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

Hamilton quickly approached her.

the newcomer, Natalie's

witnessing the entire exchange. And he even had the nerve to smile. "I told you it wouldn't

words. "Yes, but

she

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

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

he pulled

he have

and then what? To continue being your mistress? A perpetual secret, never good enough to be seen in public?

sneered and turned

do

"I want someone who loves me wholeheartedly. Can you give me that devotion, that

He was silent.

done playing canary for you," Natalie snapped, and she walked

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

being sweet

After a long while, he laughed bitterly, realizing his efforts had been a

had pierced

the winter night, a solitary figure

seat, lay a bouquet of irises, mocking his

picked up the flowers, rolled down the

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

until she got

approached

at him had cut too deep, and

a day passed without seeing Natalie, something just felt off

must be what they call

ensuring all her employees received their New Year bonuses, Natalie locked up the office and headed

particularly heavy on

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

sure you won't

chuckled and shook

stay here and

call