Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 156

Hamilton's body tensed suddenly as if struck by a bolt of ice.

The heat that had flushed his temples moments ago receded like the ebbing tide, leaving a chilling void in its wake. Slowly, he released Natalia, his eyes betraying a fleeting pain that darted across his gaze like a shadow.

The question Natalia had posed was akin to a dagger driven deep into his heart-a raw wound that had never fully healed. Since the incident, she had never mentioned it, not until now. Hamilton had fooled himself into believing it was all in the past, that if no one spoke of it, it might as well have never happened.

But the slightest tear in the fabric of their pretense and the wound gaped wide a scar stretching between them, indelible and ever-fresh, its pain undiminished.

And the pain wasn't Natalia's alone; it cut Hamilton just as deeply.

Swallowing hard, he took a step back and then another. Natalia's bringing it up now couldn't have been clearer in intent-she really didn't want his touch. It wasn't a tantrum.

"Would you rather rip open old wounds than let me touch you? Is that it?" he asked, his voice edged with a bitterness he couldn't hide.

Natalia was at a loss for words. She could hear the anger in Hamilton's voice and could tell he was more than just a little upset. Perhaps her words had struck a nerve, but this scar was one she had never wanted to reopen.

She had genuinely tried to let go of the pain he had caused, to start anew. But he just wouldn't let it be, forcing her to bear it all once again.

Taking a deep breath, Natalia faced him with a serenity that belied the turmoil within. "Hamilton, what have you given me in the three years we've been together? Aside from the money, nothing but endless hurt."

Hamilton said nothing, his face growing more rigid with every word she spoke.

Natalia managed a laugh though her lashes veiled her eyes. "Maybe you can't let go now, but one day you'll be able to. Stop clinging to this, it's really painful."

His eyes filled with restrained emotion; Hamilton wanted to tell her that it wasn't merely a matter of letting go. But the words died on his lips.

What was it then? Love? He scoffed at the thought. He had learned early on that love and marriage-those were the most unreliable things in the world. How could he possibly fall for anyone?

"So, no matter what I do, there's no chance for us, right?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

didn't look at him, but her answer

and suggested, "You should head back; we've got an early meeting tomorrow." Hamilton's frown deepened. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally spoke. "I'll stay

necessary. Given

opened his mouth to protest, but the resolve on her face

you, Mr.

Hamilton turned and strode out, each step heavy with unspoken regret. He half-expected Natalia to call out to him, to stop him, but she didn't. She just stood there, watching him leave. The door opened and closed behind him, severing not just their gaze but seemingly their

and sat at the table, staring at a slice of cake before her. Tears fell despite her best efforts. They might have been for the relationship or perhaps for the

out of the room but didn't leave. He leaned against the wall near the door, lighting a cigarette. He wasn't sure if it was just reluctance that he felt towards Natalia, but he was certain he resented having to give

with two people would leave only him stranded in the end. He had felt Natalia's care for him once; she had listened to his every word and fulfilled his every desire. Now, she

it do? She had made it clear

as he drew on his

lingered at Natalia's door until dawn, smoking one cigarette

morning, just to make sure no one else would come for her. Then, he straightened out his clothes and went

phone woke him up-it

about to have surgery. Aren't you going to be there for

assured her. "Of course,

"Okay, I'll wait

stirred a fresh wave of discomfort in him, but he

just breakfast, not

to the hotel, freshened up, and headed straight to

finished getting ready. Seeing

think you've got a

eyebrow, a playful smirk on his face. "A tally?

to

enough because he

not dwelling on it, and simply took the breakfast sandwich he handed her, tucking into

like Ryan, if he were seriously courting a girl, well, she would be hard-pressed to

off at the venue for her meeting