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

sighed softly. “Was it also because of

paused, then added, “My brother confronted Gideon once before.

pressed tightly together. She, indeed, didn’t know.

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

ask, “Will there be

guy, but

glanced at her. “Ms. Jenkins, are

just don’t want to

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

between us have nothing to do with

reassured her, “Don’t worry. The Browns aren’t going

nodded in gratitude.

her about her relationship with his brother, but

her office, Natalia thought for a moment before sending Hamilton a message that read, [Thank you, Mr. Fowler, for handling the

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

final page, and the end–of–year summary

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12:06

Chapter 125

there, but they didn’t exchange a single glance.

the top floor, where Linda handed over the last two contracts needing Hamilton’s signature. “Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler has signed

paused for a moment before responding,

took a deep breath and left the top floor.

decided to inform Hamilton, [Going on a

hours until

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

celebration.

that, there were

on my own,” Natalia resolved with a note of

held a unique place in Natalia’s heart, a

once

plane touched down, it was past eleven at night.

her suitcase through

damp, icy air caught her off guard, making her feel unexpectedly out of

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

Natalia wrapped her scarf tighter and hailed

was a cheerful fellow.

to enjoy the sights of

for a while when I was

with surprise,

to the passing scenery, and she remained

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12:06

never cared much for the holidays, be it New Year’s or

that took Tatiana, she had stopped