Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 31

Natalia hung her coat on the rack and slipped off her boots, revealing the fun polka—dotted socks she had chosen that morning. “| just hit up a late-night flea market.”

“With whom?”

Natalia hesitated, but she didn’t hide the truth. The way Hamilton was posturing, it was clear he already knew something. “Just myself. | just happened to bump into Lionel on the way back, and he gave me a ride

home.”

Hamilton sat on the couch, eyeing her.

“A coincidence?”

“Yeah, a coincidence.”

“That’s quite the coincidence.” He scoffed, patting the cushion next to him. “Come, sit. Tell me

about this ‘coincidence*

Natalia’s spine stiffened at the barely concealed ire in his voice. Her words were tinged with bitterness as she began to explain. “I was just waiting for a cab when he happened to drive by and offered me a lift. Mr. Fowler, | don’t have the kind of charm where | snap my fingers, and someone comes running.”

Hamilton's face darkened like a thundercloud. He snorted. “Ms. Jenkins, remember what I’ve told you before — keep your distance from those men out there. Tarnish yourself, and you won’t be worth much.”

Apang shot through Natalia’s chest, but she didn’t let it show. She forced a smile. “I haven’t forgotten, Mr. Fowler. Rest assured.” Hamilton nodded curtly. “What did you buy at the flea market?”

Natalia used to love picking up knick—knacks at the flea market. She would always show him

her finds afterward. But today, she was in no mood for sharing. She couldn’t be as detached as he was about everything. “Nothing. Just browsed,” she replied curtly.

Hamilton kept his gaze on her, obviously unsatisfied with her response.

After a moment, Natalia reluctantly pulled out two pairs of socks. “I got two pairs of socks.”

Two pairs. Even when she bought socks, she had always bought two. One for him, one for her.

Seeing the socks, Hamilton’s expression softened slightly. “Go take a shower.”

Natalia nodded and headed to the bathroom.

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As she entered, Hamilton called out. “Did you eat? | heard you threw up what you had earlier.”

Her back tensed slightly. “Yeah, | had some at the market. A bowl of chicken soup.

Hamilton grunted indifferently. He probably didn’t really care. It was just small talk.

After showering, she came out to find Hamilton on the phone. He ended the call as she appeared.

“Get a check-up tomorrow.”

Natalia was taken aback. “A check-up for what?”

“Your stomach,” Hamilton said. “Health is your capital. | don’t want a repeat of you declining drinks at social events.”

Her body tensed. So, he still blamed her for tonight. She tensed her lips, controlling her emotions. “Is it because of Ms. Schafer?”

Through the smoke, Hamilton looked over. With the same indifferent expression, he said, “Ms. Jenkins, doing your job is your duty. Don’t make everything about Eveleen. There’s no reason for her to keep making things difficult for you. Your existence does not affect her whatsoever.”

Natalia tried her best to suppress the sorrow and not let it show. Of course, she knew her existence did not affect Eveleen. Nonetheless, hearing it from Hamilton still made her feel humiliated.

Perhaps, in his heart, she did not even deserve to be compared with Eveleen. Indeed, she had been just looking for humiliation by bringing up Eveleen time and time in front of him.

“I'm sorry.” Natalia said, her head bowed. “I won't do it again. If needed, | can apologize to Ms. Schafer.” Hamilton watched her, his profile illuminated by the ember of his cigarette. “No need. Just stay away from her.” He took a drag and didn’t look at her.

Natalia wanted to say she had always avoided Eveleen. It was work that entangled them. She couldn’t abandon her job because of Eveleen — not when she needed the money for her mother’s medical bills and her child’s formula.

But facing his cold indifference, she said nothing. Explaining would only confirm her wrongs in his eyes.

“Alright,” Natalia said with a grin.

Back in her room, she received a text from Scarlett.

[Come in for a check-up this weekend to see if the threatened miscarriage has improved and to monitor the fetal heart rate.] [Okay.]

After responding to Scarlett, Natalia set the phone aside. The thought of prenatal care made

14:37

her anxious. Hamilton’s recent actions worried her about their child’s safety. But thankfully, there had been no incidents like before. She must be fine, right?

Lost in thought, Natalia drifted to sleep. Exhausted from the previous night and the day’s tumult, sleep came easily. However, in the middle of the night, she was once again awakened by Hamilton’s desire. She frowned slightly. “I’m exhausted today. Can we just rest?”

Hamilton's kiss silenced her, forbidding any retreat. In the unlit room, their expressions remained unseen, but the heat of their bodies betrayed their fervor.

His primitive yearning and heavy breathing enveloped her, his lips trailing down her neck, pausing at an old love bite on her collarbone before returning to her lips.

Hamilton knew her body too well. In no time, she melted under his kiss. Instinctively, she opened up to him, welcoming him deeper into the darkness.

In the night's embrace, their entwined bodies mirrored the intimacy shared by lovers worldwide. Tonight, Hamilton seemed more unrestrained than usual. It was punishment, release, but devoid of tenderness.

He always preferred control, especially in the bedroom. But tonight, he held her waist, guiding her to take the top position. His hands roamed her sides as he sat up and captured her earlobe between his teeth.

Natalia wrapped her arms around him without thinking. Just then, her phone erupted into a sudden jingle.

Natalia’s mind was a fog, but Hamilton snatched the phone and hit answer.

Lionel’s voice came through from the other end.

“Natalia, you free tomorrow? I’ve got some documents | need you to look over.”

Natalia’s haze of passion chilled as if doused with a bucket of ice water. She sobered up, her face turning pale as a sheet.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Hamilton, playing the rogue, thrust the phone into her trembling hand. “Sweetheart, take the call.”

She tried to end the call with a shaky finger, but Hamilton forcibly held her hand steady. His lips. lingered on the side of her neck, his breath hot as he spoke. “Take it. You wouldn’t want to put Lionel in a tight spot, would you?”

Natalia suppressed waves of embarrassment and held the phone to her ear.

“Sor—Sorry, Lionel. |... I’m tied up tomo-tomorrow!”

She tried to steady her breath, and as soon as the words were out, she hung up quickly. Chapter 31

Hamilton’s mouth claimed hers in a‘ more ferocious assault, leaving her overwhelmed. Natalia thought this man was truly vile. He never cared how awkward or uncomfortable she felt.

After what felt like an eternity, Hamilton finally let her go. He carried her into the bathroom. Submerged in the tub, the tide of passion receded, and Natalia cooled down.

She looked at Hamilton, trying to explain. “Mr. Fowler, Lionel took on an international dispute case; he wants me to help with the translation.”

Hamilton sat in the tub, eyes half—closed, not looking at her. “He can’t find a professional translator?” After a pause, Natalia said, “It's probably because it involves the case details; it's not good to involve someone unfamiliar.”

Hamilton chuckled, opening his eyes. The look in them was an emotion she couldn't decipher. “So, to him, you’re more than just a stranger?”

“Let's say friends,” Natalia didn’t shy away, “the most common kind.” She added, “Lionel handled my mother’s case years ago. He’s helped me a lot since then, and frankly, | could use the extra cash.”

Hamilton suddenly sat up, splashing water. “What? My money isn’t enough for you?” Natalia smiled lightly. “You know, money is always good to have more of.”

She had felt the choke hold of poverty more times than she could count. So she would never pick a fight with money. Even if it meant displeasing Hamilton, she was willing to take the job if it meant earning. But she couldn't let Lionel get dragged down. She had to make that clear.

Hamilton pulled her across the tub to him. His large hand circled her waist, his voice low with a mocking laugh. “So, are you looking for a raise?”

“If you're willing to give one, | certainly won't refuse,” Natalia said, trying to sound nonchalant. She knew she wasn't in a position to be sentimental. She had sex with him for money. What was there to fuss about?

Now, staying by his side, she didn’t want to battle with Eveleen anymore. Nor did she expect his affection or love. She just wanted the money. As much money as she could get.

Hamilton's face turned sour, though she couldn’t pinpoint when. He stood abruptly, donning a robe and exiting the bathroom.

Natalia sat in the tub, aware she had displeased him again. But she had spoken the truth. something he should well understand. So, she was puzzled.

What was there to be angry about?