Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 149

Hamilton's gaze was unyielding as he stared at Natalia, searching her face for any hint of deceit. But unfortunately, all he could see in her eyes was disappointment and a resolute finality. Exhausted from the emotional exchange, Natalia slumped back into her seat. "Can you unlock the car door now?"

Hamilton's lips formed a tight line. He was unwilling to let her walk away-not just yet. Even a few more moments with her seemed preferable.

His long fingers reached out, lightly tracing her lips, now reddened from their recent kiss. Natalia frowned and turned her head away.

His touch lingered in the air, and then fell away. After a pause, Hamilton chuckled to himself,

"These past three years must have been quite the sacrifice for you, Ms. Jenkins," he mused sarcastically. "No attachment whatsoever, and yet you shared my bed for three whole years." Natalia didn't look up. Her voice was indifferent, but her heart ached. "All thanks to your excellent teaching, Mr. Fowler."

Hamilton had made it clear, more than once, that their relationship was strictly transactional-no emotions involved. He had communicated this with his words, his actions, with unwavering clarity.

Truth be told, Natalia had always harbored feelings for him-who could control such things? But now, she felt nothing but emptiness. Any affection she had held was ground away by his repeated indifference and abandonment.

She no longer cherished any love for Hamilton. The cost was simply too great, and she could no longer bear it.

Her words stung Hamilton. Natalia had always been so compliant, especially in his presence-forever obedient. But now she seemed like a hedgehog bristling with spines, ready to pierce him if he dared to get close. It was as if every nerve in her was rejecting him. Hamilton hated this feeling-in fact, he loathed it.

"Do you have to speak like that?" he asked, his tone edged with frustration.

Natalia laughed bitterly. "If I could, Hamilton, I wouldn't speak a word to you right now. We're finished. Do you understand what that means? It's over."

Hamilton glared at her, then a cynical smile spread across his face. "So what if it's over? Natalia, if I want you back, I will find a way to make it happen."

A lump formed in Natalia's throat, and she chuckled sadly, acknowledging the truth in his words. In the face of his absolute power and control, she was as insignificant as an ant. His will dictated her existence; without his favor, her life would be devoid of any joy. Her lips quivered as she fought back tears. "If you insist on pushing me, then all I have left to offer is my wretched life!"

Hamilton's expression froze. The memory of her resolute fasting came to mind, and a wave of helplessness washed over him. He released her and leaned against the car door, lighting a cigarette. Smoke curled inside the car, marking the prolonged silence before he finally spoke.

"Move back in. The apartment is yours. I won't come here anymore."

the house was meant for her from the beginning. Her name was on

if one could pick up and let go of such things, sentimentality

it. I don't like it

sneer. "How interesting to see you shove money

him, tired

want to go up and change?" During their struggle, Natalia's blouse had ripped, and the

"No need. Just let me

all

I remember how much you used to

From the smallest vase to the largest pieces of furniture, she had picked them out one by one, hoping to make it a home for both of

couldn't understand. Natalia was proving

knew he was getting angry and didn't want to endure his company any longer. Who knows? He

you unlock

"If you're so eager, smash

glared at the man before her. She had never realized how childish he could be, but she didn't hesitate. He invited her to smash, so she took off her high heel and used the sharp heel to hammer at the car window. Hamilton's eyebrows jumped at the action. He didn't care about the car, but

Natalia kept hammering at the glass. However, lacking the strength, the glass

"I'll drive

Just open

moved to the

they arrived back at Lotus Estates, Natalia bolted from the

hastening away, his face growing darker by the second. He rubbed his temple and pulled out his phone, which had been on silent mode since getting into the car. A slew of missed calls lit up the screen. As he browsed through

he answered, "What's

came through, a stark contrast to the tension

you please come over? I'm so scared I'll end up with a scar on my forehead. Hamilton, it terrifies me," Eveleen sobbed

to her tears, his resolve

best in town, and the medicine

She clenched her fists, needing more than words.