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.

reached out, taking hold of her wrist, his touch gentle yet deliberate. “Can’t you

what he wanted, and although she was capable of it, she

Fowler? ‘I like you, ‘I love

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grip tightened momentarily before he let out a cold

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

defined by a contract and

“I apologize,

the contract and said, “I’ll review this closely. If

Hamilton’s office, Natalia maintained her poise, though her inner turmoil was barely concealed. In the restroom, she washed her face, calming the storm within.

the pale reflection in the mirror, she gave a wry smile. She knew better than anyone that she should let go of false hopes, yet she couldn’t

that Hamilton had some

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

love, persistent despite the heartache

of

and it was not easy to say goodbye.

the pantry, she heard

called out upon seeing her.

“What’s up?”

our department having a dinner party?

Natalia had been too dispirited to organize one this

me know,” she

everyone wants to bring their plus–ones. Is that

Bring whoever you

Boss? We could invite some

life further. “No,

on the shoulder. “I’m busy, and you

15:48

“Okay.”

her office, Natalia finally relaxed. Scarlett

sent you

“Thanks,” she replied.

really leaving? Not to mention the risks for your mother on the road, but the costs are astronomical. How much have you saved? If you run out of money there, what then? You