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?”

gaze, and after a moment, she

also

then added, “My brother confronted Gideon

tightly together. She, indeed, didn’t

but she had no idea

silence, Natalia managed to ask,

most reputable guy, but the

glanced at her. “Ms. Jenkins, are

“I just

for a moment before asking, “Ms. Jenkins, what’s going on between you and my brother lately? I heard you

us have nothing to do

Browns aren’t going to wage

gratitude. “Thank

with his brother, but Natalia had already turned

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

on her phone, but Hamilton never replied. They had parted on bad terms the night before, and Natalia knew

page, and the end–of–year summary meeting was that afternoon.

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Chapter 125

they didn’t

the meeting, she went to the top floor, where Linda handed over the last two contracts needing Hamilton’s

for a moment before responding, “Okay.”

deep breath and left

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

two hours until departure. She had planned to wait for Scarlett and grab a bite together, but

I was almost at the airport when my supervisor called. I have to cover a shift during my vacation. I’m sorry, Natalia. When

But her birthdays were never much of a celebration. Typically, Scarlett would send a message

than that, there were no festivities.

go on my own,” Natalia resolved with a note of independence in her voice.

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

once more.

the time her plane touched down, it was past

suitcase through the airport’s sliding doors.

River State was sharper than she remembered. The damp, icy air

she thought she was dressed, the cold seemed to

Natalia wrapped her scarf tighter

was a cheerful

the

here for a while when

surprise, “So, you’re back for

drifted to the passing

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in River State was palpable, but she never cared much for the holidays, be it New Year’s or Christmas, It seemed like every cheerful, lit–up

took Tatiana,