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

love with her. So, despite knowing how unfavorable the contract

of a five–year term, she didn’t know

emotions. “Hamilton, I

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

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

you propose? Not afraid of

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

not say I have no immediate plans to change companions?”

just a matter of

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

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

none of your concern. And it has nothing to do

deep and dark.

suddenly choked

drew her into his arms. “Sleep, or I’ll call my lawyer right

one could change Hamilton’s mind once it was made up. She was angry at her

to spite Eveleen?

want to go stay with Scarlett after I get

house big enough for you?” Hamilton’s tone

a gynecologist; she can take better care

has a job. Does she have the time to look after you? Or is she willing to give up her job for you?”

Chapter 45

words. She managed a weak smile.

taken care of, that’s

or to drag Scarlett into her problems.

“Hmm,” Hamilton acknowledged.

finally fell silent, but neither of them felt like

Hamilton’s heartbeat. Strong and steady. In the quiet room, it seemed

that fan’s family?”

it as necessary. Ms. Jenkins,

more. She couldn’t bring herself to forgive, nor could she watch a father suffer unbearable

it to

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

check–up. Once she confirmed everything was in order,

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

we can manage without

brow and asked, “Are you sure you can take proper care