Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Hamilton furrowed his brow, a look of confusion crossing his face as if he hadn’t quite caught Natalia’s words.

“What did you say?” His voice was frosty as his gaze locked onto Natalia.

Meeting his cold eyes, Natalia repeated firmly, “I said, I want to move out.”

Hamilton’s features darkened in an instant.

“Natalia, have you forgotten what I’ve told you? Our relationship doesn’t end until I say it does!”

Her eyes did not waver as she responded, “I haven’t forgotten. I know that in our relationship, I never had the right to say no.”

She didn’t say it was over because it wouldn’t make a difference if she did!

1

“Mr. Fowler, you can call me anytime you need me. I’ll be there at the drop of a hat.”

Hamilton’s deep–set eyes flared with a smoldering fire. Silent, he just stared at Natalia.

The atmosphere in the room was oppressively thick, but Natalia showed no sign of backing down.

After what felt like an eternity, Hamilton let out a mocking laugh. “Ms. Jenkins, you are quite the professional, always on call.”

The insult was biting. Even though Natalia had steeled herself, his words stung deep.

Swallowing the tightness in her chest, she forced a smile. “Of course, I can’t let your money go to waste.”

Hamilton’s mocking smile slowly faded as he regarded Natalia, his lips parting slightly with a chill in his voice.

“Just because I asked about your relationship with Ryan tonight, you want to move out of this house? Natalia, do you have the audacity to claim there’s nothing between you and Ryan?”

Natalia let out a bitter laugh, “Indeed, there’s nothing between Ryan and me, Hamilton, and you know better than anyone why I want to move out!”

He continued to fix her with a cold stare, and after a long pause, he scoffed disdainfully.

“I’ve dug up the truth you were after, and I even broke the rules to help you go after Eveleen. Natalia, don’t get too greedy, and don’t overestimate your importance!”

A wave of sourness flooded Natalia’s heart. She had indeed overestimated herself in the past. That’s why she kept foolishly trying to probe and fight for something more.

She thought her efforts and persistence might eventually elicit some kind of response from this man, even if it was just a tiny bit.

12:10

But now she faced the harsh truth. As much as she hated to admit it, she was nothing more than a plaything in Hamilton’s eyes.

His tolerance and affection were mere whims, given when he was in a good mood. And yet, she had repeatedly fallen for those fleeting moments of kindness.

Natalia swallowed the bitterness, trying to appear nonchalant.

“Hamilton, I don’t want to be caught between you and Eveleen anymore. I admit that I lack the family and connections; I can’t compete with Eveleen. I’ve overstepped my bounds, and now I’m stepping back. Please, let me go.”

Hamilton’s expression turned even more unsightly at her words. He rose and cornered her against the door, pressing her hard against it.

“Did I ever force you, Natalia? Were those agreements signed under duress? Now you’re asking me to let you go–isn’t it a bit late for that?”

She met his gaze head–on.

“Yes, I signed that agreement of my own will, but Hamilton, the agreement was always just between you and me!”

Their agreement had never included Eveleen. If it were just her and Hamilton, perhaps she wouldn’t mind staying until the agreement ended even knowing that in the end, it would all amount to nothing.

But unfortunately, he had his beloved. His heart was entirely devoted to his shining light, leaving Natalia with nothing but pain.

She was done.

Done with the hurt.

She didn’t want to play this game anymore!

Hamilton gripped her chin fiercely, a hint of brutality in his eyes.

“Natalia, did you just figure out my relationship with Eveleen?”

“No, but today I finally realized what I mean to you. If you care so much for Eveleen, then marry her properly. Why bother with me?”

Tears glistened in Natalia’s eyes, her lips quivering slightly. Stubbornly, she looked at Hamilton, her gaze unflinching.

Hamilton’s heart twisted at the sight of her tears, but anger swelled within him too.

He was angry at Natalia’s constant attempts to leave him!

His grip tightened.

“Natalia, do you really think moving out will free you from this relationship? Let me tell you, it’s impossible. As long as you are mine, you will endure whatever I give you!”

12:11

His voice softened as he caressed Natalia’s cheek with a semblance of affection.

“Darling, you should know I’m no saint, and I detest defiance. If I end up breaking you, don’t blame me.”

Then he dipped his head, kissing her lips with uncharacteristic tenderness.

From her mouth to her cheek, then down to her delicate neck, he savored her like a fine wine.

Suddenly, he ripped open her blouse, the sound of tearing fabric echoing through the room.

Natalia shivered at the sudden cold, but just as quickly, Hamilton released her.

He lit a cigarette, his voice cool and detached.

“Go clean yourself up. Coming back from a rendezvous with another man, you disgust me.”

Perhaps no one could surpass Hamilton to humiliate someone. No matter how genteel he appeared, at his core, he was ruthless and domineering.

He looked down on her. In his eyes, she was indeed nothing more than a plaything.

Natalia, swallowing her humiliation, walked towards the bathroom.

Hamilton watched her defiant exit, his face souring further.

He had always considered himself indulgent and patient with Natalia. He had never made such concessions for any woman before, but she was perpetually unsatisfied.

After all, she was just a mistress.

And he truly disliked the feeling of losing control over a woman. He’d rather let her go and have her come back to him, begging.

Leaning against the door frame with the casual nonchalance, Hamilton took a deep drag of his cigarette. Its smoke curled up into the dim light of the room, a ghostly dance of defiance.

When Natalia came out of the bathroom, freshly showered and steaming slightly in the cool air, he finally lifted his gaze, his eyes tracing her form with a flicker of interest.

“Natalia,” he began, the words hanging heavy between them. “I’ll ask you one more time. Do you really have to move out?”

“Yes,” came Natalia’s terse reply, a single word that held the weight of her resolve.

She knew, deep down, that leaving wouldn’t truly free her from the tendrils of their complicated relationship. But it would put some much–needed distance between her and Hamilton. Perhaps, eventually, she might find a way to cleanse herself from this twisted bond completely.

Hamilton’s lips curved into a wry smile. “Alright. If you’re so set on leaving, I’ll let you go. But remember, as long as our agreement stands, you’re still my woman.”

Her lips were a tight line, her jaw set in quiet determination.

“Come here,” Hamilton commanded, tilting his chin up with an air of authority.

12:11

Natalia took a step toward him, her movements reluctant yet inevitable. As he stubbed out his cigarette, he pulled her into an embrace that was more ownership than affection.

The night was long and demanding, and it wasn’t until the early morning haze that Hamilton allowed her to sleep.

When Natalia awoke, it was already noon. Beside her pillow lay a copy of the agreement she had signed with Hamilton. Its presence was both a reminder and a warning: even if she left, she couldn’t escape the contract that bound her to him.

Her phone buzzed with a new message.

[On–call and live–in services aren’t the same price, Ms. Jenkins. Your fee is halved)

She gripped the phone tightly, a bitter smile playing on her lips before she tucked it away. There was no point in going to the office now. She called in sick and started her day.

Natalia soon arrived at a real estate office. Her needs were simple, and she quickly settled on a cozy one–bedroom apartment near her workplace.

After signing the lease and paying the rent, Natalia was ready to go back and pack her things when Ryan called.

“Natalia, how about we grab some lunch together?” he suggested.

She hesitated briefly before replying, “Sure.”

She did owe Ryan some thanks. If it hadn’t been for his constant encouragement, she might never have taken this step. Besides, they had always been close.

It had been three years since she cut off contact with all her friends, a necessary isolation at the time. Now, she was ready to pick up the pieces.

$

They met at a quaint bistro, and Ryan was already there when Natalia arrived. He was the epitome of a man in his prime, exuding a charm that had the younger women stealing glances.

Seeing this, Natalia chuckled. “Looks like your charm is still as potent as ever, old friend.”

Ryan, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for her. “Stop teasing me,” he said with a warm grin, waiting for her to be seated before taking his own seat.

He didn’t press her about the last three years; it was clear Natalia wasn’t keen on dredging up the past. So they focused on the future.

“I wanted to catch up more last night, but things were hectic. What do you think? Planning a full comeback?” he asked. “Mr. Collin was bending my ear off last night. He’s keen on bringing you into the fold.” Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

Natalia bit her lip, contemplating. She wanted to return, but she couldn’t just quit her current job.

“I might not be able to come back full–time just yet, but I can still take on some freelance gigs like I’m doing now,” she offered.

12:11

Ryan nodded in understanding. “That works. One step at a time.”

Just as Natalia was about to respond, a familiar voice cut through the hum of the bistro, dripping with sarcasm,

“Ms. Jenkins, you seem to be in quite the rush, are you?”