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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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.

to business, using her for his own gratification before showering, dressing,

than ever. She knew this was the nature of their arrangement and that she should accept it. She

a while, she took a shower and tried to sleep. She had hoped the real estate agent was right, that her house would sell quickly. But the next morning, the agent called with bad

Jenkins, did you upset someone? Lots of people are interested in the house, but as soon as your name comes up, they lose

knew Hamilton was likely behind this. She called

sounded busy, probably outside.

Hamilton? What’s the point?” Natalia clutched her

laughed and hung

powerless, Natalia instructed the agent to keep looking

hope, the agent called her with a

Jenkins, someone wants to see the house.

Natalia agreed and rushed to the property.

upon arriving, her heart sank. Gideon Chappelle stood at the door, a sinister smile on

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

over her. “I’m here to see the house, Ms. Jenkins. Surprised?”

her once before, only for Hamilton to intervene. Since then, he had been

a falling out, and he was eager to see

save her this time.

relationship I have with

composure.

laughter. “Natalia, do you really think

just a lovers‘ tiff. You should know better than to take it seriously. Or should I just call him right now, clear the air

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Chapter 122

number right in

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

he

dealings. But after

pried open Natalia’s mouth and forced

it out, but he made her swallow it against her

– the kick of my pill or your savior Hamilton arriving. Once

knew too well Hamilton

scared Hamilton will have your head

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

lips trembled with

know better than anyone how Hamilton deals with his enemies. And besides,

changed instantly, his face

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

pieces fell into place, and a grim

desire her, but to cross Hamilton for a