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.

when she heard a car door opening

Hamilton quickly approached her.

Natalie's

lurking nearby, witnessing the entire exchange. And he

at his words. "Yes, but that

she turned to

arm, stopping her. "Not my turn? Who then? Ronin? He's even less reliable. What

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 in

he have

and then what? To continue being your mistress? A perpetual

and turned

caught her again. "What do

him squarely. "I want someone who loves me wholeheartedly. Can

He was silent.

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

upset her. She hadn't felt this hurt even after breaking

sight of him being sweet with

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

had pierced

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

passenger seat, lay a bouquet

up the flowers, rolled down the window, and threw them

Eve came quickly, and while homes were alight with celebration, Hamilton's car was parked outside Ron Group's office, not in his usual luxury vehicle, but in an unassuming sedan. Lately, Hamilton

her at a distance until she got back to her apartment, and only then would he

approached her

that woman had thrown at him had cut too deep, and despite everything, Hamilton had his pride

had to admit, if a day passed without

be what they call being a glutton

Year bonuses, Natalie locked up the office and headed

downtown traffic was particularly heavy on

she got home, Scarlett had already

you won't come

and shook

it's okay. I'll stay here and keep Mom

I'll call you when