Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 74

After the IV drip ran its course, Natalia’s allergic reaction had mostly vanished.

The doctor swung by with a few words of advice and told her she was free to go.

Hamilton alanced at her.

“Can you walk on your own?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m good.”

Hamilton nodded, and they left the hospital one after the other.

On the way back, Natalia leaned against the car window and was lost in thought.

Silkwood City was eerily silent in the dead of night, and the only sound was the music playing softly in the car.

Hamilton's playlist was curated by Natalia. He was a fan of jazz, while Natalia had a thing for the classics. This particular classical piece was her subtle way of sharing her tastes with him, hoping he’d pick up on her preference.

But, unfortunately, he never did.

Natalia shifted her gaze when the classical tune was winding down. “Can | play it again?” she asked.

Hamilton raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “You into this kind of music?” She didn’t answer but just reached out and restarted the piece.

Silence enveloped the car once more.

“What's on your mind?” Hamilton suddenly broke the quiet.

Natalia snapped back to reality.

“Nothing much.” She answered.

Hamilton nodded, “Who came looking for you today?”

Natalia pursed her lips, “A fan of Ms. Schafer.”

Hamilton's brow creased ever so slightly, “The same nurse? I've already let the hospital sack

her.

Natalia chuckled, “Even if you sack the nurse, there will also be doctors and students who are Mr. Schafer’s fans. Mr. Fowler, are you planning to fire them all as they come?”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed just a fraction.

Natalia knew she had touched a nerve, but she didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she just looked at Hamilton and said, “Maybe you should have a word with Ms. Schafer to get her to clear

things up with her fans?”

“Natalia,” his voice turned frosty. Fans are fans, they have nothing to do with Eveleen. Don’t bring her into this again!” A bitter feeling washed her over as she retorted, “So | just deserve to be harassed by her

fans?”

Hamilton squinted, his laugh cold and short, “And what do you suggest?”

Natalia looked at him squarely, “You’d find where the rumors of me being the other woman came from as long as you want, right?”

Hamilton reclined casually in his seat and steered wheel in one hand, “Ms. Jenkins, you think too highly of me.”

Natalia was seething, but she held her tongue. She knew all too well that it wasn’t that Hamilton couldn't find out; he simply didn’t want to. He didn’t care how much she was hurt in the process; he only protected those he chose to. If this man was unwilling, her words were futile.

By the time they got home, it was midnight. Natalia was still weak, not to mention that she’d been tossing for such a long time. So she lay down as soon as she got home.

But just then, Hamilton’s phone rang. He was unbuttoning his shirt when he glanced at the caller ID and put the phone on speaker, “What’s up, Elliott?”

Elliott Lehner was one of Hamilton's cronies. Natalia had met him a few times.

When Elliott heard him, his voice came through with a chuckle, “Hamilton, why you have been MIA lately?” Hamilton continued disrobing. He unbuttoned his shirt nonchalantly before responding.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Been busy. What's up, calling this late just to check in?” he quipped.

Elliott laughed, “Feel like pulling an all-nighter. Eveleen’s thrown together a little get-together. Everyone’s here but you. What’s got you so tied up? We haven't seen you in a month, and Eveleen’s been saying she’s barely seen you either. Man, you can’t do that to Ms. Schafer, can you?”

Natalia listened from the bed. Elliott's words came through loud and clear. She hadn't realized Eveleen was so popular in their circle. Victor doted on her, now Elliott too..

But then, it made sense to her. Who would dare give Hamilton’s girlfriend the cold shoulder? Hamilton glanced at Natalia, who was lying on the bed, with a slight furrow in his brow.

“Take your medication.” He demanded.

Before leaving the hospital, the doctor had instructed her to take another dose upon returning home.

15:41

Natalia stirred, but Hamilton was already handing her the pills. She looked at him, took them, and swallowed. Once he saw she was done, Hamilton picked the phone back up.

Elliott must have heard the exchange because shock rang in his voice, “Ms. Jenkins with you?” Hamilton’s frown deepened, “Why? You want to talk to Ms. Jenkins?”

Elliott wouldn't dare. “No, just didn’t expect Ms. Jenkins to be there.” He answered.

After a pause, he added, “So, you still coming out?”

Hamilton sounded disinterested, “Nah, you guys have fun.”

Someone on the other end called out, “Come on, Hamilton. Eveleen put this together just for you. Who else could catch Eveleen’s eye besides you? She’s waiting just for you. That's not cool, man.”

Hamilton chuckled softly, “What, someone throws a party and I’m obligated to show?”

The voice on the other end laughed awkwardly, “Not what | meant. Just that we all haven’t seen you in a month. Hang out is no biggie. Besides, Eveleen’s already here waiting for you.”

Hamilton’s frown deepened.

He glanced at Natalia, who was frail in the bed, and finally declined, “Go ahead without me. I’ve got stuff tonight.”

Without another word, Hamilton hung up.

Not long after Elliott had hung up, Eveleen’s name flashed on the screen again.

Hamilton glanced at it and promptly hit the decline button.

Natalia heard the sound of the call being rejected, and she couldn’t quite place the feeling in her heart. Once upon a time, she might have been elated.

But now, it just felt sad. He had left her alone to be with Eveleen too many times, so it seemed like the rare occasions he stayed with her had become a favor.

Natalia lay there with her eyes closed, not moving.

Hamilton came over and pinched her cheek, “Nothing to say, Ms. Jenkins?”

Natalia let out a cold laugh, “Actually, yes.”

“Huh?” Hamilton raised an eyebrow.

She glanced at Hamilton, “I’m going to bed, Mr. Fowler. Would you mind leaving?” Hamilton’s eyes narrowed slightly; Natalia’s tone had instantly sparked irritation in him. “You want to kick me out, Ms. Jenkins?”

15:41

Her lips were pressed tightly together,

Lately, Hamilton had been camping out in the guest room. But she could sense that he intended to reclaim his spot in the master bedroom tonight

Given the current state of their relationship, she couldn’t stop him from coming back. But part of her didn’t want him there “Mr Fowler, you don’t really need to stay here for my sake.” She said.

Hamilton snorted softly.

“I'm pitying you now. With that, he stripped off his clothes and climbed into bed

Natalia forced a wry smile. She wanted to say that she didn’t need his pity. But then again, it seemed pointless,

As soon as Hamilton lay down, he pulled Natalia into his arms. She struggled a bit, and Hamilton responded by rolling on top of her, “Not sleepy? Well then, perhaps we can find something else to do.”