Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

The simple phrase had unexpectedly become the weapon that shattered Natalia's facade of calm. In an instant, all her strength crumbled.

Barefoot, she left the bed and walked to the door, collapsing onto his knees and began to cry softly.

Hamilton looked on with a heart full of pity but said nothing, allowing her tears to flow.

It was only when her sobs subsided that he gently lifted her up.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Natalia felt a knot of unease in her heart.

With teary eyes, she looked at Hamilton, "I thought you were too busy."

Hamilton raised an eyebrow, "No matter how busy, I'd make time for you."

Natalia bit her lip, and after a long pause, she finally asked, "Is Delilah someone your family wants you to marry?"

Hamilton chuckled softly, lifting her chin and asked in a whisper, "Jealous?"

Natalia pulled away from his hand.

"There's nothing for me to be jealous about. We're not in a relationship."

Hamilton pulled her into his embrace.

He leaned down and bit her neck gently.

"Really no relationship?"

Natalia remained silent.

It wasn't that there was nothing, but rather, she dared not entertain the thought.

One heartbreak with Eveleen was enough, and now Tatiana was suffering because of her involvement.

Moreover, Delilah was clearly from a more prestigious family than Eveleen.

Add to that the disapproval of the Fowler family.

Being powerless and without influence, she dared not contend with them any longer.

Hamilton instantly understood her hesitation.

His expression darkened silently.

He clenched his teeth in frustration, having tried so hard only for her to think of backing out now?

No way.

He grabbed Natalia's waist, and before she could react, lifted her into his arms.

Then, standing up from his wheelchair, he carried her into the hospital room.

He kicked the door shut with his leg, turned around, and pressed her onto the bed.

Natalia screamed, "Hamilton, have you lost your mind? Your wound!"

"Struggle if you must," Hamilton said, then proceeded to kiss her neck deeply.

Natalia stiffened but dared not struggle.

"Hamilton, stop!"

He looked up, a light chuckle escaping him, "I told you, you could struggle."

After saying that, he bit her lip again.

Natalia bit back in frustration but didn't dare to use too much force.

She was unsure if his wounds still pained him, yet she dared not make any unnecessary moves.

But Hamilton intensified his actions, his hand slipping down her waistline.

Natalia gasped in surprise.

"Hamilton, have you lost it?"

Hamilton shushed her.

His fingers roamed and teased more boldly.

Natalia's cheeks flushed with heat.

"Hamilton, you-"

He chuckled lightly, "Does it feel good?"

Unable to bear it any longer, Natalia forcefully flipped him over.

Hamilton, now on his back, wasn't rushed but chuckled, "Natalia, you do care about me, don't you?"

Natalia avoided his gaze and headed to the bathroom.

Hamilton pulled out a piece of paper and wiped his hand.

When Natalia returned from the bathroom, she found Hamilton leaning against her bed, his face even paler than before.

Her heart tightened, and she rushed over to check on him.

Instantly, her heart squeezed in panic.

The bandage around his abdomen was soaked with blood.

Natalia trembled with fear.

"Hamilton, your wound has reopened."

Without waiting for a response, she dashed out, "I'll call a doctor."

Hamilton merely chuckled.

When the doctor arrived and saw Hamilton's wound, his expression darkened.

"What were you thinking? Can't you wait until the wound heals?"

The doctor, though visibly annoyed, spoke with restraint, knowing Hamilton's status.

Natalia's face burned with embarrassment.

Hamilton simply laughed, "My apologies, doctor. It's been a while, and I couldn't help myself."

The doctor, at a loss for words, advised, "At least wait a week."

Natalia, her face a shade of red, listened as the doctor re-stitched the wound.

After the doctor left, Hamilton gestured for Natalia to come closer.

"Natalia, come lie down with me."

Natalia stood still, hesitant.

"I truly have no strength left to cause trouble. Do you know how much blood I lost today?"

Her heart ached at his words, compelling her to approach.

She took off her shoes and lay down beside him, her back to Hamilton.

They lay in silence, the room filled only with the sound of their breathing.

After a while, he finally spoke.

"My marriage is my decision, Natalia. You have to trust me."

Natalia remained silent.

Hamilton kissed her neck softly.

"Give me six months. If I can resolve everything within that time, then commit to me. If I fail, you're free to leave, and I won't hold you back." Natalia's lashes fluttered.

Could six months really make a difference?

But seeing Hamilton's pale face, she found herself unable to refuse.

She wondered, was she being too timid?

Should she give this relationship one more shot?

After all, the man she had adored for so many years was right there in front of her.

She shouldn't, and didn't want to, just give up like that.

Time seemed to stand still before she finally turned around and gently wrapped her arms around Hamilton's waist.

She wanted to love him once more.

The moment Hamilton felt her embrace, his eyes sparkled with surprise.

Just as he looked down, intending to say something, the sound of a knock echoed from the door.

Alden cautiously opened the door, a look of apology on his face.

"Bro, we've found the guy who kidnapped Natalia's mom."