Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Natalia turned around to see Ryan Holzer standing at the doorway, watching her.

It had been a while since they last met. He had lost weight but seemed more vibrant than ever.

Ryan had come in with Dawson. He had intended to go over and greet Natalia, but Hamilton had been hovering around her the entire time.

Now, seeing her about to leave, Ryan couldn't help but call out to her.

A smile flickered across Natalia's eyes. "Ryan, it's been a while."

Ryan nodded. "Indeed, it has. How have you been lately?"

After saying this, he glanced at Hamilton standing next to Natalia, a hint of bitterness crossing his mind.

Even though he hadn't been to Silkwood City recently or inquired specifically, he was aware that Hamilton and Natalia were probably on the verge of making up. Ronin Joyner had been nagging him about it almost every day. Natalia bit her lip. "I'm okay, Ryan. How about you?"

Ryan nodded, masking the sourness in his eyes. "So-so, I guess."

Just as Natalia was about to say something more, Hamilton suddenly pulled her into his arms. "Mr. Holzer, didn't you mention something about starting to date? How's that going?"

Ryan laughed. "I heard Mr. Fowler has started the dating game too."

Hamilton's face darkened instantly.

Before he could respond, Natalia's phone rang. "I need to take this call," she said, walking away.

Hamilton's gaze followed her, and Ryan, observing his expression, couldn't help but scoff. "Hamilton, if you're going to hold on to her so desperately, you better treat her right. If you don't, I'll definitely take her away from you again." Hamilton's expression turned icy. "And what right do you have, Ryan?"

Ryan's eyes were filled with sadness. "Maybe I don't, but Hamilton, are you really any better? Do you truly love her, or is this all just about possession?"

Hamilton's face was grim. "Ryan, you-"

Ryan cut him off. "If you truly loved her, you wouldn't have resorted to such low tactics, bringing my aunt into it to humiliate her, right?"

Hamilton hadn't expected Ryan to bring this up. He glanced at Natalia, who was standing there, staring in their direction, panic flickering in his eyes.

He turned back to Ryan. "Even if I hadn't done that, something else would've happened, right?"

His words seemed more for Natalia's sake than Ryan's. Natalia had her fair share of admirers, but the one Hamilton had always been concerned about was Ryan. He could tell she had genuinely wanted to be with Ryan. Initially, he couldn't stand the thought of Ryan being around Natalia, so he had schemed to bring Ryan's aunt into the picture.

Now that this was out in the open, he feared Natalia would be angry and stop talking to him forever.

Ryan chuckled. "Maybe, but it certainly wouldn't have been as embarrassing."

Hamilton glared at Ryan coldly. "Mr. Holzer, it's getting late. We should head back."

Ryan looked at Natalia. "I'm sorry for how my family treated you, leading to our breakup. I've never blamed you, and I hope you won't settle for less in the future. I just want you to be happy." With that, he turned and walked away.

Natalia stared after Hamilton, then finally asked, "Is what Ryan said true?"

Hamilton remained silent, which was answer enough for Natalia.

She knew this was something Hamilton could do.

Hamilton asked softly, "Are you angry?"

"No," Natalia replied, turning to leave. Hamilton quickly followed, catching up and pulling her into an embrace before leading her to the car.

Once in the car, he said softly, "You can hit me or yell at me, just don't be mad, okay?"

Looking at him, Natalia was at a loss for words. He could so carelessly disregard her feelings, putting her in such an uncomfortable position, and yet he could also rush to her aid like today. Sometimes, she couldn't tell if he truly cared or if it was all just a pursuit.

The car was silent for a long time until she asked, "Besides this, what other schemes have you used on me?"

Hamilton swallowed hard. "I intentionally got hurt. The injury on my arm, I could have avoided it. And the time my grandfather hit me, I could have dodged that too. Even the car accident, I didn't have to be injured so severely," Natalia was stunned for a moment, then slapped his arm hard. "Hamilton, are you crazy? Do you find these tactics amusing?"

Hamilton pulled her closer. "I just wanted you to care about me a bit more."

Natalia struggled to break free, but he held her tighter. She hit his arm again, then rested her forehead against his chest, tears streaming down her face.

She couldn't quite pinpoint her feelings.

It seemed this man always knew how to leave her helpless.

"Hamilton, no more of these tactics, please."

Hamilton felt her relenting instantly. "Okay, no more."

Natalia pushed him away. "I want to go back to the hotel."

Hamilton started the car and drove off. Once at the hotel, Natalia entered her room and attempted to close the door.

Hamilton barged in without waiting for an invitation.

Natalia glared at him, "Get your own room!"

But Hamilton, as if he hadn't heard a thing, scooped her up and headed further inside.

"I'll make it up to you. I'll draw you a bath, tuck you into bed, treat you like a queen. Use me however you want!"

Fuming, Natalia landed a few good punches on him.

"Hamilton, have you no shame?"

Yet, Hamilton carried her into the bathroom regardless.

"Natalia, just harbor me for a few hours. I've got a flight back to Silkwood City at three in the morning. Just a few hours, okay?"