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.

have a sweet tooth," Alden said

Natalia stayed silent.

and Alden never broached

you said

brows. "Ms. Jenkins, have you really

and smiled sadly. "Yes, it's over. I'm sorry, Alden, but I'm no longer fit

palpable. "Why are

it was his brother who was

couldn't fathom it. If it

know you're hurting, but don't worry about 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 gives her the

tell me this. Whether your brother sees her or not, it's none of my business

be your business? Don't you

She did want to get back at Eveleen, but not at the cost of entangling herself with Hamilton again. If she sought revenge, it would be on her own

wouldn't you consider reconciling

gently. "No, Alden, there's no

shadow loomed beside her. Looking up, Natalia saw Hamilton standing there, his suit impeccable, his

up. "What brings

glanced at Alden, then down at

she could see right through the ruse. This dinner

saw Alden. Thought I'd say

He had missed her terribly, and the distance she put between them only made his heart

personally send to the top floor were now all handled by Linda. Hamilton was rather angry about it, but he knew very well that the more he pushed

Natalia's body

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

to attend to. Got to go," Natalia

to bring them together, and

gripped her

even join me

Natalia didn't deny it.

really didn't want

Please enjoy your

out a chuckle, his grip on her wrist not loosening in

for a date with

didn't want to get

so can you let go of

at her, a mocking smile playing in

"Are you sure?"