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

also because of

“My brother confronted Gideon once

tightly together. She, indeed,

last time, but she had no idea that he had already

ask, “Will

guy, but the Browns wielded considerable clout

her. “Ms. Jenkins, are you worried

with bitterness. “I just don’t want to cause any

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

us have nothing to

The Browns aren’t going to wage war over a guy like

gratitude.

relationship with

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

her phone, but Hamilton never replied. They had parted on bad terms the night before, and Natalia knew he was likely still angry. Yet, aside from expressing her gratitude, anything else felt

to its 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 last two contracts needing Hamilton’s signature. “Ms.

moment before responding, “Okay.”

and left the top floor.

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

Natalia arrived at the airport, there were still two hours until departure. She had planned to wait for Scarlett and grab a bite together,

supervisor called. I have to cover a shift during my vacation. I’m sorry, Natalia. When you

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

that, there were no festivities.

own,” Natalia resolved with a note of

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

it once more.

plane touched down,

suitcase through the

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

she was dressed, the cold seemed to pierce through her

her scarf tighter and hailed

a

here to enjoy the sights of River State, miss?”

here for a while when

surprise, “So, you’re back for

passing scenery,

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12:06

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

that took Tatiana, she