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?”

after a moment, she

it also because of you last

added, “My brother confronted Gideon once before. You didn’t know?”

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

no

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

reputable guy, but the Browns wielded considerable clout in Silkwood

glanced at her. “Ms. Jenkins, are you worried about my

bitterness. “I just

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? Or

didn’t answer. “Things between us have nothing to do

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

in gratitude.

with his brother, but Natalia

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

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

its final page, and

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Chapter 125

Hamilton there, but they didn’t

two contracts needing Hamilton’s signature. “Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler has signed

paused for a moment

and

heading home, Scarlett called to meet her at the airport. Natalia hesitated but decided to inform Hamilton, [Going on a trip

at the airport, there were still two hours until departure. She had planned to wait for Scarlett and

can’t make it. I was almost at the airport when my supervisor called. I have to cover a shift during my vacation. I’m sorry, Natalia. When you get

remembered her birthday was approaching. But her birthdays were never much of a celebration. Typically, Scarlett would send a

that, there

then I’ll go on my own,” Natalia resolved with a note

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

it once more.

the time her plane touched down, it was

wheeled her suitcase through the airport’s sliding

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

dressed, the cold seemed

wrapped her scarf tighter and

driver was a cheerful

you here to enjoy the sights

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

looked at her with surprise,

to the passing scenery, and she remained silent.

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palpable, but she never cared much for the holidays, be it New Year’s or Christmas, It seemed like every cheerful, lit–up house had nothing

that took Tatiana,