out to her.

Natalia didn’t show the slightest intention of stopping.

Patrick quickly closed the distance and positioned himself in front of her.

With a scoff, Natalia showed no more attempts to dodge. “Mr. Schafer, what can I do for you?” Patrick’s face soured in an instant, “So it’s ‘Mr. Schafer‘ now? You’re not even calling me ‘dad‘

10:36

Chapter 12/

anymore?”

The remark struck Natalia as rather ludicrous.

“And you think you deserve to be called ‘dad“?”

Patrick’s eyes widened in shock. “Natalia, no matter what, I am your biological father!”

Her scoff was colder this time. “Patrick, can we cut the pretense?”

He seemed too tired to continue that line of conversation, so he said, “I heard you’re playing the mistress for Hamilton?”

Natalia didn’t deny it. It was a fact so crystal clear that Patrick must have known long before.

“Yes.” She admitted it with disarming candor.

As the words left her mouth, Patrick raised his hand to strike her, but Natalia blocked his Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

attempt.

“Patrick, remember this place has cameras. If you dare to hit me, I won’t hesitate to call the cops!”

Fuming, Patrick’s face turned a shade of crimson. “You shameless thing, parading yourself as someone’s mistress. How low can you stoop?”

Natalia laughed. “Patrick, am I worse than someone who cheats with two at once?”

Enraged, Patrick barked, “Natalia! Who are you talking about?”

She met his gaze. “The guilty know themselves.”

With another cold laugh, she continued, “So, Patrick, are you just embarrassed by me, or do you think I’m spoiling your darling daughter’s marriage prospects?”

Patrick’s eyes narrowed. “Natalia, if you know what’s good for you, you’d stay away from Hamilton. If you dare to mess up your sister’s engagement to Hamilton, I won’t let you off easy!”