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.”

The bitterness and pain she’d suppressed for so long were starting to numb her

Mr.

stony, and after a moment, Natalia

mouth meticulously before calling his secretary with a

used her lunch break to meet Scarlett, who discreetly provided her with a stash

a small package. “Mr. Fowler asked me to

as she accepted it, the secretary

Natalia’s emotions churned. Hamilton, disregarding any romantic aspect, was indeed an excellent partner–handsome, fit,

not for the baby, she mused, it might be impossible

Hamilton came back, she managed to thank him again. His reply was dry, a reminder of

not when you were out of line

voice stopped her. “Ride with me. There’s something I need to discuss on the

pulling away from the

they drove, Natalia’s anxiety grew. The direction they were taking felt all

what are we going to

to the studio. Didn’t you say you wanted to see

She did want to see the new brand ambassador. But the direction the car was traveling in made her

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

Schafer bounded out from the villa, her eyes full of adoration for

you walk like a normal

betrayed

“I was excited

eyebrows were colored with a bit of tenderness. “You

lips curled up. “Isn’t it good to be lively?”

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

hurt so much that it made her panic. She turned

seem to notice her abnormality. Or

even

to Natalia. “Ms. Jenkins,

she moved her things and exited the car.

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

“There’s no cab

we wait. There’s bound to

you up shortly. They’ll take you straight to the studio for the

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