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.

she hadn't gone far when she heard a car door opening nearby, and

Hamilton quickly approached her.

the newcomer, Natalie's

devious man had been lurking nearby, witnessing the entire exchange. And he even

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

she turned to

turn? Who then? Ronin? He's even less reliable. What can that kid offer you? Natalie, be with me. Whatever you

to be with a man at all? Let me put it this way: I'd rather be single for life than have anything to do with you

him away, but he pulled her close, anger

have you

A perpetual secret, never good enough to be seen in public?

and

do

me wholeheartedly. Can you give me that

He was silent.

you can't, then stay out of my life. I'm done playing canary for you," Natalie snapped, and she

upset her. She hadn't felt this hurt even after breaking up with Ryan, but Hamilton's few words reopened old

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

brewing within him. After a long while, he laughed bitterly, realizing his efforts

words had pierced

of the winter night, a solitary figure amidst the festive eve. Eventually, he returned to

the passenger seat, lay a

the flowers, rolled down the window, and

Hamilton's car was parked outside Ron Group's office, not in his usual luxury vehicle,

watch Natalie leave the office, follow her at a distance until she got back to her apartment, and only then would

approached her

him had cut too deep,

admit, if a day passed without seeing Natalie,

must be what they

received their New Year bonuses, Natalie locked

was particularly heavy on New

she got home, Scarlett had

sure you won't come

chuckled and

stay here and

"Alright then, I'll call you when I