Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Natalia’s lips were pulled tight, a line of tension that betrayed her unease.

Hamilton had thrown a curveball, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Still, her heart felt heavy, as if it were swamped in a fog of disappointment. The man before her, it seemed, was determined to leave her with no way out.

A bitter smile crept across her face. “I did say that, but you never agreed, Mr. Fowler.”

Hamilton’s eyebrow arched slightly. “Ms. Jenkins, when you wanted to uncover the truth, you agreed to walk away from the house. Now that you’ve got your truth, you want to keep the house, too? Isn’t that a bit greedy?”

The smile on his face was mask–like, devoid of any warmth in his eyes.

“Hamilton.” Natalia’s voice was laced with a pain she could hardly contain as she faced him. “That house… it was bought with my child’s life!”

His smile vanished in an instant. He looked at her with cold eyes, and after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke. “Natalia, save me the sob story about kids. I don’t care about that.”

She laughed suddenly, a sound that was more a release of pent–up frustration than any real amusement.

“If that’s the case, then I’m not beholden to you, Mr. Fowler. There are plenty of other fish in the sea, plenty of other wealthy people in this world. I’m sure if I put my heart into finding someone, I’ll find a willing soul.”

Hamilton’s face darkened, his gaze growing icy as he fixed his eyes on her.

“Natalia, I dare you say that again!” he growled.

She met his chilling gaze and knew she had struck a nerve. She was aware of her vulnerability before him, aware that even the smallest trick he used on her would require her to fight with all her might.

But she had to survive.

“People need to live, Hamilton, and I… I just want to live well.”

She didn’t want to keep getting hurt by him. She didn’t want to drown any longer in a hopeless

romance.

That was all.

She didn’t deny her feelings for Hamilton. But it was true; she no longer wanted to return to his side.

Hamilton reached out, his hand suddenly gripping her wrist. His face was a mask of frost, yet his fingers were gentle, caressing her skin tenderly.

12.10

“Who do you plan to find. Natalia?” he asked softly, like a lover’s whisper.

But the grip on her wrist tightened abruptly as if to snap her bones.

Natalia concealed the pain, forcing a smile. “Anyone who can help is fine by me. After all, what we have is nothing more than a transaction. And if it’s just a transaction, I can surely find someone else to strike a deal with!”

“Natalia!” His voice was a low rumble, almost unrecognizable with anger.

Yet, her expression remained unfazed, as still as a stagnant pond.

Finally, Hamilton sneered and grabbed her chin. “Do you really think someone will dare to make a deal with you?”

Natalia lowered her head. She knew the truth well–if Hamilton didn’t let go, nobody would dare to cross him for her sake.

After all, she might have some beauty, but in the eyes of these men, she was just a plaything, a trinket.

Who would risk Hamilton’s wrath for a trinket? But what other choice did she have?

“There will be someone. If not in Silkwood City, then another city.”

As Hamilton’s hold on her wrist tightened, her expression remained impassive.

Eventually, he laughed coldly.

“So, you’d rather find just any man than come back to me? Is that it?”

She didn’t deny it.

He nodded, his laughter hollow. “Fine, Natalia. You chose this path. Just don’t come crying back to me!”

With that, he made a phone call. Moments later, his secretary entered the room.

“Get this processed.”

The secretary, unaware of the tension, took the paperwork and left.

“Thank you, Mr. Fowler.” Natalia turned to leave, but Hamilton’s grip yanked her back.

Before she could react, his lips found the nape of her neck.

Her body stiffened, still aching from the previous night’s torment. But Hamilton didn’t go further; after a couple of kisses, he released her.

Before the end of the day, the secretary had completed the paperwork.

Looking at the property deed before her, Natalia felt a mix of emotions. She took a deep breath, picked up the deed, and headed to the real estate agency.

The same agent who had helped her rent an apartment a few days ago greeted her with

surprise. “Ms. Jenkins, with a house like this, why are you renting? Isn’t the house comfortable enough?”

Natalia didn’t elaborate, simply asking him to find a buyer quickly.

“Ms. Jenkins, your house is in a prime location, with top–notch facilities, and the asking price is reasonable. Rest assured, the moment word gets out, you’ll have buyers lining up.”

She nodded, thanked him, and left.

Approaching her rented apartment, Ryan called.

“Natalia, Mr. Collin would like to have dinner with you. Are you available?”

Without hesitating, she agreed, “Sure.”

Ever since their last meeting, Collin had been somewhat fixated on Natalia. The Foreign Affairs Department wasn’t exactly short–staffed, but someone of Natalia’s caliber, capable of handling nearly all diplomatic translations, was a rarity indeed. Such a talent would be wasted if not utilized by the Foreign Affairs Department.

Thus, Collin had been contemplating a collaboration with Natalia. A direct position at the Foreign Affairs Department was unlikely, but a partnership was certainly feasible.

When Natalia arrived at the meeting spot, Ryan and Collin were already waiting.

Collin’s eyes lit up at the sight of her.

“It’s good to see you again,” he said, barely concealing his enthusiasm.

Natalia couldn’t help but smile in response.

But Ryan couldn’t help frowning. He had this nagging feeling that Natalia seemed preoccupied with something.

Yet, in front of Collin, he didn’t say much.

Collin, on the other hand, was animated throughout. When it came to translation, he was practically unstoppable,

“By the way, have you ever met Ms. Delia?” he suddenly asked.

Of course, Natalia knew of Delia but hadn’t met her in person.

Collin furrowed his brow at Natalia. “I can’t shake the feeling that you and Ms. Delia… you seem to have something in common.”

Natalia chuckled. “You must be mistaken; I haven’t even seen Ms. Delia.”

Collin’s frown deepened. “Maybe it’s that all people with a knack for languages are good–looking.”

His comment made Natalia burst into laughter.

After a few more exchanges, Collin handed a contract to Natalia.

12:40

“This is a draft from our translation department. Take a look, and if everything seems fine, we can sign it off.” All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

The terms were quite generous for Natalia and even took into account her schedule. It was

hard for her to refuse. After all, this was her dream come true.

“Seems fine to me.”

Collin immediately agreed, “Great, then let’s get it signed.”

“Okay.”

They signed the contract, finished their meal, and Collin hurried off.

Ryan turned to Natalia. “Shall I drive you home?”

She smiled and shook her head. “No need, I’ll just grab a cab.”

But Ryan stepped in front of her. “Natalia, I just want to talk for a bit.”

After a moment of silence, she nodded. “Alright, I appreciate it.”

Ryan wanted to ruffle her hair but restrained himself, given her distant demeanor.

Once they were in the car, he finally spoke up. “You seem troubled. Has something happened?”

Natalia kept her gaze on the neon lights whizzing by the window. She laughed lightly at his question. “Nothing really, just some work stuff.”

Ryan looked at her. After a pause, he asked, “Natalia, is he treating you well?”