Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton) novel Chapter 109

Elliott felt a twinge of embarrassment. He had just finished asking Natalia out when Hamilton showed up. It was a bit like being caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

But he had been interested in Natalia for a while, and Hamilton must have seen it coming. He never made a move until now, knowing that Hamilton's engagement was looming. That was when Elliott found the courage to speak up.

But judging by Hamilton's demeanor now, it seemed that even with the engagement, he wasn't going to let go of Natalia easily. Elliott felt a tinge of regret but managed a resigned chuckle.

He was no match for Hamilton.

"Hamilton's here? I guess I'll be taking off then."

With that, he got to his feet.

Hamilton's gaze swept over him and settled on Natalia. "Mr. Lehner is leaving, Ms. Jenkins. Aren't you going to say anything?"

Natalia's lips were tightly drawn, and after a moment, she turned to Elliott and said, "Goodbye, Mr. Lehner."

Elliott nodded, looked at Hamilton, and said, "Catch you later, Hamilton."

Hamilton said nothing, and Elliott left somewhat sheepishly.

Natalia looked up to meet his gaze. "My run-in with Mr. Lehner was purely coincidental."

Hamilton chuckled dryly. "Quite a fucking coincidence!"

Natalia forced a laugh, lifting her gaze, her eyes devoid of any superfluous emotion. "Yeah, it's quite a coincidence. Just like bumping into you here, right?"

Hamilton's eyes darkened as he stared at the woman before him.

Natalia's defensiveness was too obvious to ignore. It wasn't just today. Ever since their argument over the miscarriage, she had been acting this way. And today, it was especially noticeable.

"Natalia, don't sulk over such a trivial matter!"

Natalia let out a bitter laugh. A trivial matter? Maybe to him, everything was just a triviality.

Her eyes fell. "No, Mr. Fowler, you're overthinking it. I just wanted some peace and quiet."

Hamilton scoffed, his fingers casually stroking her face. "Peace and quiet with Elliott? What's next, a roll in the hay to cap it off?"

There was a cold mockery in his eyes as he spoke.

Natalia found it laughable. He could parade around with Eveleen in public as a couple without a care, while she wasn't even allowed the freedom to make friends.

She looked up at the man before her. "Hamilton, have you ever trusted me?"

Hamilton's response was evasive.

Did it really matter if he trusted her? Anyone would have misread the scene earlier. Natalia was attractive, and Elliott was a catch. Especially since they were seen laughing together.

The memory of Natalia's laughter with Elliott ignited a fire in Hamilton's chest. When was the last time she had laughed like that with him?

Nonetheless, he didn't want to argue with her over something so petty. Their relationship had been strained enough these past few days.

His long fingers traced her cheek briefly before he withdrew his hand.

"Let's go home." He turned and strode towards the car.

Natalia stayed put. "I've got plans with Scarlett for shopping."

Hamilton glanced back at her. "Need me to carry you?"

Without waiting for an answer, he scooped Natalia up. She instinctively struggled.

But Hamilton tightened his grip. "Natalia, if you don't want to get hurt, stop moving!"

Natalia froze, then ceased her struggle. She knew she couldn't outfight this man, and struggling would only cause her more pain.

After getting in the car, she called Scarlett and explained. Knowing her situation, Scarlett could only say, "Pity. I was about to share something with you. Never mind, I'll WhatsApp you later."

Natalia grunted in response, and the cabin fell silent.

Hamilton's glower was still apparent.

Natalia turned her gaze out the window. The festive streets were somewhat congested. Couples hand in hand lined the sidewalks.

Hamilton's phone suddenly rang with Eveleen's personalized ringtone. He frowned slightly before answering.

"Hamilton, where are you? Everyone's waiting."

Hamilton bluntly responded, "Not coming."