Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 45

Hamilton’s hand rested on Natalia’s belly, motionless.

It wasn’t the first time she’d broached the subject. At some point, it seemed as though Natalia had set her mind on leaving him.

His voice was calm as he spoke, devoid of any emotional fluctuations. “What’s your reason, Natalia? Why do you want to end this? Have I wronged you? Or broken any promises?”

Natalia couldn’t answer him. All through this relationship, Hamilton had always kept his word. He never broke any of the clauses. The money was delivered on time every month. Nor had he ever wronged her, because their relationship had never been about love.

What did it matter if he was close with his first love? Or that he didn’t want her child?

She had no right to blame him, let alone to reproach.

In his eyes, their relationship had always been nothing more than the simplest of transactions between a benefactor and a companion. He had never breached that contract by a hair’s breadth, but it was she who had.

From the very start, she had committed the taboo. She had let emotions creep into a transaction of money and flesh. The pain seemed inevitable. It was the punishment for not keeping to the agreement.

But how much punishment was enough? She couldn’t bear it any longer.

“No.” Time seemed to stand still before Natalia finally replied, “You haven’t broken your promise, nor have you wronged me.”

Hamilton’s warm lips touched the nape of her neck. “If that’s the case, I don’t want to hear such talk again. I’ll take care of the child situation, and I’ll make sure that fan’s family pays for what they’ve done.”

Natalia took a deep breath. “It has nothing to do with that person.”

Hamilton didn’t care. “Natalia, I’m a businessman. I abide by contracts or, if you prefer, you can discuss this with my lawyer tomorrow.”

With that, Hamilton pulled her close. “Sleep. You’ve just had a miscarriage. Don’t you care about your health?”

Natalia, frustrated and pale, felt a flush of anger color her cheeks. “Hamilton, why on earth?”

ר מלכת

Hamilton’s gaze was dark and intense. “Natalia, when you signed that contract, you should have known there would come a day when you’d want to leave. Yet you signed it, didn’t you? Since you did, don’t act as though you were coerced.”

Natalia knew she was at fault. When she signed that contract, all she wanted was to be with Hamilton, and any terms seemed acceptable.

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Chapter 45

she fantasized that he might fall in love with her. So, despite knowing

years left of a five–year term, she didn’t

a deep breath, she tried to calm her emotions. “Hamilton, I just feel that there’s no need to

to continue? Aren’t you short on cash anymore? Or have you found a

Natalia didn’t shy away. “I admit, I am in need of money. But rest assured, Mr. Fowler,

what do you propose? Not afraid of

a bitter laugh. “No man can provide for me for a lifetime, not even you, Mr. Fowler. In the end, I must rely on myself, mustn’t I? And besides, don’t you intend to reconcile with Eveleen? If you and Eveleen

say I have no immediate plans to

a

during the term of our contract, Ms. Jenkins, you can be

“Are you using me to spite her? There’s really no

my business with Eveleen is none of your concern. And it has

was deep and dark.

suddenly choked

I’ll call my

angry at her lack of power to

just to spite

Scarlett after I get discharged,”

enough for you?” Hamilton’s tone

can take better

after you? Or is she willing to give

Chapter 45

catching the threat in Hamilton’s words. She managed a weak smile. “Are you planning

you’re taken care of, that’s

to drag Scarlett into her problems. “Fine. I’ll go

“Hmm,” Hamilton acknowledged.

but neither of them felt

steady. In the quiet room, it seemed overly loud.

do you plan to deal with that fan’s family?” she asked after a long time.

it as necessary.

nothing more. She couldn’t bring herself to forgive, nor could she watch a father suffer unbearable consequences for his

left it to Hamilton.

watching her overly pale face with a complex gaze. After what

next morning, Scarlett came by to give Natalia a check–up. Once she confirmed

at Hamilton, she offered, “Mr. Fowler, if it’s inconvenient for

think we can manage without

“Are you sure you can take proper