Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 65 The next morning. Natalia awoke to find Hamilton already out of bed.

He was standing by the window, in a sharp sult, talking on the phone, his profile cutting a distinct silhouette against the morning light. At the sound of movement, Hamilton ended his call and turned, his gaze meeting Natalia’s.

“Ms. Jenkins, you enjoy watching me, | take it?” he teased, a playful smirk on his lips.

Natalia averted her eyes, feeling a flush creep up her cheeks.

*Why are you still here?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“I promised I'd be here to take you hfrom the hospital,” he said, taking a seat beside her.

Noticing her flushed cheeks, he chuckled lightly. “Ms. Jenkins, are you blushing?” Her discomfort was evident, but she tried to dismiss it. “You're mistaken.

But Hamilton, undeterred, reached out and gently pinched her cheek. “Ms. Jenkins, surely you don’t think I'm blind?” He paused, a teasing lilt to his voice. “Do you findattractive?” Natalia’s expression tightened even more, her eyes darting away.

“No,” she lied.

Hamilton released her, his laughter soft and knowing. “If you like what you see, there's no need to hide it. I'm not stopping you.” Natalia bit her lip, wanting to clarify things, but sthings just get more awkward the more you try to explain.

So she swallowed back the words she had been about to say and let Hamilton think what he wanted.

She got up and went to the bathroom to change. When she was ready, Scarlett walked in.

“You need to take care of yourself when you get home, understand? Your health is your own responsibility,” Scarlett said with a note of concern.

Natalia nodded in agreement.

After a few more words of advice, Scarlett’s attention turned to Hamilton. “Mr. Fowler, | really think you should reconsider my earlier suggestion. If it’s inconvenient for you to look after Natalia, she’s more than welcat my place.” Hamilton's brow furrowed instantly, his demeanor darkening.

Natalia sensed his irritation and quickly stepped in front of Scarlett.

“It’s okay. I'll just go straight home,” she assured.

She knew Scarlett meant well. The girl kept mentioning how intimidating Hamilton's aura was, yet now she was suddenly fearless? Warmth spread through Natalla at the thought of her friend's concern. But the more Scarlett cared, the more Natalla didn’t want to cause her any trouble.

Scarlett herself wasn’t entirely confident in her own proposal. Over time, she had cto see that Hamilton, despite his polished appearance, was as domineering and unreasonable as any privileged scion could be. She had intended her suggestion as a reminder for Hamilton to take better care of Natalla, but now with an irritated pout, she shot Natalla a look.

Natalia flashed her a sheepish smile.

“Okay, | got it. But if anything comes up, call me,” Scarlett said before turning to Hamilton and adding with a firm tone, “Mr. Fowler, Natalia is in this condition because of your child. | hope. for the baby’s sake, you can at least treat her a little better.” Hamilton's eyes lifted with amusement. “Are you suggesting | haven't been kind to her, Dr. Scarlett?” Scarlett glared at him. “Then, please treat Natalla even better.” She couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness, remembering Natalla braving the rain to cto the hospital. Natalla had always been the most outstanding among their group of friends. Smart and beautiful, why should she suffer at this man’s hands? Hamilton had been attentive to Natalla, visiting her at the hospital when he could, so Scarlett held back from saying more. But his tone and attitude today, as if they were the ones being unreasonable, grated on her nerves.

Hamilton's voice carried a clear warning as he responded to Scarlett’s challenge. “Dr. Scarlett. don’t makeremind you that what happens between Natalla andis our business, not yours. If you're really that bored, | wouldn't mind finding you something to do.” Natalia quickly signaled to Scarlett to stop. If a few words exchanged in the heat of the moment. caused trouble for Scarlett, it wouldn't be worth it. Besides, Hamilton was not one to go easy. on someone who had upset him.

The leniency he might have shown due to Natalia’s recent miscarriage was probably exhausted by now.

“Scarlett, you go ahead. I'll call you when | get home,” Natalla sald, trying to defuse the situation.

Scarlett gave Natalia a look full of sympathy before huffing at Hamilton and leaving the room.

Now alone with Hamilton, Natalia broke the silence. “Scarlett is just protective of me. Please don’t mind her, Mr.

Fowler.” Hamilton's eyes narrowed slightly, his displeasure evident. “So, you also think | haven't been treating you well?” he inquired, his voice low.

Natalia forced a laugh, her smile tinged with sadness. “You've been more than generous. Which benefactor personally takes care of his mistress in the hospital? You've done well, Mr. Fowler.

2/4 13:10 | can’t exactly expect you to treatlike a girlfriend or a wife. I'm well aware of my place.” Hamilton fixed her with a stare, his face growing even more somber. He lifted her chin with his long fingers, his gaze intense and mocking.

“Yet, Ms. Jenkins, your expression tells a different story.” Her face stiffened, and after a moment, she managed a wistful smile. “Would you consider treatinga little better in the future, Mr. Fowler?” Hamilton's expression remained unreadable, but his laugh was laced with sarcasm. “Well, that will depend on how you perform from now on.” He finished speaking and released Natalia.

Natalia chuckled. “You don’t think I've been performing well enough?” “There's always room for improvement, Ms. Jenkins. Like last night, you did quite well,” Hamilton said, giving her an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “I have faith in you.” Natalia’s fingers tensed slightly recognition.” as they clenched together. “Then | should thank you for your Hamilton laughed lightly. “Ms. Jenkins, you're too modest.” With that, he grabbed his things and left the hospital room.

Natalia took a good while to get her emotions back in check.

After that downpour, the weather in Silkwood City had taken a chilly turn.

The morning breeze was brisk, and Natalia, still in a short-sleeved tee, shivered involuntarily.

Then, a blazer landed on her shoulders.

Natalia paused. The scent of dark wood and spicy cologne lingered on it, unmistakably his.

“The weather's turned a bit cool; might want to dress warmer,” Hamilton's voice sounded.

Natalia was silent for a moment before saying, “Okay.” Hamilton strode ahead, his tall frmoving at a brisk pace.

Natalia struggled to keep up, and before long, she was huffing and puffing.

Hamilton's brow furrowed sharply. Turning back to look at Natalia, he then bent to scoop her up in his arms.

Natalia’s body tensed instantly. “I can walk on my own.” Hamilton glanced down at her, but his steps didn’t falter.

Natalia wanted to protest, but the words died on her lips.

Just let it be.

3/4 13:10 They drove out of the hospital. Instead of heading home, Hamilton steered towards a nearby mall.

Natalia frowned slightly.

Hamilton parked and said, “Walt here for a minute.” With that, he stepped out of the car.

Natalia thought he might have surgent business and nodded quickly.

Hamilton returned shortly, carrying an exquisitely crafted box that looked like it housed jewelry. She immediately averted her gaze, assuming it was another gift for Eveleen. However, to her surprise, Hamilton handed the box to her when he got back into the car.

Natalia was taken aback, but Hamilton had already started the car.

Holding the box, she was torn between opening it and leaving it be. After a long moment, she ventured, “Is this for me?”