Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 91

Natalia’s loshes quivered uncontrollably as Hamilton’s words echoed through her mind. She couldn't deny the power he still held over her, the way a single sentence from him could send her thoughts spiraling into chaos.

Clutching her fingers tightly, she tried to ignore the flutter of emotions that she knew sha shouldn’t entertain. After a long silence, she finally asked, “Why? You’ve never cared before, have you?”

Hamilton looked at her silently, his face unreadable. It felt like an eternity passed before he finally spoke, his expression cold and tinged with a touch of brooding darkness.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

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“| may not care,” he said, “but I will not allow what's mine to be coveted or touched by anyone. else.”

At that moment, Natalia felt a sharp pain in her heart.

So, that was it. That was the reason. And it made sense.

He would take action simply because something of his was desired by others, not because of her. To him, it didn’t matter if it was a cat he had adopted or a dog he had fed; he would act just the same.

Struggling to keep her composure, Natalia forced a slight smile. “Alright, | understand.”

Hamilton studied her. “What did you think | was doing?”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “Nothing, | was just overthinking it.”

Hamilton chuckled lightly. “Oh? And what were you overthinking?”

Taking a deep breath, Natalia shot back, “I thought maybe you felt sorry for me, and that’s why you helped.” Raising an eyebrow, he gave a half—smile. “You can think that if you want.”

Suppressing the sour taste of defeat, Natalia laughed weakly, “If you’re done, Mr. Fowler, I'll be on my way.” But Hamilton stopped her. “Leaving just like that, Ms. Jenkins?”

Her lips tightened.

Hamilton reached out, taking hold of her wrist, his touch gentle yet deliberate. “Can’t you say something sweet or do something endearing?”

Natalia knew what he wanted, and although she was capable of it, she didn’t want to play that game anymore.

She met his gaze defiantly. “What do you want to hear, Mr. Fowler? ‘I like you, ‘I love you, would those work for you?” 174

15:48

Hamilton's grip tightened momentarily before he let out a cold laugh.

“Let's skip those words. You know well enough that between us,” he paused briefly, then continued, “there are no feelings, only transactions.”

Their relationship was defined by a contract and nothing more. Natalia’s eyes fell. “I apologize, I've crossed a line.”

Hamilton seemed to lose his mood for teasing. He pointed to the contract and said, “I'll review this closely. If there are no issues, Ill let you know. You can go now.”

Exiting Hamilton’s office, Natalia maintained her poise, though her inner turmoil was barely concealed. In the restroom, she washed her face, calming the storm within.

Looking at the pale reflection in the mirror, she gave a wry smile. She knew better than anyone that she should let go of false hopes, yet she couldn’t help herself.

The desire to find a sliver of evidence that Hamilton had some affection for her was too

strong. Maybe it was pride, as Alden said. She wasn’t ready to accept that her three years companionship couldn’t stir a flicker of emotion; especially not to lose to someone like Eveleen.

Or maybe it was love, persistent despite the heartache and disappointment. of

Hamilton had grown into a towering presence in her heart over twenty years, and it was not easy to say goodbye. It was a love without hope.

After composing herself, Natalia left the restroom. Passing the pantry, she heard the chatter of the younger staff. “Boss,” Tess called out upon seeing her.

Natalia paused. “What’s up?”

“When’s our department having a dinner party? Other departments are doing it.”

It was almost New Year, and department gatherings were common. However, Natalia had been too dispirited to organize one this year, so she hadn't arranged one yet.

“Arrange it and let me know,” she said.

Tess held on. “Boss, everyone wants to bring their plus—ones. Is that okay?”

Natalia smiled. “Of course. Bring whoever you wish.”

Tess blinked playfully. “What about you, Boss? We could invite some extra guys and set you up on a date?”

Natalia quickly declined, not wanting to complicate her life further. “No, I’m not interested in dating right now.”

She patted Tess on the shoulder. “I’m busy, and you should get back to work, too.”

15:48

“Okay.”

Back in her office, Natalia finally relaxed. Scarlett called.

“Natalia, I've sent you the sanatorium’s information.”

“Thanks,” she replied.

Scarlet nesitated. “Are you really leaving? Not to mention the risks for your mother on the road, but the costs are astronomical. How much have you saved? If you run out of money there, what then? You can’t expect to...”

Scarlett’s words trailed off, but Natalia understood what she meant-she couldn't expect to find another man to pay for her expenses, could she?

Natalia’s heart felt heavy. Indeed, she had made up her mind to leave, but Tatiana’s medical expenses were her biggest concern. Scarlett was right. How could everyday folks like them afford hundreds of thousands of monthly medical expenses?

“| have a villa that Hamilton gave me. It’s worth about twenty million,” Natalia said after a short silence.

Scarlett heaved a sigh of relief, but she still sounded reluctant. “I really wish you’d reconsider leaving, Natalia. With that villa in your name, life can be a bit cushier for you, but | hate the thought of all your cash going to medical bills. Sure, Hamilton’s a jerk, but once the contract ends, you’re free of him, right?”

After a pause, she added, “Natalia, don’t tell me you've fallen for Hamilton?” She just couldn’t fathom why else Natalia would risk leaving, even with Tatiana’s well-being at stake.

Up until then, Natalia hadn’t felt much of anything. But when Scarlett mentioned that, a sudden pang hit her right in the heart. She tried to hold it back, but the tears came anyway.

“Scarlett, I've always liked him. For ten years,” Natalia confessed.

Scarlett was suddenly choked up on the other end, at a loss for words.

It took her a while before she could ask, “The guy you've liked during high school... It was him?”

“Yeah,” Natalia confirmed, dabbing at the corners of her reddening eyes. “Since then, till now.” Scarlett felt a surge of sympathy. “Doesn't it just tear you apart? Watching Hamilton with Eveleen?”

Natalia let out a faint laugh. “A little, yeah. That's why | have to leave.”

This time, Scarlett didn’t argue. “Fine, then let's do it. Sell the villa, take your mom, and leave that jerk. Mark my words, Natalia, he’s going to regret losing you one day!”

15-48 Natalia chuckled, but she didn’t hold her breath for any regrets from Hamilton. Aman like him, regret? Hardly.

She just hoped that if she could get away, she would never have to see him again.