Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 7

Lounging on the couch with an air of casual ease. Hamilton seemed to be in a pretty good mood.

Beside him sat the woman from the café the day before, her skirt so short it barely reached her thighs.

Natalia glanced at the woman’s legs, pressed against Hamilton’s, before looking away. It seemed she had chosen an inopportune moment to arrive.

The woman’s face darkened at the sight of Natalia, but she held her tongue in Hamilton’s presence.

Hamilton raised an eyebrow at Natalia and asked, “Ms. Jenkins, what brings you here?”

Natalia glanced at the woman again and answered, “Just a small matter.”

Hamilton leaned back and said, “If it’s about resigning, Ms. Jenkins, you can just go to HR.”

Natalia paused, “It’s not about resigning.”

Hamilton chuckled. “Then what is it? I thought the only reason you’d come to me is to resign.”

Ignoring the sarcasm in his voice, Natalia eyed the woman by Hamilton’s side. “I would like to have a word with you alone, Mr. Fowler.”

Hamilton was silent, as if weighing the need for a private conversation.

Natalia was anxious; she knew Hamilton’s temper well. He wouldn’t let things slide easily, not after she had embarrassed him at the Crest Club and insisted on resigning.

As expected, he laughed softly, “Do we really need to talk alone, Ms. Jenkins?”

Natalia’s lips tightened; she took a deep breath and said, “Mr. Fowler, I’ve decided not to resign.”

His expression didn’t change as he asked, “And?”

“I’d like to discuss my future salary with you.

Hamilton crossed his arms, eventually addressing the woman beside him. “Ms. Miller, sorry. let’s discuss our business another time.”

Ms. Miller, shooting Natalia a glare of anger, mustered a smile for Hamilton. “Sure, Mr. Fowler. You handle Ms. Jenkins’s issue first.”

After a resentful look at Natalia, Ms. Miller huffed out.

Once she was gone, Hamilton turned his attention to Natalia.

“How would you like to talk?”

Natalia remained silent, unsure of how to begin. Hamilton seemed patient; he waited for her to

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speak.

“Mr. Fowler, I need to borrow some money.” Natalia finally said, avoiding the topic of her resignation and asking for a loan instead.

Hamilton didn’t hide the mockery in his laugh.

“Do you think this is a charity. Ms. Jenkins? Or do you think we’re close enough for me to lend you money?”

she had anticipated. Still, she persisted, “I will pay you

thinking it through. Now get out!” His tone was icy.

ground. After a moment, she capitulated, speaking softly.

“I

I didn’t think it through before. Mr. Fowler. Please

chill in his

Hamilton yanked her towards him with force. The world spun, and suddenly Natalia was pinned beneath

“Are you sure?”

her gaze and

answer,” Hamilton ordered,

forced a smile and said, “Yes,

He

ease, “I need money, and besides else can satisfy me

Mr. Fowler,

as his

Jenkins. So tell me, how much do you

tried to sound calm, “One

blouse, a cold smile

that?”

her smile wider,

you think so, Mr. Fowler? If you don’t, then I might just have

“Natalia!”

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her chin

Natalia fell silent.

hidden, never letting anyone see them. But now, the anger

his gaze. “Do you think I’m worth it, Mr.

gaze grew colder. “Since you’ve set the price, you better

“Get home early

a smile.

so–called home was an apartment Hamilton had given her when they first got together. Every corner was decorated with the happiness she felt

always called it

Their home.

Natalia found Hamilton already

a shower!” he commanded without looking up.

she replied with a

Hamilton on the phone. When he saw her, he reached out a hand. Without a thought, Natalia took it, and Hamilton

Jenkins, help me out of my shirt,” he whispered, his breath warm against her earlobe.

was still on

“Hurry up.”

didn’t immediately move. Swallowing hard, she began to fumble with the buttons

Natalia felt the same unnaturalness she had felt for

Hamilton said nonchalantly into the phone, responding to something the

and bit gently

“Ah!”

moan escaped

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on the other