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?”

and after a

sighed softly. “Was it also because of you

“My brother confronted

pressed tightly together.

last time, but she had no idea that he had already laid hands on

ask, “Will there be

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

glanced at her. “Ms. Jenkins, are you

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

on between you and my brother lately? I heard you moved out?

have nothing to

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

in gratitude.

about her relationship with his

her office, Natalia thought for a moment before sending Hamilton a message that read, [Thank you,

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

and

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Chapter 125

there, but they didn’t exchange

meeting, she went to the top floor, where Linda handed over the last two contracts needing Hamilton’s signature. “Ms. Jenkins, Mr.

paused for a moment before responding,

took a deep breath and left

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

airport, there were still two hours until departure. She had planned to wait for Scarlett and grab a bite together, but then Scarlett called.

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 back, I’ll make it up to you

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

than that, there were

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

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

once more.

time her plane touched down, it was past eleven

suitcase through the airport’s

damp, icy air

dressed, the cold seemed to pierce

wrapped her scarf tighter

a cheerful

you here to enjoy the sights of River

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

her with surprise, “So, you’re back for

gaze drifted to the passing scenery, and she remained silent.

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12:06

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

took Tatiana,