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 moment, she

also because of you last time?”

confronted Gideon once

tightly together. She,

she had no idea that he had already laid hands on Gideon.

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

be the most reputable guy, but the Browns wielded considerable clout in Silkwood City.

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

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

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

us have

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

gratitude. “Thank you.”

to press her about her relationship with his brother, but

Hamilton a message that read, [Thank you, Mr. Fowler, for handling the Gideon

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

page, and the end–of–year summary meeting

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12:06

Chapter 125

they didn’t exchange a

last two contracts

paused for a moment

deep breath and left the

decided to inform Hamilton, [Going on a trip with Scarlett, back in

still two hours until departure. She had planned to wait for Scarlett

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 back, I’ll make it up to you for your birthday,” Scarlett

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

that, there were no festivities.

own,” Natalia resolved

in Natalia’s heart, a place she yearned to

once

her plane touched down, it was past eleven at

her suitcase through the airport’s sliding doors.

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

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

Natalia wrapped her scarf tighter

driver was a

enjoy the sights of

“I lived here for a while when

at her with surprise, “So, you’re

passing scenery, and she

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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

car accident that took Tatiana,