Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton) novel Chapter 139

Natalia listened in a daze, a tear silently making its way down her cheek. She had wanted this, yet her heart felt void of joy. The relationship had left her scarred. Perhaps there was a trace of sweetness, but it was trivial.

She had never imagined it would end like this. She had hoped for an amicable parting. She had also considered that one day Hamilton might grow tired, but she had never anticipated leaving in such a manner.

Hamilton's gaze fell upon the solitary tear on her cheek, and instinctively, he reached out to wipe it away.

But as his hand lifted, Natalia deftly avoided his touch.

His fingers remained suspended mid-air, stiff with hesitation, before finally retreating.

"I had the housekeeper make you some comfort food, a bowl of chicken soup. Have some, will you?" he said, pausing before adding, "And stop taking those pills. I won't push you anymore."

With that, he rose to get the soup.

His long fingers gripped the small bowl, knuckles whitening slightly with tension. It took a while before he could muster a smile, placing the soup before Natalia.

She was devoid of strength. After three days of hunger, she truly had no energy left.

Struggling to sit up, Hamilton swiftly embraced her, helping her to a seated position.

"Ms. Jenkins, cut the theatrics. We've been intimate more times than I can count; surely you can allow me this small touch now that we're parting ways," he said with a hint of sarcasm.

Natalia's lips formed a tight line. She said nothing, simply picking up the spoon and starting to eat. She ate slowly, taking nearly half an hour to finish the small bowl of soup.

Hamilton leaned against the window sill, watching her the entire time.

After she finished, he finally spoke. "What are your plans for the future?"

Natalia paused before answering, "Keep working, and keep living."

Hamilton nodded. "Then once you've recuperated, you can go back to work."

Natalia chuckled dryly. "Mr. Fowler, you misunderstand. I'll resign from my position. I'll still work, but no longer at your Ivy Gemstone."

Hamilton's eyes narrowed sharply. "You're quitting your job too?"

Natalia offered a faint smile. "After all, it's awkward for us to keep seeing each other."

Hamilton's frown deepened. "So, you plan to treat me like a stranger from now on?"

Natalia looked down. "Hamilton, if we are to split, let's do it cleanly. Lingering ties benefit no one."

Hamilton's face turned stormy.

For days, Natalia had barely spoken to him. He had hoped to have a proper talk with her today. But instead, she was adamant and aloof.

He scoffed coldly. "Fine. If you wish to resign, you need to pay the breach of contract fee, Ms. Jenkins."

Natalia's face paled. "Hamilton, you promised to let go!"

A smirk tugged at Hamilton's lips, though regret flickered in his eyes.

"I said we could terminate our personal contract, but professionally, I see no reason to make exceptions for someone unrelated to me. If you want to resign, you must follow the proper procedures outlined in the contract."

Natalia felt a lump in her throat. She had signed two separate contracts with Hamilton. He had never mentioned voiding the employment contract.

She smiled weakly. "Does this lingering connection amuse you?"

Hamilton met her gaze. "Ms. Jenkins, you are mistaken. There's no lingering connection. From now on, we're merely employer and employee."