Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 88

Chapter 88 Natalia lifted her head, her eyes glistening with the sheen of discomfort..

There was an undeniable allure to her vulnerability, but Hamilton saw through the veils of gratitude to the underlying rejection and distance in her gaze. She was indeed thankful for his help but the aversion was starkly clear.

Asurge of anger flared within Hamilton as he grasped Natalia’s waist and pinned her against the wall behind her. “Natalia, you sure know how to burn bridges quickly.”

After a moment of silence, Natalia replied, “I’m sorry, I’m just not feeling well.”

Hamilton snorted. “Is that so? Well then, let me make you feel better, Ms. Jenkins.”

With those words, he sealed her lips with his, cutting off any protest.

Natalia struggled at once, but Hamilton was like a storm, completely indifferent to her feelings.

“Hamilton, it’s that time of the month!” Natalia’s eyes were red with anger as she yelled at

him.

Hamilton froze, his expression darkening. He reached down to check, and upon confirming the truth, he withdrew his hand, his face somber.

“Natalia, don’t dodge me next time. I’m afraid | might lose control, and | fear you can’t handle. it.”Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Natalia managed a wry smile. She hadn't intended to dodge; perhaps her reaction had been instinctive.

She was truly grateful to Hamilton. He had managed to get a horde of online followers to apologize in such a short time, which must have required considerable resources.

But deep down, she also harbored resentment towards him.

However, she didn’t want to fight with Hamilton anymore.

Fully aware that he would always side with Eveleen, why bother making things unpleasant for

herself?

Taking a deep breath, she calmed all her emotions, looking at the man before her with utter serenity.

“| didn’t mean to, I’m sorry.”

Hamilton gazed back, his eyes deep pools. After a long pause, he asked, “Does it hurt?”

Natalia nodded. “It hurts.”

Hamilton bent down and scooped her into his arms.

Natalia stiffened.

“| can walk on my own.”

“Ms. Jenkins, don’t refuse. Just be good,” Hamilton said as he looked down at her.

Natalia stopped struggling and said nothing more.

Hamilton carried her to the bed, tucked her in, then left the room. Shortly after, he returned with some medicine. “Take the medicine.

Natalia complied and lay back down.

Hamilton wrapped his arms around her from behind, his warm hands resting gently on her lower abdomen. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’ll feel better soon,” Natalia murmured, her eyes closed.

avn

However, Hamilton stayed put. “Didn't | just say not to refuse? Or do you have something else in mind, Ms. Jenkins? Even though it’s your period, if | wanted to, | could find a way.”

Natalia immediately clammed up.

She had no doubt Hamilton would do as he said. When they first got together, Hamilton wanted her every single day. Even during her period, he always found a way.

He kissed the nape of her neck softly and whispered, “Sleep now.” Natalia kept her eyes closed but sleep eluded her. Hamilton's breathing was close by, his warm breath tickling her skin unbearably.

She shifted slightly and Hamilton suddenly rolled on top of her, his lips forcefully prying hers apart and delving deep. Instinctively, Natalia tried to push him away, but any hint of resistance was met with even more overpowering dominance until she submitted completely.

Only then did Hamilton seem somewhat satiated as he let her go.

His gaze was intense, his long fingers tracing her lips. “Did you see Elliott today?”

There was silence before Natalia replied, “Yes.”

“Where did you meet? What did you do after? Natalia, don’t lie to me; I’ll find out.”

With a bitter smile, Natalia said, “If you are going to check, then why ask?”

Hamilton chuckled, “I have to ask. Otherwise, it’s like | don’t trust you, Ms. Jenkins.”

Natalia glared at the man still looming over her, but he showed no sign of backing down. Finally, she looked away and said, “We met at my mom’s hospital.”

“And then?” The man’s kisses resumed, soft and lingering.

15:47

Natalia squirmed under his attentions. “Hamilton, | really can’t right now.”

Hamilton pinned her hands down, restricting her movements.

“Answer me.”

Natalia felt a throbbing in her temples. She took a deep breath. “He offered to drive me home. | refused.” Hamilton raised an eyebrow, nuzzling her lips. “Why did you refuse?”

“| don’t like riding in other men’s cars.”

Hamilton seemed pleased, his kisses growing gentler. “That's one thing | like about you, Ms. Jenkins.

He kissed her neck and collarbone for a long time before letting her go. Then he got out of bed and entered the bathroom. When he returned, he was refreshed.

He didn’t touch her again, just stood by the bed and said, “Sleep now, I’ve got some work to finish.”

“Okay,” Natalia replied.

Though still restless, she forced her eyes shut.

Later that night, Natalia’s fever seemed to spike again. In a hazy state, she remembered Hamilton giving her medicine once more. The heavy blankets were like a sauna, impossible to kick off or pull away.

Until she heard Hamilton's voice.

“Natalia, kick off the blankets one more time, and I'll toss you out.”

She opened her eyes groggily and saw Hamilton holding her tightly.

“You're burning up. | called the doctor. Just hang in there.”

Natalia indeed felt terrible but nodded in compliance.

Hamilton fetched a warm towel and gently wiped her forehead and palms. His movements were tender and patient.

Watching him, Natalia suddenly realized that when Hamilton chose to be gentle, he was indeed very gentle. It's just that he rarely showed it, especially to her.

Natalia closed her eyes and stopped watching. This kind of gentleness was poison to her.

The doctor arrived shortly after.

Natalia had just received a shot and soon drifted back into a drowsy slumber.

The next day, she didn’t wake up until almost noon. Blinking her eyes open, she was surprised 15:47

to find Hamillion at home as well. He was lounging in an armchair by the window. In hands, he held a stack of papers, methodically flipping through them.

Hearing Natalia stir, he looked up.

“You awake?”

his

Natalia tried to speak but realized her throat was incredibly hoarse. Yet, she persisted, “Why aren’t you at work?”

Hamilton’s deep gaze held hers as he replied, “That’s a question for you, Ms. Jenkins, who kept me up all night. And now you have the nerve to ask why I’m not at work?”

Natalia felt a twinge of quilt at his words.

“Sorry, from now on, you don’t have to worry about me.”

Hamilton’s expression turned sour in an instant, and he let out a derisive chuckle.

“| don’t want to ‘worry’ about you. But Ms. Jenkins, you do seem quite pitiful.”

Natalia managed a weak laugh, “Then | suppose | should thank you for your pity, Mr. Fowler.” Hamilton approached, his long fingers gently tracing her brow.

He spoke with an air of nonchalance, “After all, you’re my woman. It’s only right that | take

care of you.”