Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 28

Natalia’s lips were pressed into a tight line, her frustration palpable in the silent room. Of course, she was aggrieved, but she knew very well that wouldn’t win Hamilton’s sympathy.

Hamilton gripped the nape of her neck, forcing her gaze up to meet his. “Didn't see Gideon’s previous advances for you? Or did you just not care?” he challenged.

“| had no other choice.” Natalia insisted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Eveleen wouldn’t cooperate; her agent was MIA, and you, Mr. Fowler, insisted on using her for the project. What was | supposed to do?”

Hamilton released her abruptly. “If you can’t get the job done, maybe it’s time to find someone who can.” “Please, Mr. Fowler, let's be clear-it’s Eveleen who’s been uncooperative, not me!”

His laugh was cold and mocking. “And why is that, Natalia? Haven't | warned you about provoking her? Think about the attitude you've had towards her all this time.”

Natalia looked down, feeling as if her heart was being squeezed tight. Was this really about her behavior towards Eveleen? Or was it that Eveleen had been at odds with her from the start? She had bent over backward to accommodate her, but all this man could see were her faults.

He was blind to Eveleen’s insults, her humiliations. After a long silence, Natalia mustered a smile. “So, everything’s my fault, Mr. Fowler?”

Leaning against the couch, Hamilton’s indifference was apparent. “Right or wrong isn’t the point. The real question is, do you honestly think you can stand against Eveleen?”

The sting of his words turned her face pale. She had no standing, not against Eveleen, the rising star in the entertainment world with the Schafer family at her back. And what did Natalia have? She had to admit Hamilton was right. His cold, sober reminder was that she should never have provoked Eveleen. In the end, the loser was always going to be her. He wouldn't help her. He might even add fuel to the fire, letting her face the harsh reality.

At this moment, she realized that all her resistance would only bring punishment. Because there was no love, his heart had never been on her side. He didn’t care how much she suffered; all he wanted was her submission.

“| understand,” she said finally, her voice resigned, knowing she would only suffer if she kept on going against Eveleen. Eveleen had proven to her with facts that she was nothing compared to her. Thus, Natalia gave in.

Hamilton seemed satisfied at last. “Have you scheduled a meeting with Eveleen?”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow.”

He was silent for a moment, then offered, “If you’re not feeling well, we can push it back a day.” “No need. It was hard enough to get this appointment; who knows when the next chance will be.”

Hamilton retired to the bathroom, leaving her with a curt, “Suit yourself.”

Natalia retreated to her room. After taking her medicine, she called Scarlett. “Today, someone forced me to drink.” The dull ache in her heart flared with worry. If it affected the baby, she had no reason to keep fighting.

“How much did you drink?”

“Just a sip. | tried to throw it up afterward, but I’m not sure how much | swallowed.”

“As long as it was just a small amount and

tried to get rid of it, you should be fine. But try toNôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

avoid it in the future.”

“Okay.” Natalia replied, her voice heavy.

“You sound down. What's going on?”

“A bit tired,” Natalia said with a weak smile.

“Get some rest. A good mood is the best thing for the baby.”

“Will do.” Natalia managed a genuine smile before ending the call and drifting off to sleep.

Hamilton emerged from his shower and headed straight to his study. By the time he returned to the bedroom, it was past midnight. Half-asleep, Natalia found herself being pulled into his embrace. His warm lips sought hers, but Natalia’s heart resisted.

“Can we not tonight?” He paused. “Ms. Jenkins, you should know | didn’t bring you here to throw tantrums.” His words choked her. Right-she was there for his pleasure. How could she have forgotten?

She stopped resisting and even cooperated. Hamilton was relentless as if trying to consume her whole. She endured, carefully urging him not to be too rough.

It was nearly two in the morning when he finally stopped. Exhausted and sweating, Natalia felt the sting of a bite mark left by Hamilton, covering the red mark Gideon had made.

Under the hot shower, Hamilton’s touch was devoid of gentleness. His gaze fell on the bite mark. “Does it hurt?” She shook her head.

He pressed down hard. “Does it hurt now?”

Her face turned white, but he showed no sign of letting go. “Good, it should hurt. Remember who you are, Ms. Jenkins. Don’t dirty yourself like you did today.”

She wanted to defend herself. “I’m not dirty!”

He chuckled. “If I'd been a moment later, can you honestly say you wouldn’t have been? If | hadn’t shown up, you would have been prey to Gideon's appetite.”

She closed her mouth, unable to argue.

*| had arranged to meet outside. | didn’t expect him to change the location to a private room.” “And?” Hamilton wasn’t looking for excuses.

“It won't happen again,” Natalia finally conceded.

Satisfied, he wrapped her in a towel and carried her back to bed.

Once in bed, Natalia tried to keep her distance, but Hamilton pulled her back. “Ms. Jenkins, would you prefer the floor?” Natalia remained silent as Hamilton’s arms encircled her waist, pulling her into a firm embrace. “Sleep now.” The next day.

Natalia woke up early, half-expecting Hamilton to have already left. To her surprise, she found him on the balcony, watering plants. She approached him tentatively.

“Mr. Fowler, aren't you headed to the office today?” Hamilton looked up, his eyes meeting hers. “How’s your stomach feeling?” She paused briefly, looking away. “It’s mostly fine, just a bit queasy now and then.”

He nodded, placing a business card on the small balcony table. “If you're feeling unwell, go see my personal doctor. I’ve already informed him about you.”

After saying this, he pulled out a tissue to wipe his hands.

Natalia stared at the business card on the table for a long moment before responding with a simple, “Alright.” Hamilton left the card behind and went on his way.

Natalia was lost in thought, staring at the card before finally gathering her things and heading to the studio.

This time, Eveleen was punctual. She gave Natalia a glance upon entering and then haughtily made her way to the makeup room.

Eveleen’s agent, Aurora, approached Natalia with a leisurely stride. “Ms. Jenkins, quite the influencer, aren’t you?”

Natalia arched an eyebrow at her, “What do you mean?”

Aurora let out a derisive chuckle. “Playing dumb now?”

Natalia met her gaze with a half-smile. “I genuinely have no idea what you're implying. If you’re here just to insult me, there’s no need. We're merely collaborators; there’s no conflict of interest.”

“Natalia, why play the fool?” Aurora spat angrily. “Mr. Fowler has never spoken a harsh word to our Eveleen. And yet, this very morning, he calls her up, demanding she should cooperate with you on set, threatening to replace her otherwise. Did you not run to him with complaints?”