Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 232 Natalia's grip on her phone tightened.

Before she could even speak, Alden's voice cthrough, carrying a heavy note of concern.

"My brother's been through the wringer because of Victor. He's been butting heads with Grandpa all week. Grandpa didn't hold back, and now, on top of old injuries, there are new ones. He started running a fever last night but keeps insisting he's fine, won't take his meds, just toughing it out." Natalia frowned as she listened. Sometimes, she wondered if this was Hamilton's way of playing the martyr.

But the fact that he got hurt trying to help her was undeniable.

She bit her lip, taking a moment before asking, "Is he at the apartment?" Alden confirmed, "Yeah, at the apartment. Grandpa had him grounded at huntil yesterday when he finally got out." Natalia responded, "I'll head over in a bit." "Alright." Ending the call, Natalia took a moment to gather her thoughts before heading straight to the apartment.

Upon reaching, she knocked on the door first, but there was no answer, no one to open the door.

Reluctantly, she used her fingerprint to unlock the door.

The shoe rack by the door still had the pair of brand-new slippers from her last visit.

Natalia glanced at them and slipped them on.

The apartment was eerily quiet, as if no one was home.

""Hamilton." Natalia called out, but again, no response.

She pushed open the bedroom door and stepped inside, only to be pulled against it.

The heat from Hamilton's feverish body enveloped her as he pulled her into an embrace, looking down at her with eyes that reflected her image. Natalia's heart skipped a beat.

She tried to push him away but noticed how pale he was, his forehead bandaged.

She hesitated before asking, "Did Grandpa do this?" Hamilton hummed in acknowledgment.

Guilt and sympathy swirled in Natalia, "I'm sorry you got dragged into this." Hamilton smiled, resting his forehead against hers.

"It's not your fault. I chose this." The closeness was intoxicating.

Natalia shifted awkwardly away from him.

"Go lie down." Hamilton chuckled, his breath hotter than normal.

Natalia's brows knitted together, "Did you hear me?" Hamilton smirked, "Kiss me, and I'll go." Natalia pushed him off with force, "Go lie down!" After fetching the first aid kit and finding sfever reducers, she asked, "Where's the housekeeper?" Hamilton leaned against the door frame, watching her prepare the medicine. "Took a leave. Family emergency." Natalia doubted the truth of his words. It seemed too coincidental.

But she didn't press, simply handing him the medicine, "Take these, then we're going to the hospital." Hamilton refused, "No need. Alden's making a mountain out of a molehill. A few days of rest, and I'll be fine." He closed his eyes, seeming to drift off.

Natalia stood by the door, watching him. After a while, she offered, "Can I make you something to eat?" Hamilton didn't answer, feigning sleep.

Eventually, he broke the silence, "Natalia, did you cto thankagain?" She was torn. Her visit was indeed out of gratitude, but not solely. She was genuinely concerned about him.

But admitting that felt like crossing a line she wasn't ready to breach.

Natalia remained silent; Hamilton didn't press further.

The room filled with the sound of their breathing until Hamilton finally spoke again, "Never mind. Come, keepcompany for a bit." Natalia hesitated at the door.

Hamilton assured her with a tired smile, "Don't worry, I'm too worn out for anything else." Natalia, amused and exasperated by his shamelessness, fetched a warm cloth and carefully wiped his forehead and hands, avoiding his injuries.

Hamilton watched her silently until, eventually, he took her hand, saying softly, "Natalia, I've missed you." She froze.

Hamilton caressed her face, "Really, I've just missed you. I've been imagining this scenawhere you're here doing what you love, and I'm just nearby. We could see each other with just a glance." He chuckled, "I've missed you, and this place misses you too."

The only sound Natalia could focus on, apart from the man's voice next t ce next to her, was the thudding of her own heart Feeling slightly awkward, she withdrew her hand and walked into the bathroom, towel in hand. The bathroom mirror, which seemed to have been replaced recently, reflected her image back at her - eyes slightly reddened, a storm of emotions swirling inside.

Outside, Hamilton watched her disappear into the bathroom, a hint of a smile flickering in his eyes.

He was about to say something when his phone suddenly rang. Glancing down, he picked it up casually.

On the other end, Scarlett's voice cthrough, tinged with urgency.

"Hamilton, is Natalia with you?" she asked.

Hamilton replied, "Yeah, what's up? Something wrong?" Scarlett's voice grew heavy, "I just got a call from the caregiver, saying Natalia's mom has gone missing."

The atmosphere, once light and almost playful, had shifted tically. Hamilton's gaze lingered on the closed bathroom door, a mix of concern and contemplation in his eyes. This news from Scarlett wasn't something he had expected, and it certainly changed the course of the evening. The once casual and somewhat flirtatious interaction between him and Natalia was now overshadowed by a sudden, pressing concern.