Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 15

Natalia forced a smile, her compliance just another act in the long–running play directed by Hamilton. He’d never given her the courtesy of an out, always expecting her to bend to his will without a moment’s thought for her feelings.

Over the years, she’d learned the hard way that resistance was futile: she might as well accept whatever task he threw her way, or endure whatever pain he saw fit to deliver.

“Understood,” she said, heading for the door.

“Come back. Eat something first.” Hamilton’s voice was firm, brooking no argument as he settled into the armchair, flipping open a takeout box.

“I’m not hungry.”

“Ms. Jenkins?” The chill in his voice was palpable, his steely gaze locking onto Natalia without a shred of warmth.

With a resigned sigh, Natalia turned and perched herself back on the couch.

Their meal passed in oppressive silence. Hamilton took his time, savoring each bite with the kind of discipline that spoke of a man who prized self–control above all else.

Natalia, on the other hand, poked at her food, her thoughts miles away. She tried her best to ignore the ugly rumors she’d heard earlier in the day, but they still gnawed at her, leaving an uncomfortable knot in her stomach.

Their quiet was shattered by the buzz of Hamilton’s phone. Hamilton’s voice softened as he took the call, a rare display of gentleness that Natalia knew was reserved for one person alone. “Trouble again? Alright, make sure you eat… Yes, I’ve got to go.”

Natalia knew without asking who was on the other end. Aside from his so–called first love, no one else could coax such tenderness from Hamilton.

“Did your old flame pop up again last night? Is that why you rushed off?” Natalia’s question was casual, but her tone held an edge.

Hamilton, busy fiddling with his state–of–the–art air purifier, glanced up at her. “That’s my business, Ms. Jenkins. Not yours.”

Two seconds of silence followed before Natalia responded, “I’m just concerned about my job security, that’s all”

Hamilton, adding a new scent pod to the purifier, looked up again. “Are you on the hunt for a new employer, Ms. Jenkins?”

A wry smile played on Natalia’s lips. “I can’t afford to go hungry.”

Hamilton’s expression darkened, his gaze heavy with unspoken threats. “Don’t worry, your

Chapter 15

Income won’t suffer. I’m not planning to replace you just yet.”

and pain she’d suppressed for so long were starting to numb her from the inside out. She

you, Mr. Fowler.”

stony, and after a moment,

wiped down his mouth meticulously before calling

her with a stash

Natalia a small package. “Mr. Fowler asked me to give you

as she accepted it, the secretary departing

she found stomach warmers, antacids, and a freshly brewed digestive soup. Natalia’s emotions churned. Hamilton, disregarding any romantic aspect, was indeed an excellent partner–handsome, fit, skilled in bed,

baby, she mused, it might be

back, she managed to thank him again. His reply

quite polite, not when you were out of line with me

car, but Hamilton’s voice stopped her. “Ride with

pulling away from

they were taking felt all too familiar, stirring

we going

pick up someone and head to the studio. Didn’t you say you wanted to see the new ambassador?”

But the direction the car was traveling in made her

stopped outside a well–known villa,

the villa, her eyes full of

walk like a

tone betrayed his affection.

“I was excited to see

with a bit of tenderness. “You

lips curled up. “Isn’t it good to

that, she looked towards Natalla, “Oh, I

only to teel cold all over. Her belly now hurt so much that it made

his seat and didn’t seem to notice

even care.

“Ms. Jenkins,

smile was brittle as she moved her

voice floated back. “Hamilton, why not let her take a cab? I don’t want

laughed gently. “There’s no cab service around here.”

There’s bound to be one eventually.”

to maintain her composure. “Someone will pick you up shortly. They’ll take you straight to the studio for the

was a mask hiding a world