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.

far when she heard a car

Hamilton quickly approached her.

newcomer, Natalie's mood instantly

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

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

she turned

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

says I need 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

away, but he pulled her close, anger in his

have you and not

you think, Hamilton? You want me back, and then what? To continue being your mistress? A perpetual secret, never good enough to be seen in public? Is that it?" Hamilton's face stiffened, suddenly

sneered and

again. "What do

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

He was silent.

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

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

him being sweet with Eveleen? Just a patron and his kept

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

had

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

seat, lay a bouquet

flowers, rolled down the window, and threw them out into the

Year's 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 found himself lingering in the area every

leave the office, follow her at a distance until

approached

thrown at him had cut too deep, and despite

had to admit, if a day passed without seeing

what they

Year bonuses, Natalie locked up

particularly heavy

the time she got home, Scarlett had

are you sure you won't come with me?" Scarlett

and

I'll stay here and

I'll call you