Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 148 Natalia didn't really know Ronin all that well, b ut even with her limited knowledge, she was certain of one thing: Ronin was a safer bet than Hamilton right now.

And, frankly, she hadn't intended for Ronin to escort her hin the first place.

He had been drinking, for heaven's sake. He couldn't even drive, let alone take her hsafely! She had planned to hail a cab after stepping out anyway.

But trying to explain that to Hamilton? It seemed pointless.

Their relationship, if you could call it that, was so strained that explanations felt redundant.

She chuckled dryly. "What kind of guy is he? At worst, like you said, Mr. Fowler, he's just trying to sleep with me." "You know he's after you, and yet you're okay with him taking you home?" Hamilton gritted his teeth.

Natalia met his gaze head-on.

"Aren't you the same, Hamilton? How much better are you than anyone else?" With a sardonic smile, she added, "Actually, that's not right. You're leagues behind Ronin. At the very least, he's not a fair-weather friend always looking to stabin the back. You know, Hamilton, every tI think about how you knew Eveleen was out to getbut still shielded her, it feels like I'm being torn apart. It hurts like hell." Hamilton's face turned an array of stormy shades.

He gripped Natalia's wrist tightly, at a loss for words.

The elevator dinged open, and he pulled her out with him.

Natalia tried to break free but couldn't, drawing the attention of everyone around them.

Fed up, Hamilton simply scooped her up and shoved her into the car.

Alden had been waiting in the car.

He was a tad surprised to see Hamilton carrying Natalia, but mostly, he seemed pleased. "Bro, Ms. Jenkins, where to?" "Back to the apartment." Hamilton meant the apartment they used to share.

"Lotus Estates." Natalia had named Scarlett's place.

Without further questions, Alden started the car.

The ride was silent until they pulled up to the apartment complex, where Natalia felt a sharp throb at her temple. "I have to go." Alden, ever the perceptive one, parked the car and left without a word.

Now, it was just Natalia and Hamilton alone in the car.

Natalia reached for the door, but Hamilton grabbed her wrist again and locked the doors.

"I'm sorry about the past. I promise it won't happen again." Natalia was fuming. "Save it, Hamilton. 'Sorry' is the cheapest word in the world, and don't talk toabout promises. I don't believe them.

Can you watch her every second? Or lock her up? If she dares to touchagain, what can you really do? Nothing, because she's your darling.

So, please, no more of that disgusting talk." After saying her piece, she leaned back.

She didn't want to talk anymore. There was nothing left to say.

Hamilton clenched her wrist tightly, silent for what felt like an eternity before he spoke again. "I will take care of Eveleen. Natalia, you've made your point. Let's just stop this game, okay?" Natalia laughed bitterly. "Which part oflooks like I'm playing games with you, Hamilton? I'm serious about leaving you!" "But I don't want you to leave!" Natalia eyed him curiously. "Do you even like me, Hamilton?" He frowned deeply but didn't answer.

Natalia exhaled softly.

"Let's be honest, you're just not willing to let go because you can't stand the thought of not having what you want. You've always had everything your way, and the idea of a woman leaving you makes you furious, doesn't it? That's all this is about." Hamilton's frown deepened as he watched her, neither agreeing nor denying her accusation. Even he couldn't tell if it was just his pride at stake.

Natalia continued, "So, what will make you satisfied? Tell me, and I will do it just as long as you promise to leavealone afterward." Hamilton's temples throbbed violently, his grip on her wrist like a vise.

"Is this really how you see me? Fine, I'll admit I'm not willing to give up, but I've never been this desperate over anyone before. Why do you think you can just walk away? Because you're relying onactually caring about you?" Because he cared, he let go.

He feared something might truly happen to her.

In truth, if he were to really put his foot down, Natalia's schemes wouldn't stand a chance against him, b ut he couldn't bring himself to be that cold.

And now, she had the gall to accuse him of such pettiness.

Natalia remained silent, knowing full well that she was able to walk away because Hamilton cared, even if it was just a fraction of how much he cared for Eveleen.

"Don't do this anymore, Natalia. Can't we just make up?" Hamilton's fingers tenderly traced her rosy cheek.

Natalia still didn't respond, sinking into the seat with a tranquility that belied the turmoil within, not even glancing his way.

Hamilton's brow twitched as he forced her to meet his gaze, and that's when he noticed the anguish in her eyes. There was a pang in his heart.

She had been all smiles with Ronin, so why was she in such pain with him? Seeing her distress only made him cling tighter.

He had considered giving up over the past few days, trying to let go, and to move on from her and free himself.

But each tthe thought surfaced, his heart ached unbearably.

In the end, he had to face it-he couldn't let her go.

Hamilton pulled her into his embrace.

His breath warmed her neck, his dark gaze fixated on her face.

"Don't you dare sign with Ronin, Natalia. Believe me, I can make sure any company you sign with never do business again! Do you really think they'd throw the company under the bus just for you?" His voice was rough with a tinge of drunken rasp.

Natalia snapped to attention, realizing that the man before her must be somewhat smitten.

She struggled fiercely but couldn't break free, her frustration bringing a flush of red to the corners of her eyes.

"Hamilton, have you no shame?" "As long as you stay by my side, I won't touch them."

Hamilton's gaze was locked on her, to suddenly dropper lips and staying there, to move. He wanted to kiss her.

Desperately.

Ever since he'd seen her that day, he'd been fighting an unstoppable urge.

After that incident, he hadn't laid a finger on her.

And now, it had been days.

No one knew how much he missed her.

He leaned in without hesitation and pressed his lips to hers.

His breath was hot against her face.

Natalia struggled recklessly, but against the overwhelming disparity in strength apher efforts were in vain.

She bit Hamilton hard.

He grunted but deepened the kiss even more.

When he finally let go, Natalia's hand flew, landing a sharp slap across his face.

The sound echoed crisply in the silent car.

Hamilton was stunned, b ut quickly, he regained his composure.

Uncharacteristically, the man didn't get angry but just looked at Natalia, h is long fingers gently held her chin.

"Natalia, can you honestly say you feel nothing for me?" Natalia felt a prickling pain in her heart.

She lifted her eyes to meet the gaze of the man before her.

"Hamilton, what makes you think I'd have any feelings for you?"