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

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

lips pressed tightly together.

time, but she had no idea that he had already

managed to ask, “Will there

might not be the most reputable guy, but the Browns wielded considerable clout in Silkwood

Jenkins, are you worried

response was tinged with bitterness. “I just don’t want to

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

have nothing

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

gratitude. “Thank you.”

relationship with his brother, but Natalia

moment before sending Hamilton a message that read, [Thank you,

it, she kept an eye on her phone, but Hamilton never replied. They had parted on bad terms the night

had turned to its final page, and the end–of–year summary meeting was that afternoon.

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12:06

Chapter 125

Hamilton there, but they

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

paused for a moment before

breath and left the top

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

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

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 back, I’ll make it up to you for

birthdays were never much of a celebration. Typically, Scarlett would send a message or, if not too busy,

than that, there were no

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

heart, a place she yearned to revisit. She wanted to

once

time her plane touched down,

her suitcase through the

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

matter how warmly she thought she was dressed, the cold

slightly, Natalia wrapped her scarf

a cheerful fellow.

here to enjoy the sights

for a

driver looked at her with surprise, “So, you’re back for the holidays?”

passing scenery, and she remained

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12:06

New Year’s 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 house had nothing to do with

accident that took Tatiana, she had