Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 32

Natalia’s thoughts drifted back to the present as she toweled off and returned to her room.

The insistent jingle of Hamilton’s phone pierced the silence. Someone was bombarding him with messages, but Natalia had no idea who.

With a flicker of irritation, Hamilton glanced at the screen before dialing out.

“Just get her home,” he instructed curtly.

Victor’s voice came through, tinged with confusion. “Hamilton, Eveleen’s plastered, keeps calling out for you, saying you don’t like her anymore and stuff like that. Did you two have a row?”

Hamilton lit a cigarette and took a drag. “No.”

Eveleen could be a real drama queen when she wanted to, kicking up a fuss just to get his

attention.

Like today, she hadn’t been keen on him coming home, but he had insisted on it anyway.

“You better come and fetch her soon,” Victor said.

Hamilton scowled. “If you don’t want to drop her off, then call her folks to send a driver.”

Victor prodded. “What’s got you so tied up that you can’t even look after Eveleen?”

He paused before adding. “You’re not with Natalia, are you? Hamilton, are you really tossing Eveleen aside for that girl?”

A shadow passed across Hamilton’s face. “Who I’m with is my business. Just make sure she gets home.”

With that, Hamilton hung up and turned to face Natalia.

“Make it clear to Lionel tomorrow. If he really needs a translator, he can hire one elsewhere. If he can’t afford that much, he shouldn’t be running a law firm.”

Natalia remained silent. She didn’t want to push this part–time gig away. Money was one reason. But there was also a tiny, unspoken hope she harbored–she longed to reclaim her own dreams someday, to be her own person again; not just Ms. Jenkins, Hamilton’s so–called ‘add–on‘; not just an accessory in the eyes of others, belonging to Hamilton.

“I want to keep it. Our contract never said I couldn’t take a side job.”

Hamilton chuckled. “So, you want to discuss contracts now? Maybe we should examine some of your recent breaches of the agreement.”

Natalia stiffened.

The terms of their original deal were spelled out in meticulous and unfriendly detail. She had, more or less, broken several of the stipulated rules lately. If they really got into it, Hamilton’s

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Chapter 32

could tear her apart

that, Mr. Fowler. I won’t cross any lines with Lionel that aren’t strictly platonic. Besides, we’ve known

only darkened

glance at Natalia, he muttered, “As you wish.” He then retreated into the bedroom.

he emerged, dressed and ready, and left without another

gone. Natalia lay in bed alone, pondering. It was probably another

situation.

her feelings. Probably a mix of discomfort and, strangely, a sense of routine.

Lionel, she guessed Hamilton had

Royal Nightclub was buzzing when

tipsy but not wasted. When she saw Hamilton, she huffed and moved closer to Victor.

a seat

up as he decided not to join them.

over here. Why are you sitting all the way over there!” Victor, playing peacemaker,

sour. Natalia’s defiance had stirred something violent within him, which he forcefully suppressed. He disliked this loss of control, especially over someone like Natalia. Perhaps his pet had obeyed for too long, and

let her be.

do as she

herself before the contract

expression unreadable, continuing to ignore Victor and

tense, everyone sensing the

truly heartbroken, rose to leave. However, Victor quickly pulled her back, pushing her towards Hamilton.

Chapter 32

was the picture of hurt as she turned to Hamilton. “Are you

drink?”

knew it might upset me, don’t do

pouted. “I didn’t mean anything by it; I

o work.”

murmured, not really mad at Eveleen

young lady to be out this late.” His tone was as gentle as ever.

tears turned to a grateful smile. “Okay.”

left, Victor settled beside Hamilton. “What are you thinking? Eveleen’s

lit his cigarette. “Mind your own

looking out for

hung up on Natalia, are you?”

drag, offering no reply, but to Victor, his silence spoke