Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 35

Natalia’s eyes flickered slightly, “Do you mind, Mr. Fowler?”

Hamilton let out a derisive snort. “Ms. Jenkins, are you still sleepy?”

Feeling awkward, Natalia quickly reassured him, “Don’t worry, Mr. Fowler, | didn’t agree to his terms.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Hamilton's icy gaze enveloped her. “What's the matter? Couldn’t settle on a price?”

“He said | could name my price and wait for my word.”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed sharply. “So, Ms. Jenkins, you just haven’t decided how much to ask for?”

Trying to appear casual, Natalia met Hamilton’s gaze. “Mr. Fowler, are you concerned about the price | might set or that | might set one at all?”

With a scoff, Hamilton let her go and settled back on the couch, watching her. “Whether you name a price or not, and regardless of the amount, that’s your business. My only concern is whether you're planning to breach our agreement.”

His detached tone made it seem like the matter had nothing to do with him at all.

Asharp pain flickered in Natalia’s heart. She knew that probing like this was humiliating. Yet, she couldn't help herself. In the end, she just wanted to see if this man cared about her even at smidgen.

As expected, he didn’t, and it could already be considered Hamilton leaving her some dignity.

Natalia composed herself and said, “I was merely inquiring. I’m bound to you by a two-year contract and have never considered seeking another benefactor during that term, regardless of the offer.”

Hamilton watched her, his expression unreadable. “Ms. Jenkins, you seem to understand the spirit of a contract.” Knowing it was sarcasm, Natalia ignored it and cut to the chase, “Is there a reason you wanted to see me. Mr. Fowler?”

Hamilton, reclining lazily on the couch with a hand on her waist, replied, “Tomorrow, I’m meeting a client from Frendland. You enjoy translating, right? Tag along and handle the translation.”

Surprised, Natalia hadn’t expected business to be the reason for his visit.

After a moment's silence, she agreed, “Okay.” Then, she looked back at Hamilton. “Did you come to Boria City strictly for business?”

He nodded nonchalantly. “What else? You think I'd travel all this way just to twiddle my thumbs?” 4/4 Chapter 35

Knowing his business trip had little to do with her, her mood nonetheless brightened, and her movements became brisker and more efficient while serving tea.

Hamilton watched her with a soft chuckle. “Ms. Jenkins, what did you think | was here for?”

Her smile faltered. “I thought you came especially to see Ms. Schafer.”

“So, finding out it’s business makes you happy?”

Natalia remained silent.

Drawing her close, he sat her on his lap. “Why don’t you like Eveleen?”

She laughed lightly. “Do you think | should, Mr. Fowler?”

“Like or dislike, there’s always a reason. And you, Ms. Jenkins, seemed to take an instant disliking to her. Did you know her before?”

Natalia averted her gaze. “No.” “Then why such animosity towards her?”

After a pause, Natalia explained, “Mr. Fowler, from the get-go, it was Ms. Schafer targeting me. starting with kicking me out of the car at our first meeting. It’s always been her showing

hostility. I'm just responding to her provocations.”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed.

Turning her head away, Natalia asked casually. “And you? Why such fondness for Ms. Schafer?” Hamilton remained silent, his gaze fixed on her.

Natalia laughed nervously. “Just curious, because there’s no shortage of women around you, Mr. Fowler. | don’t understand why you favor Ms. Schafer.”

Hamilton released her, returning his attention to his documents without a word.

“Don’t ask about Eveleen anymore. You have too many questions,” he advised coldly.

Natalia clenched her fingers tightly together on the couch, eventually giving a quiet acknowledgment. “Okay.” She forced a carefree smile. “I'll drop it, Mr. Fowler. No hard feelings, alright?”

She returned to her tea—making, focusing on the task at hand.

Hamilton’s documents seemed important for tomorrow, so he scrutinized them intently.

Natalia kept him company until late into the night. The nausea had subsided, replaced by an overwhelming drowsiness. In the hushed room, only the occasional rustle of paper broke the silence.

Natalia, seated at the tea table, drifted off to sleep, unaware. She was awakened by Hamilton’s Chapter 35

arms around her.

“What have you been up to, getting so tired? Sneaking out for midnight rendezvous while I’m away?” His voice was low and dangerous.

Natalia snapped to attention. “Sorry, Mr. Fowler. | haven’t been sleeping well lately.”

He hummed skeptically. “Not sleeping well, yet you seem out like a light.”

Natalia had no comeback. She was always on high alert around Hamilton, but today, she had simply dozed off. She wondered if it was a case of being too relaxed or just the overwhelming early pregnancy symptoms.

Back in her room, Hamilton laid her on the bed, tucking her in before heading to the bathroom.

Perhaps still groggy, Natalia sensed a tenderness from Hamilton she hadn’t felt before. She turned her head just in time to see him unhurriedly undoing his shirt buttons.

As he shed his shirt, his broad shoulders came into view, a silent testament to his presence. Tracing the slope of his shoulders, Natalia’s gaze lingered on the taut expanse of Hamilton’s back, where his narrow, chiseled waistline was tucked into the crisp line of his dress pants.

In that moment, the raw magnetism of the man was undeniable.

“Hamilton.” Natalia couldn’t help but call out his name. He turned to look at her. Rising from the bed, she walked over to him and looped her arms around his neck.

Maybe it was the intoxicating illusion of tenderness he had woven around the evening, or perhaps it was because of what he said earlier — that he was here not because of Eveleen.

For the first time after their spat, Natalia was the one initiating contact.

The corners of Hamilton’s mouth curled up ever so slightly as he firmly grasped her waist. “What's the matter, Ms. Jenkins? Can't wait any longer?”

Without another word, Natalia pressed her lips to his.

Hamilton responded by wrapping his arms around her and gently laying her back on the bed. Their kiss was a fervent, tangled affair; their racing heartbeats thundered in their ears.

Natalia knew she shouldn't give in, but she couldn’t help but succumb to the pull. She was like at sailor adrift at sea for years without hope, and upon spotting land, she was desperate to cling to it, consequences be damned.

But just as quickly, everything came to an abrupt halt.

The shrill ring of Hamilton’s phone snapped Natalia back to reality. Her body tensed visibly. The passion instantly subsided, and he reached for the call.

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14:39 L

Eveleen’s voice trickled through.

Natalia hid her face beneath the covers as if to escape. Hamilton’s deep voice receded into the distance. It wasn’t long before he returned, dressed quickly and left.

At the sound of the door clicking shut, something inside Natalia shattered. In the quiet of the night, she let out a self-deprecating laugh.

“Natalia, it’s time to give up,” she whispered to herself. She got up for a shower and soon fell into a restless sleep. The next morning, her phone jolted her awake. Groggily, she answered.

“Boss. Eveleen and Mr. Fowler are trending big time.