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

also

added, “My brother confronted Gideon once before.

pressed tightly together. She, indeed, didn’t

had come back furious last time, but she had no idea that he

brief silence, Natalia managed to ask, “Will

most reputable guy, but the Browns wielded considerable

are you worried about

tinged with bitterness. “I just don’t want

moment before asking, “Ms. Jenkins, what’s going on between you and my

“Things between us have nothing to do

worry. The Browns aren’t going to wage war over a guy like Gideon.”

nodded in gratitude. “Thank

press her about her relationship with his

for a moment before sending Hamilton a

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

and the end–of–year summary meeting

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Chapter 125

saw Hamilton there, but they didn’t exchange a

Linda handed over the last two contracts needing Hamilton’s signature. “Ms. Jenkins, Mr.

moment

and left the top floor.

but decided to

flight. When Natalia arrived at the airport, there were still two hours until departure. She had planned to wait for Scarlett and grab a bite together, but then Scarlett

supervisor called. I have to cover a shift during my vacation. I’m sorry, Natalia. When you get

birthdays were never much of a celebration. Typically,

than that, there were no festivities.

Natalia resolved with a note of independence in

held a unique place in Natalia’s heart, a place she yearned to revisit. She

it once

her plane touched down, it was past eleven

suitcase through the airport’s

remembered. The damp, icy air caught her off guard, making her feel unexpectedly out

thought she was dressed, the

Natalia wrapped her scarf tighter and hailed

was a cheerful

the sights of River State, miss?”

here for a while

surprise, “So, you’re back for the

passing scenery,

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but she never cared much for the holidays, be it New

took Tatiana, she had