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.

newcomer, Natalie's

had been lurking nearby, witnessing the entire exchange. And he even had the nerve to smile. "I told you

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

that, she turned to

Who then? Ronin? He's even less reliable. What

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

him away, but he pulled her close, anger

can he have you and not

perpetual secret, never good

sneered and turned

"What do you

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

He was silent.

life. I'm done playing

her. She hadn't felt

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

After a long while, he laughed

had

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

the passenger seat, lay a bouquet of

down the window, and

Eve came quickly, and while homes were alight with celebration, Hamilton's car was parked outside Ron Group's office, not in his

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

approached her

at him had cut too

passed

must be what they call being a glutton

employees received their New Year bonuses, Natalie locked up

traffic was particularly heavy on New Year's

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

you won't come

chuckled and shook her

I'll stay here and keep Mom

then, I'll call