Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 169

Hamilton had been loitering outside until Ryan left.

Ryan didn't stay long, just long enough to grab a bite and have a cup of tea.

He had wanted to stay longer.

Just that evening, he'd made it official with Natalia, and the reality of it hadn't quite sunk in yet.

Only when he was with her did he feel truly grounded.

But this was Scarlett's house, and as a man, he felt somewhat out of place.

Natalia had intended to drive Ryan back to his hotel.

But Ryan had declined.

Hamilton was still around, just standing downstairs. If Natalia went to see Ryan off, it would inevitably mean another encounter with Hamilton.

Previously, Ryan might not have had a say.

But now, Natalia was his girlfriend, fair and square.

He naturally didn't want his girlfriend hassled by another man.

"I'll call you when I get to the hotel."

"Alright."

As Ryan descended the stairs, he saw Hamilton, standing still as a statue, a thin layer of snow dusting his shoulders.

Upon seeing Ryan emerge, Hamilton let out a scornful chuckle.

"How does it feel, Mr. Holzer, to be used as a human shield?"

Ryan's eyes sparkled with a pleasant warmth.

"Mr. Fowler, jealousy is an unattractive trait."

Hamilton snorted and bent his head to light a cigarette.

"Want one?"

Ryan shook his head.

"I don't smoke, and Natalia doesn't like the smell of it."

Hamilton scoffed, "Really? She never complained about my smoking when we were together."

Ryan let out a laugh.

"Not complaining doesn't mean liking, Hamilton. Do you even know what she likes?"

Hamilton was left speechless, his face stiffening.

With a forced bravado, he retorted, "And do you think you know, Mr. Holzer? Don't forget, I'm the one who lived with her for three years."

Ryan was somewhat aware of the dynamics between Natalia and Hamilton.

To say they lived together for three years was more like Natalia accommodating him for three years.

But he didn't want to linger on that with Hamilton. What use was there in arguing now?

Better to focus on treating Natalia right.

"Goodbye, Mr. Fowler."

Hamilton could only scoff, his eyes brimming with disdain.

"Mr. Holzer, I'll be waiting for the day you get kicked to the curb."

After Ryan left, Hamilton too drove away.

He knew that Natalia probably wouldn't come down tonight.

And he was doomed not to see her.

Driving slowly, Hamilton took his time. On Christmas Eve, most families were gathered together, so the streets were not busy.

His phone kept ringing.

Many were calling him, but he didn't answer.

He just pulled over to the side of the road, watching the gently falling snowflakes outside.

Hamilton had never felt so hollow.

It was as if someone had brutally scooped out something important from his heart.

Eventually, he couldn't resist and dialed Natalia's number, only to be reminded by the mechanical voice on the other end that he was still blocked.

A surge of irritation welled up inside Hamilton.

He did have a work phone, but he didn't call again.

Probably she wouldn't answer anyway.

He opened WhatsApp, considering sending Natalia a message.

But seeing the long string of unread messages, he felt it was probably pointless.