Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 19

Natalia tried to compose herself, her eyes locking with Hamilton’s.

“Just a bit of an upset stomach,” she said naturally, bending down to splash some water on her face. Hamilton observed her silently.

It felt like an eternity before he finally turned and left the room. Only when she sensed his gaze had vanished did Natalia allow herself a small sigh of relief.

After washing up, she reached for her medicine and headed into the bedroom. She took the pills, one by one, just as Scarlett had prescribed. As she swallowed the last one, Hamilton happened to walk in.

His eyes landed on the pillbox on the nightstand. Hands in his pockets, he strolled over and picked it up.

“Where did you get these medicine?”

“The hospital.”

“When?”

Natalia paused for a moment, “The night of the emergency room visit.”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed slightly and said, “I never knew you had a stomach issue. It got this bad all of a sudden?” Natalia offered a small smile, “It’s always been there, and you just might not have noticed.”

Hamilton paid attention to her, but his concern was always limited to her interactions with other men. As for her health, that didn’t seem to be on his radar.

“Is that so?” Hamilton didn’t press further. “If you’re feeling unwell, you should get some rest.” “Alright.”

Natalia grabbed her pajamas and headed to the bathroom. When she came out from her shower, Hamilton was gone from the room.

Natalia dried her hair, and a knock came at the door. She opened it to find the delivery guy from Hamilton's favorite diner standing there.

“Mr. Fowler noticed you didn’t eat dinner, and with your stomach upset, he ordered you a vegetable soup.” Natalia accepted it with a “Thank you.

She carried the soup back to her room. Her stomach was indeed empty, but she had no appetite. Yet, for the sake of the baby, she forced down the soup.

4/4 14:26

Lying down, she soon drifted off to sleep.

The next awakening was courtesy of her phone’s insistent buzzing. Picking it up, she was surprised to see Alden’s name. “Alden, what's up? It’s late.”

“Ms. Jenkins, my brother’s had a bit too much to drink. Could you come pick him up?”

Sitting up, Natalia replied, “Sure, send me the address.”

Once dressed, the address from Alden popped up.

Royal Nightclub.

A private booth.

Natalia pushed the door open to find Hamilton lounging on the sofa, a cigarette dangling from his fingers, his mood seemingly foul but showing no sign of drunkenness.

She glanced at Alden sitting beside him.

Alden offered an apologetic smile, “Sorry, Ms. Jenkins, | lost at truth or dare. | was dared to call you, to get you here by any means. I’m so sorry-I didn’t think you'd actually come.”

Natalia stood still, then finally chuckled, “It’s okay.”

She looked at Hamilton, who remained indifferent, his expression unreadable. He didn’t seem to care that she was feeling unwell and dragged here in the middle of the night.

Bitterness crept in, and she closed her eyes briefly, suppressing the discomfort. “Mr. Fowler, if you don’t need anything, I'll be going.”

“Come here.”

Hamilton's voice was terse, tossing out the command.

Natalia was torn. The room reeked of smoke, and she had no desire to stay, but defying Hamilton’s order would likely result in a worse outcome for her.

“Come on, Ms. Jenkins, since you're here, stay and play a bit.” With Hamilton’s stern gaze upon her, Natalia had no choice but to take a seat.

As soon as she sat down, Hamilton wrapped an arm around her waist. His chin rested on her shoulder, and the warm scent of alcohol enveloped her.

“Why did you come?”

Natalia stiffened, “I thought you really had too much to drink.”

Hamilton chuckled softly, “Have you ever seen me drunk, Ms. Jenkins?”

Silence fell upon her. Indeed, when had she ever seen Hamilton lose control? He was always

14-26

cautious and restrained. He never allowed himself to get drunk, even during the countless

social events.

“I'm sorry.”

That was all Natalia could say.

Hamilton’s voice was lazy. “No need to apologize. | was just curious if you would come running for anyone who called tonight.” After a pause, Natalia admitted, “As long as it’s about you, | would come.”

Hamilton casually remarked, “Foolish.”

Then, he leaned away.

Natalia pondered over the word ‘foolish’. It was mostly mockery laced with a hint that he thought she lacked intelligence. “Ms. Jenkins, won't you join the game?”

Natalia declined, but the others were not so keen on letting her be.

“What are you afraid of, Ms. Jenkins? It’s just a game.”

“Yeah, we've known each other for so long and never played together. You wouldn't let us down. would you?”

As the room buzzed with their voices, Natalia looked at Hamilton, whose expression was cool and detached.

“Just come play. Ms. Jenkins! Why look at my brother?” Alden asked. Hamilton remained silent.

Reluctantly. Natalia joined the group. It was truth or dare again. Natalia was lucky in the first round, not getting picked, but as soon as she exhaled in relief, trouble found her.

Aguy named Elliott Lehner, one of Hamilton's rowdy friends, was selected. Elliott chose dare. He was dared to kiss the nearest opposite-sex person, and Natalia just happened to be sitting next to him. The room erupted with noise—cheers, laughter, and taunts.

Natalia froze, her face stiffening. Lately, it seemed, her luck had truly run out. Whenever there was trouble, it always seemed to find her.

Elliott, egged on by a raucous crowd, turned his attention to Natalia.

Natalia’s face was a shade of stormy gray as her gaze swept over to Hamilton. Hamilton sat nearby, his eyes heavy on Natalia. “What are you looking at me for, Ms. Jenkins?”

14:26

Natalia promptly diverted her gaze.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Elliott chuckled under his breath, also looking toward Hamilton. He certainly hadn't forgotten the incident with Victor the other night. He did want to kiss Natalia, but he figured he should at least check with Hamilton first.

“Hey Hamilton, is it cool if | kiss her?”

Hamilton sat back, arms crossed, making himself comfortable on the couch. “You're playing a game; you don’t need my permission.”

Natalia felt her heart sink. She forced a smile and looked at Elliott. “Go ahead.” Elliott’s grin widened as he said, “I won’t hold back then!” He leaned in to kiss Natalia, but before their lips met, Hamilton’s glass suddenly slammed down on the table with a bang.

Elliott stiffened, quickly pulling back. “Just kidding. I'll take a drink instead!” he announced, grabbing a glass and downing its contents.

The room was filled with varying expressions. Natalia cast her eyes down, swallowing the bitterness that threatened to spill over.

After Elliott finished his drink, he looked at Natalia and asked, “Scared you, huh? Don’t worry, | wouldn’t really dare.” He glanced at Hamilton as he spoke. “Otherwise, Hamilton would have my head on a platter tonight.”

Hamilton leaned against the wall, his unwavering gaze still fixed on Natalia.

“Kiss her if you want. As long as Ms. Jenkins is game, | couldn’t care less.”