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

Hamilton quickly approached her.

newcomer, Natalie's

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

at his words. "Yes, but that doesn't mean it's your

she turned to

stopping her. "Not my turn? Who then? Ronin? He's even less reliable. What can that kid offer you? Natalie, be with me.

with a man at all? Let me put it this way: I'd

pulled her close, anger in his

can he have

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

sneered and turned

again. "What do you

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

He was silent.

stay out of my life. I'm done playing canary for

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

him being sweet with Eveleen? Just a patron and his kept woman, nothing

Natalie's resolute departure, a mix of emotions brewing within him. After a long while, he

had pierced

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

seat, lay a

the window, and threw them out into

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 found himself lingering in the area every

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

approached her

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

day passed without seeing Natalie, something just felt off inside

must be what they call being a glutton for

their New Year bonuses,

was particularly heavy

Scarlett had

are you sure you won't come

and

okay. I'll stay here and

"Alright then, I'll call you when I get