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.”

↑

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

10.40

Chapter 122

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

for his own gratification

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

estate agent was right, that her house would sell quickly. But the next morning, the agent called with

are interested in the house, but as soon as your name comes up, they lose interest. What’s going on? Is there

likely behind this. She called him, trying to confront

sounded busy, probably outside.

What’s the point?” Natalia

laughed and hung up.

the agent to keep looking for a

the agent called her with a

see the house. Please, make sure

and rushed to the

sank. Gideon Chappelle stood at the door, a sinister smile on his face.

into her voice, Natalia greeted him, “Mr.

over her. “I’m here to see the house,

had almost had his way with her once before, only for Hamilton to intervene. Since then, he had been craving

had a falling out, and he

save her this

you know the relationship I have

composure.

just snorted with laughter. “Natalia, do you really think I don’t know you’ve had a

know better than to take it seriously. Or should I just call him right now, clear the

211

12:40

Chapter 122

number right

connected, Gideon surged forward, his anger boiling over as he

gritted with fury; he grasped

ruthless and never showed mercy in his dealings. But after waiting for so long, Gideon would not let

his eyes. He pried open Natalia’s

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

comes first – the kick of my pill or your savior Hamilton

too well

you scared Hamilton will have your head for this?”

you

trembled with fear.

of someone who cuckolded him? Gideon, you should know better than anyone how Hamilton deals with his enemies. And besides, hasn’t Victor been

instantly, his face contorted

made on Victor’s company

fell into place, and a grim realization

did desire her, but to cross Hamilton for