Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 122

Natalia was at a loss for words when asked about her relationship with Hamilton.

The truth was, there was no “treating her well” to speak of–it was purely transactional.

“It’s okay, I guess.” she replied with a forced smile, recalling the past three years of what could be termed as pleasant business dealings.

But Ryan saw through her facade, noting the hint of sadness in her eyes. He wanted to ask more, to delve deeper, but he hesitated, aware of the intrusion it would be.

After a long silence, he finally spoke up, “Natalia, I’ve always liked you.”

It took a lot of guts for Ryan to confess his feelings. He had been searching for Natalia for three years and had waited just as long for a chance with her. He was overjoyed when she suddenly reached out to him, but to his dismay, she was involved with someone else.

He knew it wasn’t the right moment to express his feelings, yet he couldn’t help but make his affections known. Even if she couldn’t reciprocate, he wanted her to know she had an option in him, a fallback if things with the other man turned sour.

Natalia, taken aback, could only manage a bitter chuckle. “Ryan, I’m not the good girl you think I am. You deserve someone better.”

With her complicated past and current entanglements with Hamilton, Natalia didn’t see herself as a catch. Ryan, with his good looks, abilities, and family background, should be with someone untainted by scandal, not someone like her, with a tarnished reputation.

Ryan just smiled softly. “Natalia, I’m not trying to mess up your relationship. I just want you to know that if you ever find yourself unhappy, I can be an option for you. No pressure.”

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His voice was gentle, and his manner never rushed. Ryan had always been a man of decorum, a true gentleman, unlike the superficial charm of Hamilton.

Natalia was at a loss for words, but Ryan didn’t press the matter further and instead shifted the conversation to lighter topics. Natalia was rather thankful he spared her any discomfort.

The car moved quietly through the night, classical music playing softly in the background. Ryan only dropped Natalia off at the entrance to her apartment complex before leaving.

As Natalia walked in, she saw Hamilton waiting for her, a cigarette between his fingers. He didn’t move when he saw her; he just raised an eyebrow and chuckled.

“Ms. Jenkins, seems like you’re forgetting who you are,” Hamilton remarked.

Taking a deep breath, Natalia tried to explain, “I had dinner with Collin tonight. I’ve signed a contract with the Foreign Affairs Department. I’ll be doing some consulting work for them.”

Hamilton just watched her, saying nothing more.

Natalia, feeling the conversation was over, turned and headed for her apartment. Hamilton

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stubbed out his cigarette and followed her inside, carrying a box of condoms from his car. Both knew what was going to happen next.

to business, using her for his own gratification

left alone, feeling more hollow than ever. She knew this was the nature of their arrangement and

hoped the real estate agent was right, that

but as soon as your name comes up, they lose interest. What’s

likely behind this. She called him, trying to confront the

sounded busy, probably

point?”

and hung

but powerless, Natalia instructed the agent to keep looking for a buyer.

had lost all hope, the agent called

house. Please, make sure

spirits lifted, Natalia agreed and

arriving, her heart sank. Gideon Chappelle stood at

voice, Natalia greeted him, “Mr. Chappelle, what a surprise

“I’m here to see the

once before, only for Hamilton to intervene. Since then, he had been craving another opportunity but had been wary of

that Natalia and Hamilton had a falling out, and he was eager to see

her

you know the relationship I have with Hamilton!” Natalia

composure.

with laughter. “Natalia, do you really think I don’t know

a falling out? It was just a lovers‘ tiff. You should know better than to

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that, she boldly dialed Hamilton’s number right in

anger boiling over as he smashed Natalia’s phone to the floor.

teeth gritted with fury; he grasped Natalia by the

truly feared Hamilton. That man was ruthless and never showed mercy in his dealings. But after waiting for so long, Gideon would not let his

his eyes. He pried open

tried to retch it out, but he made her swallow it against her

first – the kick of my pill or your savior Hamilton arriving. Once you’re under

pale. She knew too well Hamilton wouldn’t

scared Hamilton will

darkly. “Ms. Jenkins, it was you who shamelessly climbed into my

lips trembled with fear.

you think Hamilton would let go of someone who cuckolded him? Gideon, you should know better than anyone how Hamilton deals with his enemies. And besides, hasn’t Victor been spreading rumors about me seducing him? Guess why Hamilton went after Victor’s business not too long

changed instantly, his face contorted

made on Victor’s company and had been puzzled by the animosity between the former

into place, and a grim realization dawned on him.

he glared at Natalia. He did desire her, but to cross Hamilton for a woman like