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.”

remained silent, not

let go of her. He

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

After a brief pause, she added, “He

her childhood,

you? Are you sure he isn’t

Hamilton. “He forgot about me.”

amnesia? Or did he just not

hiding the surge of sadness. “I’m not sure. When I saw him again,

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

eyes.

gaze darkened as he scoffed.

that he, Hamilton, was the one she had always cared for.

Chapter 38

assured,

the point of telling him? It wouldn’t change how he felt about

he asked, “Do you miss

a light–hearted smile. “No use in missing him. He’s

best to move on. Otherwise, you’re just

picked up his laptop

nothing more. The whims of Hamilton’s moods were not something she could easily soothe. His current discontent was

negotiations went smoothly, and once they

barely

*Hamilton.”

in her tracks

haven’t contacted me in two

raised an eyebrow. “Did

does that mean

like a couple in the midst of a small lover’s quarrel. Natalia stood there, feeling utterly out of place. Taking a deep

Eveleen remarked as if she had only just noticed Natalia.

a slight nod in Eveleen’s direction. “Hello, Ms.

flashed a smile. “Ms. Jenkins, you’ve really gone the extra mile,

“It’s part of my job, after all. Plus,

generous.

of the fee, Hamilton shot

looked away. “I’m going to take a breather over there.”

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

have to

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Chapter 38

glared at Hamilton. “Oh, are you feeling protective now,

my inner circle.

fuming, spun on her heel and stormed off, though Hamilton didn’t go after her. But in no time, Eveleen

you going to ask me to

just smiled at her in response.

a glare before reclaiming her seat beside him.

her chest that made it hard to breathe. She rose and headed for the

restroom, she was immediately

Natalia took a step back,

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

a smile. “I’m not

forced her to drink at dinner.

bringing it up

“What’s wrong with accompanying

here you are, Ms. Jenkins, traveling despite being sick.

saying, “I’ve been feeling a bit better lately. Sorry

of the restroom, exhaling only when she was well clear.