Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Natalia found herself at a loss for words.

She desired her. Yet, she couldn't let go of Eveleen.

With a tepid tone, she replied, "Well, Mr. Fowler, your desires seem pretty unique."

Hamilton felt his heart tighten with frustration at her words.

He truly believed he had given it his all.

Never had he imagined himself to be the type to pursue a woman relentlessly.

Nor did he ever think he'd stoop so low for one.

Yet, she remained indifferent.

"Natalia, are you made of stone?"

Natalia didn't want to continue this conversation; her concerns lay elsewhere, particularly with Scarlett.

"Hamilton, Scarlett splashing water on Eveleen today was simply out of frustration. But given what Eveleen did, she had it coming. So, please, keep an eye on Eveleen. Don't let her do anything harmful to Scarlett." Hamilton chuckled, a hint of sarcasm coloring his voice.

"So, Natalia, are you asking for my help?"

After a moment of silence, Natalia parted her lips, "Suppose I am."

She knew this concession would open the door for Hamilton to demand more.

But she had no choice.

Her issues with Eveleen were one thing, but she couldn't risk Scarlett being put in danger.

She was all too familiar with Eveleen's ruthless tactics.

Now, she could only blame her inability to protect Scarlett.

A complex emotion flickered in Hamilton's eyes.

He didn't want to corner her like this.

But given the opportunity, he couldn't let it pass.

"To ask for help, one must show humility, Natalia. You know me."

Natalia's body tensed, and after a long pause, she conceded, "I'll overlook Eveleen's provocation from last night."

Hamilton's laugh echoed, "You know that's not what I want."

Natalia glared at him, her frustration boiling inside, yet unable to erupt, leaving her eyes slightly red.

Hamilton, looking at her, felt a mix of anger and sympathy.

Was she really going to be this stubborn?

Even in seeking his help, she refused to soften her stance.

Despite his frustration, Hamilton eventually compromised.

"Just help me change my bandage later."

With that, he started the car and drove off.

Holding the steering wheel, a whirlwind of emotions stirred within him.

If this had been any other time, he might have clung to her, refusing to let go.

Back then, all he wanted was for her to stay by his side, by any means necessary, whether through threats or enticements.

But something had changed.

Now, he wanted her to stay willingly.

He knew all too well how fierce Natalia could be.

Back then, she was willing to risk everything to leave.

Perhaps threats might work now, but ultimately, she would leave.

He hated to admit it, but he had become greedy.

He wanted her for a lifetime.

Listening to Hamilton, Natalia had braced herself for his demands.

She had even prepared to confront Eveleen directly if needed.

But to her surprise, he simply said, "Okay."

It took her a while to respond.

Hamilton's lips curled into an almost imperceptible smile.

Perhaps, taking a step back was the best approach with this woman.

Hamilton parked in front of a pharmacy, went in to buy some medicine and bandages.

Upon returning, he leisurely began to untie his tie, unbuttoning his shirt one button at a time.

His actions were deliberately seductive.

The temperature in the car seemed to rise inexplicably.

Natalia awkwardly averted her gaze.

Hamilton chuckled, his laughter spreading through the car like sparks.

Natalia clenched her teeth.

"Hamilton, could you not strip as if you're auditioning for some adult film? Anyone would think you're in a different profession!" Hamilton handed her the medicine and bandages.

"Do you like it, Ms. Jenkins?"

Natalia gripped the bandages tightly, fighting the urge to storm out of the car.

"Hamilton, don't push it."

Hamilton hummed in acknowledgment, but his actions remained unabashed.

He took off his shirt, revealing a sturdy chest.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he called out softly, "Natalia."

Taking a deep breath, Natalia turned back to him.

She tried not to look, but her gaze inevitably fell on him as she changed the bandage.

The car was warm, yet she felt inexplicably hotter.

She quickly finished the task.

As she was about to pull away, Hamilton suddenly gripped her wrist.

"Natalia, weren't you suspicious of my relationship with Eveleen? Now's your chance to check if the only marks on me are yours."

Natalia struggled but couldn't break free. She pinched his other arm forcefully.

"Hamilton, go flirt with Eveleen if you're feeling frisky!"

But Hamilton pulled her hand, placing it on his shoulder.

There, a faint bite mark - her mark.

Natalia's fingers twitched slightly, but before she could speak, Eveleen's ringtone suddenly filled the car.

She withdrew her hand with a cold expression.

"Go ahead, answer your precious Eveleen."

Hamilton's gaze flickered momentarily.

"Natalia, are you jealous?"

Natalia scoffed, "You wish, Hamilton."

She might have cared about that ringtone once.

It might have even been a sore point for her.

But now, she felt indifferent.

Hamilton didn't answer the call, opting instead to mute his phone and turn on the car stereo.

Classical music filled the space as Natalia absentmindedly watched the world outside.

After dressing, Hamilton finally picked up his phone.

He glanced at Natalia and, right in front of her, switched the ringtone back.

"There, happy now?"

Natalia gave him a look. "Hamilton, it really doesn't matter to me whether you change it or not. I just don't care anymore."

Hamilton felt a lump in his throat.

"Natalia, would it kill you to care about me just a little?"

Suddenly, Natalia didn't quite know how to answer him.

She used to care.

But that feeling was just too painful.

Besides, he now had an old flame he couldn't seem to get over or let go of. Why would he need her to care?

Hamilton, seeing her expression, chuckled suddenly.

"If I really blocked her, would you give me a chance then?"

Natalia was silent for a moment. "No."

It was never about a phone number between them.

Hamilton snorted and tossed his phone aside, starting the car and driving off.

Natalia looked down, silent.

But then, Hamilton suddenly pulled over to the side of the road.

He picked up his phone, took her hand, and moved Eveleen's number to the blocked list.