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

it also because of you

paused, then added, “My brother confronted Gideon once before. You

tightly together. She, indeed, didn’t know.

last time, but she had no idea

brief silence, Natalia managed to ask,

guy, but the Browns wielded considerable

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

tinged with bitterness. “I just

my brother lately? I heard you moved out? Is it because of

have nothing to do with this.”

aren’t going to wage war over

in gratitude. “Thank

with his brother, but Natalia had already

for a moment before sending Hamilton a message that read, [Thank you, Mr. Fowler, for handling the Gideon situation.]

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

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

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12:06

Chapter 125

there, but they didn’t exchange a single glance.

two contracts needing Hamilton’s signature. “Ms.

moment

breath and left

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

were still two hours until

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

of a celebration. Typically, Scarlett would send a

that, there

go on my own,” Natalia resolved with a note of independence

held a unique place in Natalia’s heart, a

it once more.

time her plane touched down, it was past eleven at

through the airport’s

damp, icy air caught her off guard, making her

matter how warmly she thought she was dressed,

scarf tighter

a cheerful fellow.

the sights of River State,

“I lived here for a while when I was

looked at her with surprise, “So,

passing scenery,

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12:06

holidays, be it New Year’s or Christmas, It seemed like every cheerful, lit–up house had nothing to

since the car accident that took Tatiana,