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.

a sweet

Natalia stayed silent.

Alden never broached the subject he had

said you had something

"Ms. Jenkins, have

"Yes, it's over. I'm sorry, Alden, but I'm

was palpable. "Why

his brother who

after Eveleen. Alden couldn't fathom it. If it were anyone other than Natalia, they would have

Eveleen. My brother won't marry her. He's been ignoring her lately. She's been showing up at the office daily, but he hardly

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

can it not be your business? Don't you

the cost of entangling herself with Hamilton again. If she sought revenge, it would be on

reconciling with my brother? I bet that

shook her head gently. "No, Alden, there's no going back

Natalia saw Hamilton

Alden's eyes lit up. "What brings

then

a terrible actor. Even she could see right

by and saw Alden. Thought I'd say hello. Ms.

missed her

top floor were now all handled by Linda. Hamilton was rather angry about it,

body still

Hamilton made her feel uncomfortable all over. Plus, he was way too close to her, and she was

matters to attend to. Got to go," Natalia said, standing

bring them together, and he gestured frantically at

gripped her wrist

join me for a meal

Natalia didn't deny it.

didn't want

enjoy your evening,

on her wrist not loosening

hurry for

get into it

can you let go of me

a mocking

"Are you sure?"