Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 148

Natalia didn't really know Ronin all that well, b

ut even with her limited knowledge, she was certain of one thing: Ronin was a safer bet than Hamilton right now.

And, frankly, she hadn't intended for Ronin to escort her home in the first place.

He had been drinking, for heaven's sake. He couldn't even drive, let alone take her home safely!

She had planned to hail a cab after stepping out anyway.

But trying to explain that to Hamilton? It seemed pointless.

Their relationship, if you could call it that, was so strained that explanations felt redundant.

She chuckled dryly. "What kind of guy is he? At worst, like you said, Mr. Fowler, he's just trying to sleep with me."

"You know he's after you, and yet you're okay with him taking you home?" Hamilton gritted his teeth.

Natalia met his gaze head-on.

"Aren't you the same, Hamilton? How much better are you than anyone else?"

With a sardonic smile, she added, "Actually, that's not right. You're leagues behind Ronin. At the very least, he's not a fair-weather friend always looking to stab me in the back. You know, Hamilton, every time I think about how you knew Eveleen was out to get me but still shielded her, it feels like I'm being torn apart. It hurts like hell."

Hamilton's face turned an array of stormy shades.

He gripped Natalia's wrist tightly, at a loss for words.

The elevator dinged open, and he pulled her out with him.

Natalia tried to break free but couldn't, drawing the attention of everyone around them.

Fed up, Hamilton simply scooped her up and shoved her into the car.

Alden had been waiting in the car.

He was a tad surprised to see Hamilton carrying Natalia, but mostly, he seemed pleased.

"Bro, Ms. Jenkins, where to?"

"Back to the apartment." Hamilton meant the apartment they used to share.

"Lotus Estates."

Natalia had named Scarlett's place.

Without further questions, Alden started the car.

silent until they pulled up to the apartment complex, where Natalia felt a

"I have to go."

one, parked the car and

and

but Hamilton grabbed her wrist

past. I promise it won't happen

"Save it, Hamilton. 'Sorry' is the cheapest word in the world, and don't

her up? If she dares to touch me again, what can you really do? Nothing, because

please, no more

piece, she leaned

to talk anymore. There was nothing left

silent for what felt like an eternity before he spoke again. "I will take care of

of me looks like I'm playing games with you, Hamilton? I'm serious about leaving

want you

"Do you even like

frowned deeply

Natalia exhaled softly.

leaving you makes you furious, doesn't it? That's all this is about." Hamilton's frown deepened as he

Tell me, and I will do it just as long

his grip on

over anyone before. Why do you think you can just walk away? Because you're relying on me actually

might truly

really put his foot down, Natalia's schemes wouldn't stand a

couldn't bring himself to

the gall to accuse him

remained silent, knowing full well that she was able to walk away because Hamilton cared, even if it was just a fraction

Can't we just make up?" Hamilton's fingers tenderly traced

into the seat with a tranquility that belied the turmoil within, not

forced her to meet his gaze, and that's when he noticed the anguish in her

a pang in

Ronin, so why was she in

distress only made him

the past few days, trying to let

move on from her and

time the thought surfaced, his

the end, he had to face it-he couldn't let

her into his

her neck, his

dare sign with Ronin, Natalia. Believe me, I can make sure any company you sign with

really think they'd throw the company

was rough with a tinge

the man before her

but couldn't break free, her frustration bringing a flush of red to