Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

The question hung in the air, leaving everyone momentarily stunned.

What was Delilah's deal, anyway?

Her almost-boyfriend was right there, yet here she was, making a spectacle by hanging onto Ryan. Ryan just chuckled.

The answer was clear to anyone who knew him well enough, but he chose to remain silent.

Given Natalia and Hamilton had made it this far, Ryan figured he had no business stirring the pot any further.

He lifted his glass and downed three drinks in quick succession.

Those around him were taken aback, unable to process the scene unfolding.

Setting down his glass, Ryan stood up. "Y'all have fun. Got something to take care of, so I'll be heading out," he announced before turning to leave.

Natalia watched Ryan's retreating form, a complex mix of emotions swirling within her.

Hamilton couldn't help but sneer beside her.

"Feeling sorry for him?"

Natalia downed her drink, her frustration evident. It wasn't pity she felt but irritation.

Delilah's antics that evening were blatantly provocative.

Ryan, innocent in all this, was unfairly dragged into the mess by Delilah.

Ignoring Hamilton, Natalia turned to face Delilah.

"Maybe if you've got time to kill, you could work on your communication skills instead of stirring the pot. It might save you some embarrassment on future assignments!" Natalia spat out before marching off. Hamilton quickly followed her.

Delilah, watching their departure, clenched her fists. Was Natalia mocking her competence?

What gave her the right?

Sure, Natalia might be slightly better in their field, but that was it.

The onlookers had mixed feelings. Some had worked with Delilah before. She wasn't usually like this.

Why the sudden change tonight?

Even Natalia, known for her patience, was visibly upset by her behavior.

Outside, Natalia abruptly bit Hamilton on the chin, not holding back in the slightest.

Hamilton winced in pain, pulling her into an embrace.

"Hamilton, you sure attract a lot of attention!"

Hamilton chuckled. "Then why don't you help me keep them at bay, Ms. Jenkins?"

Natalia looked at him before heading towards the hotel.

She knew she couldn't, not with Delilah or Eveleen.

Maybe it was the Long Island Iced Teas talking, but as she stumbled on a step, she found herself gazing up at Hamilton, tracing his face with her fingers. "Hamilton, you're so handsome."

His gaze flickered.

"More than Ryan?"

Natalia didn't respond, just kept looking at him. After a long pause, she finally said, "You're the most handsome man I've ever met."

Hamilton smiled, about to speak when Natalia continued, her voice tinged with what-ifs and wishes about him being different, simpler, just hers.

Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke, the harsh realities of their differences laid bare.

Pushing him away, she tried to walk on, but Hamilton pulled her into his embrace, heading back to the hotel.

Inside the room, he pressed her against the door, pleading for her eyes only to be on him from now on.

Natalia, tears streaming, accused him of losing his way, of not wanting her or their future.

Hamilton, heart clenched, assured her of his commitment, suggesting they try for another child, a plea filled with hope and desperation.

As they moved together, Hamilton whispered for her to express her love, a moment of vulnerability in their tangled emotions. Natalia didn't respond, instead, she bit into his shoulder.

Afterwards, her eyes were rimmed with redness.

Hamilton gently peppered kisses on her face.

Slowly, Natalia started to sober up.

With a weak lift of her arm, she muttered, "You didn't use protection."

Hamilton, lighting a cigarette beside her, chuckled at her comment.

"Yeah, it's better this way. No more protection."

Natalia, irritated, threw a pillow at him.

She staggered to her feet, intending to take a shower.

Hamilton moved to assist her, but she snapped, "I can clean up myself, get out!"

Jerk, did he really think she hadn't noticed his intentions?

He was ready for another round.

Hamilton, not wanting to push her further, stepped out.

Once outside, his demeanor darkened.

He picked up his phone and walked to the window, dialing Alden's number.

"Have you found out who's been in touch with Eveleen these past days?"

There was a moment of silence from Alden before he replied, "There's someone from her grandfather's side close to Eveleen." Hamilton's gaze turned icy in an instant.

Then, Alden hesitantly added, "Bro, I was debating whether to tell you this, but Eveleen has gone missing."