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

in love with her. So,

term, she didn’t know

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

no need to continue? Aren’t you short

Natalia didn’t shy away. “I admit, I am in need of money. But rest assured, Mr. Fowler, I haven’t sought any so–called

afraid of starving?” Hamilton’s voice was tinged

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

face was stoic. “Did I not say I have no immediate

it just a

term of our contract, Ms. Jenkins, you can

deeply. “Are you using me to spite her? There’s really

of your concern. And it has nothing to do with

deep and dark.

choked

my lawyer right

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

it just to spite Eveleen?

I get discharged,” Natalia said after a while.

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

gynecologist; she can take better

she have the time to look after you? Or is she willing

Chapter 45

She managed a weak smile. “Are you planning to take care of me

make sure you’re taken

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

“Hmm,” Hamilton acknowledged.

hospital room finally fell silent, but neither of them

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

to deal with that fan’s family?” she

necessary.

to forgive, nor could she watch a

she left it to

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

a check–up. Once

it’s inconvenient for you, I

slightly. “I think we can manage without troubling anyone else.”

and asked, “Are you sure