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,

two years left of a five–year term,

breath, she tried to calm her emotions. “Hamilton, I just feel that

slowly. “And why is there no need to continue? Aren’t you short on cash anymore?

shy away. “I admit, I am in need of money. But rest assured,

afraid of starving?” Hamilton’s voice was

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 get back together, there’s even less reason for me to stay

stoic. “Did I not say I have

a

of our contract, Ms. Jenkins, you can

There’s really no

concern. And it has nothing to

gaze was deep and dark.

choked up.

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

She was angry at her lack of power to resist, and she wondered what Hamilton really wanted by keeping

just to spite

with Scarlett after I get discharged,” Natalia said after

for you?” Hamilton’s

she can take better

to look after you? Or is she willing to

Chapter 45

a weak smile. “Are you planning to take care of me personally,

taken care of, that’s

drag Scarlett into her problems.

“Hmm,” Hamilton acknowledged.

fell silent, but neither of them felt like sleeping.

Strong and steady. In the quiet room,

you plan to deal with that fan’s family?” she

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

bring herself to forgive, nor could she watch a father suffer unbearable consequences for his child.

she left it

Hamilton, however, couldn’t sleep, just watching her overly pale face with a complex gaze. After what felt like an eternity, he too closed his eyes.

the next morning, Scarlett came by to give Natalia a check–up. Once she confirmed everything was in order, she began the discharge

glance at Hamilton, she offered, “Mr. Fowler, if it’s inconvenient for you, I can help Natalia through

think we can manage

you sure you can take proper