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.”

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

you, Mr.

remained stony, and after a

gone, Hamilton’s facade cracked. He wiped down his mouth meticulously

meet Scarlett, who discreetly provided her with a stash of medications, including prenatal vitamins and folic acid, all

small package. “Mr. Fowler asked me to give

as she accepted it, the

a freshly brewed digestive soup. Natalia’s emotions churned. Hamilton, disregarding

might be impossible to walk away

to thank him again. His reply

not when you were out of line with me in the office today.”

headed for her car, but Hamilton’s voice stopped her. “Ride with me. There’s something I need to discuss

car pulling

were taking felt

we going

eyebrows slightly. “To pick up someone and head to the studio.

did want to see the new brand ambassador. But the direction the car was traveling

outside a well–known villa, Natalia’s heart pounded

out from the villa, her eyes full of adoration

walk like a normal

betrayed

pouted playfully. “I was excited to see you”

a laugh, and even his eyebrows were colored with a bit of tenderness.

curled up. “Isn’t it

that, she looked towards Natalla, “Oh, I didn’t

the car, only to teel cold all over. Her belly now hurt so much that it made her panic.

seem to notice her abnormality.

wouldn’t even care.

“Ms. Jenkins, take the back seat, please.”

as she moved her things

floated back. “Hamilton, why not let her take

gently. “There’s no cab service

wait. There’s bound

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

kept her smile in place, though it was a mask hiding a world of turmoil.