Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 91

Natalia’s loshes quivered uncontrollably as Hamilton’s words echoed through her mind. She couldn’t deny the power he still held over her, the way a single sentence from him could send her thoughts spiraling into chaos.

Clutching her fingers tightly, she tried to ignore the flutter of emotions that she knew sha shouldn’t entertain. After a long silence, she finally asked, “Why? You’ve never cared before, have you?”

Hamilton looked at her silently, his face unreadable. It felt like an eternity passed before he finally spoke, his expression cold and tinged with a touch of brooding darkness.

7

“I may not care,” he said, “but I will not allow what’s mine to be coveted or touched by anyone.

else.”

At that moment, Natalia felt a sharp pain in her heart.

So, that was it. That was the reason. And it made sense.

He would take action simply because something of his was desired by others, not because of her. To him, it didn’t matter if it was a cat he had adopted or a dog he had fed; he would act just the same.

Struggling to keep her composure, Natalia forced a slight smile. “Alright, I understand.”

Hamilton studied her. “What did you think I was doing?”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “Nothing, I was just overthinking it.”

Hamilton chuckled lightly. “Oh? And what were you overthinking?”

Taking a deep breath, Natalia shot back, “I thought maybe you felt sorry for me, and that’s why you helped.”

Raising an eyebrow, he gave a half–smile. “You can think that if you want.”

Suppressing the sour taste of defeat, Natalia laughed weakly, “If you’re done, Mr. Fowler, I’ll be on my way.”

But Hamilton stopped her. “Leaving just like that, Ms. Jenkins?”

Her lips tightened.

touch gentle yet deliberate. “Can’t you say something sweet or do something

although she was capable of it, she didn’t want to

to hear, Mr. Fowler? ‘I like

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grip tightened momentarily before he let

enough that between us,” he paused briefly, then continued, “there

relationship was defined by a contract and nothing more.

apologize, I’ve crossed

and said, “I’ll review this closely. If there are no issues, I’ll let

inner turmoil was barely concealed.

She knew better than anyone that she should let go of false

that Hamilton had some affection for her was too

accept that her three years companionship couldn’t stir a flicker of emotion; especially not to lose

was love, persistent despite

of

over twenty years, and it was not easy to say goodbye. It

the restroom. Passing the pantry, she heard the chatter

Tess called out

“What’s up?”

our department having a dinner party?

However, Natalia had been too dispirited to organize one this year, so she hadn’t

let me know,”

“Boss, everyone wants to bring their plus–ones.

smiled. “Of course. Bring whoever you wish.”

We could invite some extra guys and set you up on

quickly declined, not wanting to complicate her life further. “No, I’m not interested in dating right

on the shoulder. “I’m busy, and you should get back to work,

15:48

“Okay.”

office, Natalia finally relaxed. Scarlett

I’ve sent you the sanatorium’s information.”

“Thanks,” she replied.

for your mother on the road, but the costs are astronomical. How much have you saved? If you run out of