Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 135

Hamilton knew, deep down, that saying sorry was useless right now, but that seemed to be all he could offer.

Eveleen had been his saving grace. No one knew the ordeals he had faced when he arrived at that quaint fishing town–how he had brushed with death more than once. The first few times at the hands of his mother, and then later, by his own hand.

It was only in that serene hamlet by the sea that a flicker of desire to live sparked within him.

Though the details of his past had blurred through therapy, the name “Evi” was etched in his mind like a sacred incantation.

She was his redemption.

In such a state, he couldn’t just abandon Eveleen. Yet he hadn’t anticipated dragging Natalia into such peril.

Hamilton gripped Natalia’s hand, his gaze falling upon her pale, fragile face, feeling a weight in his chest that made it hard to breathe.

Every time he blinked, he saw her lifeless body sprawled on the jagged rocks.

He closed his eyes briefly, and when he reopened them, they were drained of emotion. His long fingers traced the wet trail on her cheek.

In a hushed voice, he said, “Natalia, don’t be scared. I’m here.”

It took a while, but Natalia finally calmed down.

Hamilton fetched a warm towel and gently wiped her face. His movements halted as he dabbed her hands; the wounds were still there, even if the dislocated wrist had been attached.

Carefully avoiding the cuts, he finished and tucked her hand beneath the blanket before standing up and stepping outside.

Alden was waiting at the door.

“Did you find Orpheus?” Hamilton asked, his voice low.

Alden shook his head. “He’s hiding out somewhere, the bold bastard. To think he’d abduct Ms. Jenkins in broad daylight! If it weren’t for Ryan and Dawson, Ms. Jenkins might’ve been out of luck.”

Hamilton let out a bitter laugh. “If they hadn’t intervened, Natalia wouldn’t have been in danger.” Alden paused, considering Hamilton’s implication.

Without Ryan and Dawson’s presence, Orpheus would have had to contact Hamilton, who would have surely found a way to keep Natalia safe.

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Chapter 135

the situation would push a desperate

lit it before replying, “That’s why I’m not

lips moved, but he seemed lost for words. “And

of steely resolve crossed Hamilton’s eyes. “Keep looking. Bring him to me

broached another subject. “Bro, can you and Ms. Jenkins make

feeling that their relationship might

evident.

leave. And he had no intention of letting her

away.

you? It’s always been

Ryan had carried Natalia away was something

a simple embrace. If there were no feelings involved, why

panic in his brother’s eyes–the kind of panic that comes from fearing the loss

without answering,

out his cigarette, he turned back

come by a few times, initially intending to talk to Hamilton, but he eventually felt it wasn’t his place to

any conversation with Hamilton would be incomplete without considering her feelings.

he let it be.

help if Natalia asked

a full day and night before regaining

could collect her

which once stirred so much within her, now left

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murmured

pain? I’ll call the doctor

holding her hand. She averted her gaze,

still need to recover from the lung infection and bruising. Rest

you,” Natalia

returned to her bedside,

again.

he grasped at air.

withdrawn from him.

understood her anger was

eyes closed, taking a long time

and reassembled, even breathing hurt. But she didn’t want to share that with him anymore. Her suffering, her discomfort would all be irrelevant to him from now on.