Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 191 Natalia blinked in surprise, only to realize it was Hamilton who had cup to her.

She turned her head to Ryan. "Ryan, let's switch seats." Ryan glanced at Hamilton and nodded, "Sure." Hamilton grabbed Natalia's wrist firmly. She tugged hard twice. "Hamilton, this wrist has been dislocated before." Hamilton instantly let go. Natalia switched seats with Ryan and didn't glance in Hamilton's direction again. Hamilton's gaze was heavy as he stared at Ryan sitting beside him. "Don't you think you're a bit in the way?" Ryan flashed him a grin, "Happy New Year, Mr. Fowler." Hamilton sneered, "Mr. Holzer, what brings you to Silkwood City from Boria City on New Year's?" Ryan chuckled, "Just here for sfun." Hamilton scoffed, "Silkwood City more fun than Boria City?" Ryan nodded, "Absolutely. Beautiful sights, even more beautiful people." Hamilton let out a cold laugh, "Even if she is an ex." Ryan's eyes still smiled, "At least I was Natalia's boyfriend." Hamilton suddenly fell silent. It hit him then. Ryan probably was Natalia's first official boyfriend.

A pang of jealousy surged within him. Was he just someone who wouldn't even be mentioned when someone asked about Natalia's past? The more Hamilton thought about it, the more agitated he became. Ryan, watching Hamilton stew, couldn't quite identify his own feelings. He could clearly sense that Hamilton had feelings for Natalia. And Natalia, she wasn't indifferent to Hamilton either.

He knew he shouldn't cbetween them. But he still wanted to try. Feelings are selfish after all. He'd liked Natalia longer than this man had. He wasn't ready to bow out just yet.

With their own thoughts, the tsat through a movie. When it ended, Natalia headed out first, with Ryan close behind. Hamilton watched their retreating figures and eventually followed. Ryan had planned to suggest going to an amusement park or someplace similar after the movie, but with Hamilton tagging along, that was unlikely now.

"Back to the hospital?" Ryan murmured. Natalia nodded, but before she could speak, Hamilton called out.

"Natalia." The man stepped in front of them, his gaze not on Ryan but fixed on Natalia. "Still upset about last night?" Natalia turned and walked away, Hamilton pursuing. "Last night I explained it all. She cat me, Natalia, those photos were taken without consent, and I've dealt with it." Natalia's tone was flat. "I said, whoever you want to hug, go ahead. Hamilton, it doesn't concern me. And you don't need to explain anymore. Even if you're marrying Eveleen now, I'd just wish you both well!" Hamilton felt a surge of anger at her distant words. "Natalia, do you really not care at all?" Natalia paused in her steps, turning to face Hamilton after a long moment, "Does it matter if I care?" Hamilton was taken aback, and it took a while before he spoke, "I've made it clear with Eveleen, I won't see her again, I won't get involved in her matters." Natalia's gaze dropped. "That's none of my concern." Hamilton felt a pressure in his chest, suffocating. "You blockedbecause it's none of your concern?" Natalia asked with a hint of bitterness, "Hamilton, that forget-me-not necklace Eveleen had, did you give it to her?" Hamilton was caught off guard by the sudden question. But his irritation grew. "Just because of a necklace, you blocked me? If you want one, I could " Natalia's heart ached, "No, thanks. I can't afford Mr. Fowler's gifts." She spoke with calm detachment, her eyes on Hamilton devoid of emotion. "Hamilton, please, stay out of my life." With that, she turned and walked away without a second glance. Hamilton wanted to follow, but Ryan stood in his way.

"Ryan!" Hamilton's forehead veins bulged, "Looking for another beating?" Ryan stood firm, "Can't you see she doesn't want to talk to you? Hamilton, Natalia's suffered enough because of you. If you can't promise her happiness, stop bothering her." Hamilton was fuming and wouldn't hear it. "Ryan, what's it to you? Or can you promise her happiness?" Ryan was silent for a moment, "I can't promise that either, so I'd rather stay by her side as a friend." Without another word, he got back into his car. Hamilton watched the car drive away, scoffing bitterly to himself. Now he saw it clearly; Natalia could be anything with Ryan, but with him, nothing was right.

Back in the car, Natalia's eyes were still red-rimmed. After blocking Hamilton today, she'd wondered if she'd misunderstood him. She even thought, maybe the necklace was mass-produced, and Eveleen had just bought the sone? But in the end, hope only brought disappointment.

Ryan passed her a tissue. "Cry if you feel like it." Natalia fought the sourness in her heart and shook her head. "I'm fine." Watching her feign indifference, Ryan decided to change the subject. "After the New Year's celebrations, there's this big international summit coming up, and Mr. Collin, he wants you to take the lead on the translation gig." Natalia paused, staring at Ryan as if he'd spoken in another language. "You're not pulling my leg, are you? I haven't even set foot in the State Department yet." Working outside of the State Department was one thing, but taking the reins on such a crucial task seemed as likely as a snowball's chance in the desert.

Ryan chuckled, "Minister Dawson's already given the green light. Think of it as your backstage pass." Surprise flickered across Natalia's face. She'd only met Dawson briefly, and if you counted the the cto her aid, that was just twice. Yet, he was opening this special door for her.

Ryan found her disbelief somewhat amusing. "What? Don't trust your own skills?" Natalia was truly taken aback. "I just don't get why he'd trustso much. Isn't he afraid I'll botch it up?" "Your talent speaks for itself, and Mr. Collin will be there to back you up. Natalia, you were born for this job. Collin's dead set on handing it over to you, the sooner the better." Thinking it over, Natalia smiled and nodded, "I'll get prepped and ready to go." With the holiday festivities winding down, Ryan didn't linger and left that afternoon.

In the following days, Natalia didn't cross paths with Hamilton, which bit. Her twas eased her mind a bit. Her twas split between hospital visits and preparing materials at home, until work resumed on the sixth day of the month. Arriving at the office, Natalia was greeted by an anxious-looking Alden waiting at her door. With a slight curve of her lips, she asked, "Alden, what's up?"

Alden hesitated, then spilled his troubles. "Natalia, my brother's been sick for days now, refusing medicine, defying the doctors Could you please the doctors. visit or maybe just call him? I'm sorry to ask, but he won't listen to any of us." Natalia's expression remained serene. "Alden, you shouldn't have cto me. Your brother and I, we've got no ties anymore."

Alden had anticipated such a response. With a tinge of helplessness, he said, "Natalia, are you still upset about hing siding with Eveleen? He's/retracted his statement since New Year's Day.

Trust me, he won't stand with Eveleen again." Natalia's lips twitched, a small smile breaking through. "Alden, heart to heart, do you really think your brother can stay away from Eveleen for good?"