Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 38

Natalia’s heart ached with a dull throb as she stared at the two words that seemed to mock her. She really wanted to throw the money back at him, then toss a few extra bills his way. telling him to keep it as a fee for “service rendered“. But she didn’t have the courage.

Staring at the message for a long while, she finally replied to Hamilton.

[Thanks, Mr. Fowler.]

Being pretentious was useless, especially with someone like Hamilton, who didn’t love her.

After sending the message, it wasn’t long before the bedroom door swung open. Hamilton stood at the doorway with a sneer on his face. His first words were a scoff. “Thanks for what?”

Natalia met his gaze. “Thanks for your generosity with your efforts and money.”

Hamilton leaned against the door frame, his eyes filled with scorn. “Ms. Jenkins, you always. see right through the heart of the matter.”

With that, he turned to leave, tossing over his shoulder, “Get up and have something to eat.

Natalia didn’t want to move. She had neither the appetite nor the energy. “I’m not hungry.”

“Don’t make me say it twice.” His voice was lazy, but there was an edge to it that Natalia dared not challenge.

She got up, dressed, and left the bedroom.

On the table was a bowl of chowder. Ever since she told him about her stomach upset, Hamilton seemed particularly fond of ordering chowder for her.

She didn’t dare read too much into it, afraid of getting her hopes up over nothing.

After finishing the porridge, Hamilton handed her a document. “Translate this.”

Natalia glanced at it–it was a contract in Frendlish. She took out her laptop and started translating.

Hamilton nonchalantly sat down next to her, arms draped over the back of the couch, his gaze fixed on her profile.

Natalia was beautiful, especially in moments like this, when her inner charm shone through, captivating enough to make it hard for anyone to look away.

Feeling his eyes on her made Natalia uncomfortable, but she dared not make any sudden moves, focusing instead on the document.

“Ms. Jenkins.” Hamilton suddenly broke the silence.

“Mr. Fowler.” Natalia quickly refocused her attention.

“The man you’ve liked for years. How’s he like?”

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Natalia stiffened slightly. She hadn’t expected Hamilton to ask such a question out of the blue.

Hamilton never liked prying into other people’s private lives, and he rarely allowed others to delve into his. In the three years they’d been together, he had seldom inquired about her past. perhaps due to his nature, perhaps because he simply didn’t care. But today, he broached the subject unexpectedly.

Natalia paused, her gaze fixed on the laptop screen. “Why the sudden curiosity?”

Hamilton raised an eyebrow at her. “Why? Can’t I ask?”

“It’s not that, just… some memories are better left undisturbed.”

A flicker of pain crossed Natalia’s face.

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. “Seems you have been deeply wounded.”

Then, his hand gripped her waist with a force that felt as if he could break her in half. “Still can’t forget him?”

“No.” Natalia quickly denied it. “It’s just… a bit uncomfortable when I remember.”

Hamilton’s look grew colder. “Ah, Ms. Jenkins, such a hopeless romantic.”

silent,

felt like an eternity, Hamilton finally let go of her. He lounged back on the

me, how’s he like? This person who’s had Ms. Jenkins pining for

person.” After a brief pause, she added, “He was very kind to

Hamilton, in her childhood, had been very kind to her.

you? Are you sure he isn’t just leading you on, playing with your

turned to look at Hamilton. “He forgot about

Or did

surge of sadness. “I’m not sure. When I saw him again, he didn’t

her chin, forcing her to look up and exposing the sorrow brimming

eyes.

gaze darkened as he scoffed. “You

about to confess that he, Hamilton, was the one she had always cared for. But

Chapter 38

assured, I haven’t seen him since being with

him? It wouldn’t change how he felt about her. It

eyes narrowed, and he asked, “Do

a light–hearted smile. “No use in missing him. He’s not mine,

not yours, it’s best to move on.

released her and picked

Hamilton’s moods were not something she could easily soothe. His current discontent was

once they

airport VIP lounge, they had barely stepped in when someone

*Hamilton.”

in her tracks as Eveleen approached

contacted me

“Did

does that mean you

of a small lover’s quarrel. Natalia stood there, feeling utterly out of place. Taking a deep

here too?” Eveleen remarked as if she had only just noticed Natalia.

a slight nod in Eveleen’s direction.

really gone the extra mile, trekking all

of my job, after

generous.

of the fee, Hamilton shot Natalia a

looked away. “I’m going to take a

that, she turned and walked away. Once Natalia had settled herself, Hamilton

do you always have to

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Chapter 38

at Hamilton. “Oh, are

after all, in my inner circle. Can’t

stormed off, though Hamilton didn’t go after her. But in no time, Eveleen was back at his side, still

to ask me to stay?” she demanded.

just smiled at her

shot him a glare before reclaiming her seat

her chest that made it hard to breathe. She rose

the restroom, she was immediately confronted by Eveleen.

a step back,

“Ms. Jenkins, you’re quite the dedicated employee to come on a business trip with Hamilton

She forced a smile. “I’m not sure

her to drink

was bringing

nonchalant, Natalia replied, “What’s wrong with accompanying Mr. Fowler on a

the weather? Yet here you are, Ms. Jenkins, traveling despite being sick. Is

looked away, saying, “I’ve been feeling a bit better lately. Sorry to have

that, she walked past Eveleen and out of the restroom, exhaling