Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 125

Natalia stepped out of her apartment, snowflakes gently tumbling from the sky like delicate white feathers. But her mind was clouded with the memory of Hamilton’s darkening expression when she had let those words slip from her lips.

She knew they would upset him. Yet, she had spoken them all the same.

If their relationship was destined to fizzle out, she didn’t want to cling to a shred of false hope.

Taking a deep breath to fight back the bitterness rising in her throat, Natalia cast a final glance at the glowing windows of the apartment, mustered a wry smile, and walked away.

Inside the apartment, Hamilton remained perched on the sofa, his face as cold as if frosted

over.

Time dragged on before he let out a scornful laugh.

Being with him was just a matter of convenience for her, wasn’t it? She must’ve been counting down the days until their agreement ended.

Normally, he might have admired Natalia’s pragmatism and clarity. But now, her sensibility irked him to no end.

Was being with him such a miserable ordeal?

Yet, he didn’t hold her back.

Just as Natalia had said, he wasn’t exactly pining for her. Women were hardly scarce in his life. The concessions he had made for Natalia had already pushed his boundaries too far.

He admitted his possessiveness might be a tad excessive, but he had remained indifferent when Eveleen had stirred up a breakup, so why cling to Natalia?

Hamilton chuckled dryly, carelessly lighting up a cigarette. He truly disliked this feeling of losing control.

After all, she was just a lover–no need to get worked up. She could do as she pleased.

As long as she stayed clean, body and soul, and didn’t mess around with other men, he couldn’t care less.

Once the cigarette was finished, he changed clothes and left the apartment.

The place felt empty without her, and the desire to linger vanished.

The next day at the office, Natalia ran into Alden Fowler, who seemed to have been waiting for her.

“Ms. Jenkins, did you hear my brother nearly killed Gideon last night?” Alden approached her urgently.

Natalia’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

Alden’s face was grim. “Last night, my brother almost took Gideon’s life. He went straight for Gideon’s crotch. You didn’t know?”

Natalia’s mouth opened slightly, speechless.

Had Hamilton come back bloodied last night because of Gideon?

Her heart, which had been calm, suddenly churned with turmoil.

Alden frowned at her. “Ms. Jenkins, did my brother go after Gideon because of you?”

lowered her gaze, and after a

“Was it also because of you last time?”

added, “My brother confronted Gideon once

pressed tightly together. She,

last time, but she had no idea that he had

a brief silence, Natalia managed to ask, “Will there be trouble

guy, but the Browns

are you worried about my

just don’t want to

before asking, “Ms. Jenkins, what’s going on between you and my brother lately? I heard you moved out? Is it because

have nothing to

frowned, then reassured her, “Don’t worry. The Browns aren’t going to wage

in gratitude.

to press her about her relationship with his brother, but Natalia had already turned and

Hamilton a message that read, [Thank you, Mr. Fowler, for

terms the night before, and Natalia knew he was likely still angry. Yet, aside from expressing her gratitude, anything else felt inappropriate.

turned to its final page, and the end–of–year summary

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Chapter 125

there, but they didn’t exchange a single

to the top floor, where Linda handed over the last two contracts needing

moment before responding,

a deep breath and left

home, Scarlett called to meet her at the airport. Natalia hesitated but decided to

had booked a late–night flight. When Natalia arrived at the airport, there were still two hours until departure. She had planned to wait for Scarlett and

to cover a shift during my vacation. I’m sorry, Natalia. When you get back, I’ll make it up

celebration. Typically, Scarlett would send a message or, if not too busy, they’d share a

than that, there were no festivities.

on my own,” Natalia resolved

State held a unique place in Natalia’s heart, a

once

time her plane touched down, it was past eleven at

suitcase through the airport’s

State was sharper than she remembered. The damp, icy air caught her off guard, making

matter how warmly she thought she was dressed, the cold seemed to pierce

her scarf tighter and

was a cheerful fellow.

enjoy the sights

before answering, “I lived here for a while when I was

looked at her with surprise, “So, you’re back

to the passing scenery, and she

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River State was palpable, but she never cared much for the holidays, be it New Year’s or

the car accident that took Tatiana, she