Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 150

Natalia trudged into her home, the day's weight heavy on her shoulders. Without a word, she made a beeline for the sanctuary of the bathroom.

A shower later, her spirits had lifted ever so slightly.

Scarlett eyed her curiously. "What's got you looking so glum?"

Natalia bit her lip, her voice barely above a whisper. "Got bitten by a rabid dog."

"Hamilton's been hounding you again?" Scarlett asked with a frown.

Natalia shook her head. "Ran into him, and he wouldn't leave me alone."

Scarlett's gaze flickered with concern. "Natalia, do you think... maybe Hamilton's really fallen for you? That's why he can't let go? I mean, what doesn't that guy have? What woman wouldn't fall at his feet? Why's he so obsessed with you?" Natalia laughed dryly after a pause. "Guess he's just a masochist. Takes me for granted when I'm around, but can't stand the thought of losing me."

Scarlett's lips quirked in spite of herself. It did seem that way, after all.

Men are such creatures of contradiction!

For the next few days, Natalia saw no sign of Hamilton. She didn't inquire or show any interest in his whereabouts.

With the new Marketing Manager yet to take the reins, Natalia found herself immersed in her work routine.

Perhaps it was the year-end frenzy, but work was relentless. Ronin tried to catch up over dinner a few times, but Natalia was swamped.

She was clocking out at ten each night.

One evening, just as Natalia was leaving work at a more decent hour, her phone rang. It was Alden.

"Ms. Jenkins, I need to discuss something with you."

Natalia frowned. "What is it, Alden? Just shoot."

Alden hesitated. "Can we talk face to face? Let's grab some dinner. It's been a while since we had a proper chat."

Natalia could sense Alden's intention to mediate between her and Hamilton. His attempts were always half-hearted, yet he was the one who seemed most invested in their affair. Now that she was free from Hamilton, Alden surely hoped to patch things up between them. But some things had to be addressed, so Natalia agreed.

She met Alden at a diner near her office. Arriving after her shift, she found Alden already waiting.

"Ms. Jenkins, over here," Alden called out, waving her over.

Natalia settled across from him, noticing he had ordered all her favorites.

me you have a sweet tooth," Alden said as he

Natalia stayed silent.

and Alden never

Natalia initiated. "Alden, you said you had

brows. "Ms. Jenkins, have you really broken it off with my

over. I'm sorry, Alden, but I'm no

discomfort was palpable.

brother

was a gem, yet Hamilton chased after Eveleen. Alden couldn't fathom it. If it were anyone other than

He's been ignoring her lately. She's been showing up at the office daily, but he hardly gives her the time

you don't need to tell me this. Whether your brother sees her or not, it's none of my

not be your

but not at the cost of entangling herself with Hamilton again. If

on, "So, Ms. Jenkins, wouldn't you consider reconciling with my brother?

there's no

Natalia saw Hamilton standing there, his suit impeccable, his expression

Alden's eyes lit up. "What

then down

actor. Even she could see right through the ruse. This dinner

"Just passing by and saw Alden. Thought I'd

He had missed her terribly, and the distance she

every time. Plus, the files she used to personally send to the top floor were now all handled by Linda. Hamilton was rather angry about it, but he

body

made her feel uncomfortable all over. Plus, he was way

Got to go," Natalia said,

bring them together, and he

her

join me for a meal

Natalia didn't deny it.

didn't want

enjoy your

a chuckle, his grip on her wrist not loosening

a hurry for

want to get into it with

can you let go of me

a mocking

"Are you sure?"