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?”

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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

fall in love with her. So, despite knowing how unfavorable

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

her emotions. “Hamilton, I just feel

there no need to continue? Aren’t you short on cash anymore? Or have you found

of money. But rest assured, Mr. Fowler, I haven’t sought any so–called

Not afraid of starving?”

myself, mustn’t I? And besides, don’t you intend to reconcile with Eveleen?

stoic. “Did I not say I have no immediate plans to change companions?”

it just a matter of time?”

our contract, Ms. Jenkins, you can be

you using me to spite her? There’s really no need. She

none of your concern. And it has nothing

was deep and dark.

suddenly choked up.

into his arms. “Sleep, or I’ll call my lawyer right now to discuss

it was made up. She was angry at her lack of power to resist, and she wondered what Hamilton really wanted

just to

with Scarlett after I get discharged,”

enough for you?” Hamilton’s tone was still less than pleasant.

she can take better care of

the time to look after you? Or is she willing to give up her

Chapter 45

in Hamilton’s words. She managed a weak smile. “Are you planning to take care of me personally, Mr.

you’re taken care

to argue or to drag Scarlett into

“Hmm,” Hamilton acknowledged.

room finally fell silent, but neither

steady. In the

with that fan’s family?” she asked after a

deal with it as necessary. Ms. Jenkins, just sleep.”

herself to forgive, nor could she watch a father suffer unbearable

she left it

asleep. Hamilton, however, couldn’t sleep, just watching her overly pale face with a complex

by to give Natalia a check–up. Once she confirmed everything was in order,

“Mr. Fowler, if it’s inconvenient for you, I can help

we

“Are you sure you can take proper care