Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel 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 truth was, the house was meant for her from the beginning. Her name was on the deed from the day he bought it.

But Natalia had no desire to return. The place was filled with too many memories. Even if one could pick up and let go of such things, sentimentality was a hard thing to shake off.

"I don't want it. I don't like it here anymore."

Hamilton looked at her, his face twisted into a sneer. "How interesting to see you shove money away, Ms. Jenkins?"

Natalia ignored him, tired of arguing.

After a moment of silence, Hamilton spoke again. "You've torn your clothes. Do you want to go up and change?"

During their struggle, Natalia's blouse had ripped, and the buttons had come undone, leaving her modesty barely intact.

She gathered her blouse together. "No need. Just let me leave, Mr. Fowler."

"What about all your things upstairs?"

Hamilton's brow furrowed. "You chose everything yourself. I remember how much you used to love them."

Indeed, Natalia had poured her heart into furnishing that house. 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 them. But now, it all seemed like a cruel joke.

She responded with calm finality, "I don't need them anymore. Love can fade, and so can likes. What I once cherished is now no different from trash."

Hamilton felt a tightness in his chest he couldn't understand. Natalia was proving to be a tough nut to crack.