Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 266 Hamilton's eyes shimmered with a flicker of hope.

The moment Natalia rushed to shield him, his initial response was fear-fear for her getting hurt.

Yet, at the stime, he felt an unexpected surge of joy.

Their journey had been a tumultuous one-from separation to this moment.

Had he not been stubbornly persistent, Natalia might have never looked back.

Now, although Natalia was willing to be close to him, he knew it was all because of his relentless pursuit.

Whether she truly held any feelings for him was a question he had never been able to answer.

Until the moment she threw herself in front of him.

Hamilton was both frustrated and scared.

But also relieved, for she had responded in such a way.

No words were exchanged, yet her actions spoke volumes to his heart.

Natalia bit her lip, her gaze landing on the bandaged hand he held.

The words of denial were on the tip of her tongue, yet she couldn't bring herself to speak them.

She couldn't fathom what was going through his mind when he had grabbed that knife in such a dire moment.

It was undeniable that Natalia was deeply moved.

This time, it might have seemed like she was the one protecting him.

But in the end, he was the one who had kept her safe.

After what felt like an eternity, Natalia finally met Hamilton's intense and solemn gaze.

She no longer evaded his inquiries, instead asking softly, "Hamilton, will you steadfastly choose me? Even facing the likes of Eveleen or the Fowlers?" Hamilton looked at her, his eyes full of sincerity.

"Natalia, haven't I made it obvious enough?" After a long pause, Natalia spoke.

"Hamilton, the moment I saw that person charging at you with a knife, I was really scared-scared of losing you, scared that we hadn't truly loved each other before it was all over." As she spoke, a laugh escaped her, followed by sudden tears.

"So, without thinking, I stood in front of you." Hamilton's breath hitched, and he pulled her into his embrace.

Natalia rested her forehead against his chest, feeling a sourness at the tip of her nose.

She still harbored many uncertainties.

There were still numerous obstacles between them.

But at that moment, she suddenly didn't want to run away anymore.

As long as he steadfastly chose her, she was willing to try again.

"Hamilton, let's give it a try." Natalia's voice was muffled.

But those words left Hamilton stunned for a long moment.

He held Natalia's shoulders, gazing at her in disbelief, before finally saying, "Natalia, say that again." With her eyes still slightly red, Natalia admitted, "Hamilton, I can't deny that I still have feelings for you." "And with everything that has happened between us, I don't want to be irresponsible." "But there are still many issues between us, whether it's the Fowlers or Eveleen, they all stand as barriers between us. I don't know how far we can go, so, all I can say is, let's give it a try." Right after she finished speaking, Hamilton kissed her deeply.

His passionate kiss felt like it was consuming her.

Natalia instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

Hamilton then lifted her onto his lap, which made Natalia startle.

"Your hand!" Hamilton bit her lip, not allowing her to be distracted, "Don't worry, I can handle you with one hand!" Natalia pushed him away, "Stop it!" But Hamilton refused to let go.

"Natalia, am I your boyfriend now?" Natalia nodded.

Though it was just a trial, being her boyfriend was indeed a good start.

Hamilton pulled her closer, "So, can I go brag to Ryan now?" Natalia glared at him, "Hamilton, are you crazy?" Hamilton chuckled, "What, only he's allowed to brag to me?" Natalia was at a loss for words.

She quickly steered the conversation back on track.

"That Quill, why was he at the construction site? Wasn't he arrested last time?" At the mention of this, Hamilton's smile vanished.

"That man is practically Orpheus Fowler's right-hand man. My old man had him released last tto use Orpheus against me." Natalia felt a sinking feeling, "So, it was Orpheus this time? I thought it was Patrick." A cold light flashed in Hamilton's eyes.

"It's not certain. Orpheus has been bedridden, and I've had people watching him. This time, it seems someone else used Orpheus's influence." "We're not sure yet. The person has been taken to the police station; we'll know more after the interrogation." Natalia nodded, about to say something when Hamilton kissed her again.

It wasn't long before his hand started to wander.

Realizing his intentions, Natalia pushed him away and stood up to leave.

"This is a hospital!" Hamilton laughed, following her.

"So, are you coming hwithtonight?" "No." Going back would only mean another exhausting night, and she wasn't ready to tire herself out in bed just yet.

Hamilton visibly sulked.

"Natalia, we just made it official. Shouldn't there be sperks?" Natalia hummed, "And?" "So, are you going to leavehungry?" Natalia paused, "You weren't exactly starving before we made it official!" Hamilton grabbed her waist.

"Then you'll pack up tonight and move in tomorrow, okay?" Natalia looked at him, "Hamilton, anyone would think you only have one thing on your mind!" Hamilton's uninjured hand caressed her waist.

"Can you blme after you've starvedfor so long?" Natalia pushed him away and walked out, "Two of the workers got injured at the site, they're here in this hospital. I'm going to check on them." Hamilton paused, then smiled softly, his eyes filled with warmth.

"I'll cwith you."

Natalia had initially wanted him to get srest, but seeing his restless demeanor, she guessed he wouldn't settle for lounging in the hospital En room. She nodded in agreement, and they both went out to grab sessentials before heading back to the hospital.

As they approached the construction worker's room, a burst of laughter could be heard from inside. Natalia paused mid-step, noticing the door was wide open, with Mason sitting inside. She blinked, stepping forward to greet him.

"President Joyner, what brings you here?" Mason stood up with a smile, "Well, it happened on our project site, so I thought I should cby and check on things." He then glanced at Hamilton's hand.

"Mr. Fowler, you've been injured?" Hamilton chuckled, "Just a scratch, nothing serious." Mason nodded, "Still, be careful. Times have been rather tumultuous lately." Hamilton's eyes twinkled with amusement, though he remained silent.

Natalia exchanged a few words with the family and the workers, then left with Mason.

Outside, Mason broke the silence with a chuckle.

"Natalia, I owe you an apology about the Patrick situation." Natalia laughed lightly, "President Joyner, what are you talking about? After all, Ron Group is still part of the Joyner family legacy."

Mason looked at her, "That makes it sound like we're strangers. But you're right about Patrick. was my oversight. Pdidn't expect that showing him leniency would lead to retaliation." Hamilton snorted coldly at the side.

"People are unpredictable, after all!" Mason nodded, not adding anything more before departing.

Hamilton watched Mason leave, his gaze deepening, but he said nothing, simply leading Natalia outside.

With Hamilton's hand still injured, Natalia insisted on driving him back to his apartment instead of letting him drive.

As they stopped, Hamilton refused to leave the car.

He looked at Natalia and then pulled her onto his lap with one arm.

"Are you sure you don't want to cup tonight? Natalia, my hand's still hurting, you know."