Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 47

Chapter 47 Natalia paused for a moment, then let out a dry chuckle. “Yeah, it’s quite...refreshing.”

Hamilton watched her silently for a few beats before speaking up, “Let’s put Eveleen’s chapter to rest, shall we? No need to dredge it up at every turn.”

The reproach in his voice was unmistakable.

Natalia felt the bitter taste of defeat. “Mr. Fowler, you saw everything, didn’t you? Did | bring up the issue? Didn't | tell you that what happened had nothing to do with Eveleen?”

Hamilton’s face contorted with displeasure. “You said as much, but is that what you really think?” “So I'm not even allowed to think now?” Hamilton glanced at her and said nothing more.

Natalia’s discomfort was palpable, her whole demeanor off-kilter. Walking was a struggle for her; her legs were shaky, yet she was too proud to ask Hamilton for help.

Hamilton frowned at her stumbling, but eventually, he bent down and scooped her into his

arms.

“| can walk on my own. You might want to check on Ms. Schafer; she’s hurt too, and because of me. That’s a weight | can’t bear.” Hamilton looked at her, his gaze icy. “I’m not keen on being treated like a jerk again.”

A dull ache settled in Natalia’s chest. So that was it. He was only doing this to avoid being labeled a jerk.

“There’s no one left for me but Scarlett. Don’t worry, I’ve made things clear to her. I’m well aware of what | mean to you, so no one will call you a jerk.”

Hamilton snorted softly. “I don’t need anyone to judge whether I’m a jerk or not. As for you, I’m just fulfilling my obligations. Don’t think there’s anything special about it.”

Natalia’s lips were taut. After a moment, she laughed bitterly, “Of course, I’ve always known. there’s nothing special about me to you.”

Hamilton remained silent. With a stoic face, he carried her to the car. They had switched cars; his usual ride must have been sent for cleaning.

The drive home was silent.

Once there, Hamilton carried Natalia upstairs. It seemed he was just as he said, fulfilling his obligation. Not out of compassion, nor guilt, simply because he felt it was his duty. The duty of a man who had gotten her pregnant, nothing more.

At the door, before Hamilton could unlock it, it swung open from the inside.

12:59

A figure approached. “Mr. Fowler.”

Hamilton nodded, then looked down at Natalia.

“From now on, she will take care of your meals and well-being.”

Natalia was silent for a moment, but did not refuse. She did need someone to care for her.

Hamilton wouldn't let Scarlett help, and he certainly wouldn't do it himself. So, it was only natural to find someone else for the job.

“Thank you for your trouble.” “It's no trouble at all.” Hamilton carried Natalia into the bedroom without another word.

Looking at the woman lying in bed, his brow furrowed slightly. Aside from one moment of tears when she awoke, she’d shown no signs of distress as if the harrowing miscarriage had never happened.

Hamilton tried to ignore the heaviness in his chest, but seeing her still-pale face, he couldn’t help feeling discomfort. “Is there anything you'd fancy to eat?”

“I'm not hungry,” Natalia mumbled from under the covers, not looking at him.

“| had the nanny make some chicken soup. Will you have some?”

“| really don’t have an appetite.”

“Natalia, you’re nursing your own body now. If you don’t care for it, nobody else will pity you!”

Hamilton left the room after speaking, telling the nanny outside, “Serve her a bowl of the chicken soup and make sure she finishes it.”

The nanny nodded.

Natalia stared at the bowl brought to her, feeling waves of nausea.

“I don’t want it.”

The nanny looked conflicted. “Ms. Jenkins, please try to have a little.”

Hamilton had looked terrifyingly serious. Natalia knew her refusal would only trouble the nanny, but she truly couldn’t stomach it. “I'd prefer something light.”

“Alright, I'll make you some vegetable broth.”

The nanny took away the soup, and Hamilton's frown deepened. “She didn’t eat?”

“Ms. Jenkins asked for something light.”

Hamilton was quiet for a moment, then said, “Prepare lighter meals for her, and ask about her appetite beforehand.” 214

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“Of course,” the nanny hurried to the kitchen.

Hamilton glanced at the closed bedroom door before turning to his study.

The nanny eventually brought Natalia a bowl of vegetable broth. Despite her lack of appetite, Natalia ate. She had to admit, Hamilton was right. She was taking care of her own body. If she didn’t cherish it, who else would care for her?

Hamilton was always so rational and clear—headed. Natalia’s mouth tasted bitter while the nanny watched her with a warm smile. “Mr. Fowler is really good to you.”

Natalia looked up at the nanny, responding with a wry smile but no words.

If he truly cared, would he have been so indifferent to her miscarriage? Would he have so unhesitatingly favored Eveleen today?

After finishing the broth, Natalia leaned back in bed. Her hand instinctively reached for her belly, but as soon as she touched it, she pulled away.

It hadn’t been long since she had been pregnant, yet she’d formed this habit. Her fingers clenched the sheets tightly, as if this could somehow contain the pain spreading from her

heart.

A tear slid down her cheek unnoticed.

The nanny, seeing her like this, panicked. “Ms. Jenkins, are you alright?”

Natalia inhaled sharply, trying to control her emotions. “I’m fine. Just need to rest a bit.” “Sure thing,” the nanny said, quickly leaving the room.

Once alone, Natalia took a deep breath and steadied herself. She had intended to rest only as an excuse, but perhaps due to her weakened state, she actually fell asleep.

Hamilton pushed the door open and froze in his tracks at the sight of her lying in bed. Her face was still deathly pale, devoid of any hint of color. Her eyes were tightly shut, and whether it was due to restless sleep or not, her eyelashes trembled gently. A moment later, a single tear broke free and silently traced its way down her cheek.

Hamilton’s brow furrowed instantly. He made his way to the bedside, looking down at her. His fingers twitched a few times before he finally sat down on the edge of the bed, gently wiping away the tear from her cheek.

He honestly couldn’t fathom/Natalia’s desire to keep the child. After all, having a child out of wedlock was utterly irresponsible, both for the child and the adults involved.

Yet, he couldn't help but feel swayed by her emotions.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

He let out a small sigh, and as he was about to retract his hand, Natalia opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Hamilton’s deeply furrowed brow, causing a pang in her heart. To 3/4

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him, her pregnancy was probably nothing more than a nuisance.

“Sorry,” she murmured softly.

Hamilton withdrew his hand. “Natalia, you should know that our situation isn’t suited for raising a child,” he said, his voice slightly hoarse.

Natalia averted her gaze. “I know.”

Hamilton nodded, and after what seemed like an eternity, he added, “If you really do want children, find a man who loves you after our contract is over and start a family then.”