Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 139

Natalia listened in a daze, a tear silently making its way down her cheek. She had wanted this, yet her heart felt void of joy. The relationship had left her scarred. Perhaps there was a trace of sweetness, but it was trivial.

She had never imagined it would end like this. She had hoped for an amicable parting. She had also considered that one day Hamilton might grow tired, but she had never anticipated leaving in such a manner.

Hamilton’s gaze fell upon the solitary tear on her cheek, and instinctively, he reached out to wipe it away.

But as his hand lifted, Natalia deftly avoided his touch.

His fingers remained suspended mid–air, stiff with hesitation, before finally retreating.

“I had the housekeeper make you some comfort food, a bowl of chicken soup. Have some, will you?” he said, pausing before adding, “And stop taking those pills. I won’t push you anymore.”

With that, he rose to get the soup.

His long fingers gripped the small bowl, knuckles whitening slightly with tension. It took a while before he could muster a smile, placing the soup before Natalia.

She was devoid of strength. After three days of hunger, she truly had no energy left.

Struggling to sit up, Hamilton swiftly embraced her, helping her to a seated position.

“Ms. Jenkins, cut the theatrics. We’ve been intimate more times than I can count; surely you can allow me this small touch now that we’re parting ways,” he said with a hint of sarcasm.

Natalia’s lips formed a tight line. She said nothing, simply picking up the spoon and starting to eat. She ate slowly, taking nearly half an hour to finish the small bowl of soup.

Hamilton leaned against the window sill, watching her the entire time.

After she finished, he finally spoke. “What are your plans for the future?”

Natalia paused before answering, “Keep working, and keep living.”

Hamilton nodded. “Then once you’ve recuperated, you can go back to work.”

Natalia chuckled dryly. “Mr. Fowler, you misunderstand. I’ll resign from my position. I’ll still work, but no longer at your Ivy Gemstone.”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed sharply. “You’re quitting your job too?”

awkward for us to

“So, you plan to treat me like a stranger

looked down. “Hamilton, if we are to split, let’s do it cleanly. Lingering ties benefit no

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one.”

turned stormy.

to him. He had hoped to have a

wish to resign, you need to

paled. “Hamilton, you promised to let

tugged at Hamilton’s lips, though regret flickered in his eyes.

said we could terminate our personal contract, but professionally, I see no reason to make exceptions for someone unrelated to me. If

a lump in her throat. She had signed two separate contracts with Hamilton. He had never mentioned voiding the employment contract.

smiled weakly. “Does this lingering connection amuse you?”

gaze. “Ms. Jenkins, you are mistaken. There’s no

I’ll have to trouble Mr. Spiegel once more to

reason? Or do you think you have something that makes you worth

intentions.*

about Caspian, but she

those who have good intentions?” she

I’m no saint. But at least I don’t have a fiancée, or a girlfriend. I’ve only been with you, Natalia. I never touched

affections aren’t scattered.”

lips twitched, unsure how to feel about his confession, but she didn’t wish to continue the topic. Who he slept with or how many women he had would no longer concern

She didn’t want their separation to be any more unpleasant than necessary. “Also, I would like you to provide a termination agreement.*

I that untrustworthy to

business. Since our arrangement is transactional, we

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follow due process.”

but she