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 rtionship 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.


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


    “I had the housekeeper make you somefort 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, cing 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 ns 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 n 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


    11:19


    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 unrted 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.”


    Natalia took a deep breath. “Then I’ll have to trouble Mr. Spiegel once more to contest another contract


    dispute.”


    Hamilton’s expression darkened. “Natalia, do you really think Caspian is helping you for no reason? Or


    do you think you have something that makes you worth his trouble? Don’t me me for not warning


    you, be careful who you let close. Not many men out there have good


    intentions.*


    Natalia’s face tensed. She had her suspicions about Caspian, but she could usually sense malice, and


    she felt none from him.


    “Are you one of those who have good intentions?” she countered.


    Hamilton’s eyes narrowed. “I admit, I’m no saint. But at least I don’t have a fiancée, or a girlfriend. I’ve


    only been with you, Natalia. I never touched anyone else, not even Eveleen. My


    affections aren’t scattered.”


    Natalia’s lips twitched, unsure how to feel about his confession, but she didn’t wish to continue the


    topic. Who he slept with or how many women he had would no longer concern her.


    “I’ll follow the proper resignation procedures and hope you will approve. If not, I’ll take legal action.”


    She didn’t want their separation to be any more unpleasant than necessary. “Also, I would like you to


    provide a termination agreement.*


    Hamilton scoffed. “Am I that untrustworthy to you?”


    Natalia met his eyes. “Business is business. Since our arrangement is transactional, we should


    11:19


    follow due process.”


    Hamilton’s face soured. He didn’t truly want to let her go, but she was adamant, and he couldn’t bear to


    watch her suffer.


    He had no doubt she would fight him again if he reneged now.


    Hamilton’s heart was a storm of frustration. Frustrated that he couldn’t harden his heart against her.


    Natalia’s resolve seemed unbreakable, and it was tearing Hamilton up inside. He stared at the ground,


    lighting a cigarette and taking a long drag before finally speaking.


    “Give it a few more days, alright? Wait until you’re feeling better. After all, it’s my fault you’re in this


    shape. I owe it to you to take care of you.”


    But Natalia wasn’t budging. She could tell Hamilton was on the verge of backpedaling. The man was


    notorious for changing his tune as it suited him.


    He did what he wanted, when he wanted.


    And so, Natalia was done dying.


    “No need for that. I can take care of myself. I don’t need anyone else. Let’s make it tomorrow. Nine in


    the morning at the Sunset Café.”


    The Sunset Café.


    The very ce where Natalia and Hamilton had struck their deal.


    It seemed fitting–to start and end it all there.


    Hamilton felt a knot in his chest. “Natalia! Won’t you even spend a moment longer with me?”


    Natalia didn’t look at him, but a trace of bitterness shed in her eyes.


    She was done.


    For every ounce of hope she once had, she now carried an equal weight of disappointment.


    She couldn’t really me Hamilton. Their rtionship had always been a transaction. It wasn’t wrong


    for him not to love her.


    But his constant indulgence of his old me, which caused her pain time after time, his disregard for


    her safety in the name of protecting his past–she just couldn’t stomach it


    anymore.


    “Let’s part on good terms, Hamilton.”


    Hamilton wanted to say more, but the indifferent finality on Natalia’s face silenced him. He realized that


    when this woman made up her mind, nothing he said would make a difference. “Fine, Natalia.


    Remember, you’re the one calling it quits. Just don’te to regret itter!”