Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)




After leaving Natalia, Hamilton headed straight to Alden's place, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He could handle everything with a cool head, except when it came to Natalia. From the beginning, he lost all sense of reason around her. Agreeing to her business proposal left him wondering if he'd made the right call. He couldn't stand to see her cry or pretend to be strong, and the thought of her collaborating with less-than-reputable characters made his stomach churn.

Alden poured Hamilton a glass of water and tried to offer some consolation. "Bro, I think it's not bad at all. It's better than you fighting all these battles alone, right?"

Hamilton played with the glass in his hands. "I'd rather she kept hiding than get herself into danger again."

He blamed himself for all the pain Natalia had endured, haunted by nightmares of her lying in a pool of blood.

Alden frowned. "You can't think like that. If you want a future with her, you have to let her stand on her own two feet. She needs to be your partner, not someone you're constantly trying to protect."

"Natalia's not weak. She knows what she wants. You have to trust her."

"Supporting each other can be a beautiful thing."

Hamilton couldn't help but smile and nod in agreement, realizing he was doomed to lose when it came to Natalia.

"And the kid?" Alden suddenly asked.

Hamilton paused. "The kid's still with Killian. Adults have to take risks, but children shouldn't be dragged into it."

Alden nodded, understanding the weight of Hamilton's decision.

"So, you and Natalia... is there something more than business between you two?"

Hamilton shot him a look. "Given the circumstances, I'd rather we just stick to business."

Alden clicked his tongue, thinking to himself that business arrangements could be controlled, but feelings were another story. Perhaps their collaboration might just bring them closer than they thought. He kept these thoughts to himself, though.

The next morning, Natalia visited Stafford Pharmaceutical and was greeted by a man in his thirties with a bright and handsome face.

"Hello, I'm Natalia from Jen Group."

The man smiled. "Nice to meet you, I'm Emeric."

Natalia was taken aback but recovered quickly. "Pleasure to meet you, Emeric."

Emeric was surprised she knew about his other ventures. "You've done your homework on me?"

Natalia smiled. "It's always good to know who you're dealing with. I'm sure you've looked into me as well."

They shared a laugh, and Emeric led her into his well-decorated office, asking if she'd like something to drink.

"Just water, please," Natalia replied.

Emeric made a call, but was immediately interrupted by another call. With a sigh, he excused himself to pick up his sister from the lobby.

Left alone, Natalia reviewed the documents on the table. Soon, a woman with long, curled hair and heavy makeup entered, carrying two glasses of water. She examined Natalia with a scrutinizing gaze before hastily leaving after delivering the water.

Natalia sensed something was off but decided to focus on the upcoming meeting with Emeric.

When Emeric returned, they discussed the partnership. Stafford Pharmaceutical was venturing into international markets, requiring high-end business translators to navigate the differing regulations.

As they wrapped up, Emeric offered to take Natalia out for lunch, but she declined, suggesting they celebrate after finalizing the contract.

Leaving the office, they were interrupted by a young girl shouting "Amora!" and running towards them. The girl wore the same clothes she had seen in Hamilton's car the night before, and instantly, Natalia felt an inexplicable connection.

The girl hugged her leg, pleading, "Pretty lady, protect Amora."

Just as Natalia was about to respond, a woman apologized for the interruption, claiming the child was hers.

Yet, in that moment, Natalia felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity and protectiveness towards the little girl, her heart racing with questions and emotions she couldn't quite understand.

Jolene approached, clearly aiming to scoop Amora into her arms.

But it was Natalia's tears that chose that moment to escape, splashing down her cheeks.

Jolene froze mid-action, a look of surprise crossing her face as she glanced at Natalia.

Instead, it was Amora who, clinging to Natalia's leg, asked, "Why are you crying, pretty lady?"

Natalia crouched down, her gaze locked on Amora as her tears continued to fall unchecked.

Amora reached up, gently wiping Natalia's tears away with her tiny hands. "Pretty lady, don't cry. I didn't cry when I got my shots. You have to be brave."

Natalia couldn't understand why, but looking at the child before her made her heart ache as if it was struggling to breathe.

"Did I bump into you and hurt you? I'll make it better," the little girl offered, bending down to blow on Natalia's leg gently.

Natalia fought back her tears and lifted the little girl up. "It doesn't hurt at all. You didn't hurt me."

"I'm sorry," the little girl continued to wipe Natalia's tears, and after she finished, she hesitantly opened her palm.

"I'll give you my candy so you won't cry."

Natalia shook her head, gently closing Amora's hand. "I don't need candy. You keep

it."

Jolene chuckled from the side, taking Amora back into her arms, "Sorry about that. She bumped into you."

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Jolene quickly shook her head. "It's okay."

As she prepared to leave with Amora, she reminded, "Say goodbye to her, Amora."

Amora pouted, "Will she keep crying?"

Natalia shook her head with a smile, "No, I won't."

Amora's face lit up, "Good, 'cause Daddy Killian says crying gives you a bellyache. I

don't cry, and you shouldn't either."

Natalia felt a fresh wave of emotion and gently caressed Amora's cheek. "Alright, I

won't cry anymore."

Then, looking at Jolene, she asked, "Are you Killian's wife?"

Jolene paused, "You know Killian?"

Natalia nodded. "Yes, quite well."

Jolene's eyes brightened, and after a quick glance at Amora and then back at

Natalia, she asked, "Are you Ms. Jenkins?"

Natalia nodded again.

Jolene laughed softly, "That explains it."

Natalia looked puzzled, "What do you mean?"

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Jolene shook her head, "Nothing. Killian's mentioned you, and I've seen photos of you and Mr. Fowler

on his phone. No wonder you looked familiar." Content belongs to Śwnovel.net

Natalia offered a tight smile, "Please say hello to Killian for me."

Jolene nodded, "Of course, I will."

Natalia glanced at Amora once more before asking, "May I ask how old she is?"

"Not quite two and a half," Jolene replied, pinching Amora's cheek.

Natalia's eyes dimmed. Yes, the child would be just over two years old.

She nodded and turned to walk toward the elevator, only to be suddenly hugged by

a small figure.

"Goodbye."

Nobody expected Amora to suddenly run back and hug Natalia.

Natalia stiffened, then looking down at Amora, she fought back her tears and

whispered, "Goodbye, Amora."

Jolene quickly took Amora back. "Sorry about that."

Natalia didn't respond, just entered the elevator.

Emeric watched the scene, his brows furrowed.

Once Natalia's elevator door had closed, he turned to Jolene. "Where did that kid

come from, looking so much like Natalia?"

Jolene shot him a look. "Killian's ex-girlfriend had her before she passed away in a

car accident."

Emeric's forehead twitched. "And you're just fine stepping into this ready-made

family?"

"What family nonsense are you spouting? Watch your words around Amora, or I'll

spill all your secrets!" Jolene threatened.

you're

Emeric grimaced, "Fine, as long as happy. But what about you. You

aren't getting any younger pet

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Jolene huffed, "She's not my type. But for a fling, why not?"

Jolene quickly covered Amora's ears. "Don't spew nonsense in front of her!"

With that, she left with Amora in tow.

After leaving Stafford Pharmaceutical, Natalia drove straight to Amor Group, only to

be stopped at the reception.

"I'm here to see Hamilton."

"Do you have an appointment?"

Without further ado, Natalia called Hamilton. Moments later, he appeared, striding

towards her.

Seeing Natalia's reddened eyes, Hamilton's heart clenched, though he maintained

his composure.

"Ms. Jenkins, what brings you here?"

Natalia looked up, "I came to discuss a partnership with Mr. Fowler."

"Let's talk upstairs," Hamilton suggested, leading the way to the elevator.

Once inside, Hamilton gently touched the corner of her eye. "Who made you cry?"

Natalia, overwhelmed, stepped forward and embraced him. "Hamilton, I miss our child."