Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 202

Natalia pretended she hadn't heard him at all.

What's there to compare, really?

It was just childish.

And to be honest, if we're laying it all out there, Ryan himself had never done anything to hurt her.

On the contrary, it was she who had initiated their relationship and later, the breakup, causing him pain.

Hamilton was about to say something else when a car pulled up to the curb.

Dawson stepped out, his gaze immediately finding Natalia.

"Senator Dawson."

Natalia was the first to greet him.

Dawson nodded, "I heard about what happened inside. Not everyone's a piece of cake to deal with. If you get along, great; if not, no need to sweat it. Don't let it bother you."

Natalia was taken aback; she hadn't expected Dawson to comfort her.

A small smile played on her lips, "Thank you, Senator Dawson, I appreciate it."

After a pause, she continued, "But about my past, I wasn’t sure if…"

Dawson chuckled, "Mr. Fowler has already cleared the air with us. Don't worry, your past won’t affect your application to the Foreign Affairs Department."

Natalia was stunned and looked up at Hamilton in surprise.

After sharing a look between Hamilton and Natalia, Dawson smiled, "Alright, if you're tired, better head home early to rest. You've got a busy day tomorrow," and with that, he headed towards the banquet hall.

Standing at the door, Natalia was silent for a moment before speaking again, "How did you explain it to them?"

After a brief silence, Hamilton said, "I told them we were just normally dating."

Hearing this, Natalia felt a mix of emotions she couldn't quite identify.

Regardless, she thanked him. Without Hamilton’s explanation, her chances of joining the Foreign Affairs Department with her history would have been slim.

Hamilton initially wanted to say that thanks weren't what he was after.

But fearing she'd brush him off, he went straight to the point, "Natalia, let's grab dinner together."

Natalia looked at him and after a moment, agreed, "Sure, my treat."

She felt she owed Hamilton at least that much. If a dinner could settle her debt, then so be it.

Ryan came out not long after.

Seeing Ryan, the smile on Hamilton's face vanished entirely.

Before Ryan could speak, Hamilton let out a cold huff.

Ignoring him, Ryan walked straight up to Natalia.

"Natalia, can we talk in private for a moment?" he asked.

Natalia nodded, feeling that it was time to clear the air.

Seeing her nod, Hamilton’s face darkened immediately.

"What can't I hear?" he asked.

Natalia didn't even bother with him, walking off to the side.

Hamilton's expression turned sour, realizing he had no place to argue.

Once they were aside, Ryan spoke up.

"I'm sorry, Natalia, about tonight. My mom was out of line. Don't take it to heart; I've already talked to her."

"I understand," Natalia gave a small smile. "No mother wants to see her son chasing after a girl she doesn't like. And tonight’s incident isn’t your fault."

Ryan frowned, "You're not upset?"

"To say I'm not would be a lie."

Who would want to be talked about like that?

"But I won't get mad at someone who doesn't like me."

Ryan breathed a sigh of relief but before he could relax completely, Natalia added, "But Ryan, some things just aren't meant to be. It might be better for both of us to let go sooner rather than later."

Ryan's face fell, understanding her meaning instantly.

He managed a bitter smile, "Natalia, don't worry. I won't cause you any more trouble."

Natalia opened her mouth to respond but Ryan cut her off.

"Natalia, you've been in love before. You should understand that it's not always easy to just stop liking someone."

Natalia was choked up, "Ryan, you deserve someone better."