Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 186

Natalie paused, a fleeting look of regret crossing her features.

She gave a small, apologetic laugh. "I'm sorry, Ryan, it's just not possible."

Ryan's face was a portrait of pain. "Natalie, don't you even want to try for me?" Her gaze dropped. "I can try, Ryan, but I can't give up everything, I'm sorry." She truly couldn't.

She couldn't abandon the life she had fought so hard to build. Nor could she neglect Tatiana for anyone's sake. And of course, she couldn't ask Ryan to give up his promising future and happy family for her. What right did she have to demand such a sacrifice from him? She didn't believe she had that allure, nor did she want a relationship built on debts.

"But you were the one who wanted to start this relationship!" Ryan felt wronged.

Natalie now regretted her impulsiveness. "Ryan, I really am sorry. I thought we could go the distance, but I oversimplified things. If we step back now, we can still be friends. If we force it, we'll only end up resenting each other." "So, I'm sorry, Ryan, but let's break up."

Ryan's eyes were red, and after a moment he asked, "Can we still be friends, then?"

Natalie nodded softly. "Of course."

Ryan started to reach out to her, as if to pat her head, but halfway through, he seemed to remember something and let his hand drop back to his side.

"I'll keep my promise, Natalie. On New Year's Eve, I'll come over for the fireworks."

Natalie blinked, surprised. "You don't have to. It's an important day; you should stay home with your family."

But Ryan insisted, "It's my one wish now, Natalie. I want to spend the holiday with you."

Natalie frowned.

Ryan just smiled. "Natalie, I won't give up. I'm choosing to break up because I don't want my family to hurt you anymore, but I'll keep trying until they accept us." Natalie was stunned. "Ryan, I'm not worth it."

"I think you are," he said with a tender smile.

Before Natalie could respond, Ryan gave her a smile and walked away.

She furrowed her brow, wanting to call after him but ultimately remained silent.

She couldn't persuade him; some things were beyond words. She had to let him come to terms with it himself.

After Ryan disappeared, Natalie decided to head back.

heard a car door opening nearby, and

Hamilton quickly approached her.

Natalie's mood

he even had the

raw, Natalie's temper flared at his words. "Yes, but that

she turned

He's even less reliable. What

says I need to be with a man at all? Let me put it this

him away, but he pulled her close,

he have

perpetual secret, never good enough to be seen in public? Is that it?" Hamilton's face stiffened, suddenly at a

and turned

again. "What do you

"I want someone who loves me wholeheartedly.

He was silent.

my life. I'm done playing canary for you," Natalie snapped,

as she left, she couldn't deny that Hamilton still had the power to upset her. She hadn't felt this hurt even after breaking up

being his cherished canary? Or the sight of him being sweet with Eveleen? Just a patron and his kept

within him. After a long while, he

words had pierced him

the winter night, a solitary figure amidst the festive

passenger seat, lay a

rolled down the window, and threw them out into

office, not in his usual luxury vehicle, but in an unassuming sedan. Lately, Hamilton found himself lingering in the area every day after

her at a distance until

hadn't approached her

that woman had thrown at him had cut too

day passed without seeing Natalie, something just felt off inside

thought to himself, this must be what they call being a glutton for

all her employees received their New Year bonuses, Natalie

was particularly heavy on New

the time she got home, Scarlett had already packed up, ready to

sure you won't come with me?" Scarlett

chuckled and shook her

stay

then, I'll call you when I