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?”

her gaze, and after

softly. “Was it also because of

brother confronted Gideon once before. You

together. She, indeed,

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

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

reputable guy, but the Browns wielded considerable clout in

Jenkins, are

just don’t want to cause any trouble.”

going on between you and my brother lately? I heard you moved out? Is it because of that kid?

us have nothing to do with

“Don’t worry. The Browns aren’t going to

gratitude.

want to press her about her relationship with his brother, but Natalia had already turned and left.

a message that read,

replied. They had parted on bad terms the

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

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Chapter 125

saw Hamilton there, but they didn’t

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

a moment

a deep breath and left the top floor.

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

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

a shift during my vacation. I’m sorry,

her birthday was approaching. But her birthdays were never much of a celebration. Typically, Scarlett would send a message or, if not too busy, they’d share a meal.

there were no festivities.

my own,” Natalia resolved with a note of independence in her voice.

heart, a

once

down, it

her suitcase through

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

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

her scarf tighter and

a

here to enjoy the sights of

lived here for a while when

her with surprise, “So,

to the passing scenery, and

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12:06

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

that took Tatiana, she had stopped