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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the situation

before replying, “That’s why I’m not holding a grudge against them.”

he seemed

crossed Hamilton’s eyes. “Keep looking. Bring him to me when you find him.”

a deep breath, Alden carefully broached another subject. “Bro, can

had a feeling that their relationship might have reached a point of

was evident.

as he refused to let go, she couldn’t leave. And he had no intention

away.

did you? It’s always been Ms. Jenkins. Otherwise, you wouldn’t

Ryan had carried Natalia away was something

feelings involved, why would Hamilton care so

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

cigarette and, without answering,

his cigarette, he turned back

few times, initially intending to talk to Hamilton, but he

conversation with Hamilton would be incomplete without considering

let

to help if Natalia

day and night before

could collect her thoughts, a

which once stirred so much within her, now left her

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she murmured softly.

call the doctor for

had been holding her hand. She averted her

the doctor advised, “You’re awake, but you still need to recover from the lung infection and bruising. Rest is key.”

thank you,” Natalia responded

left, Hamilton returned to her bedside,

again.

grasped at air.

had subtly withdrawn from

but he understood her anger

her eyes closed, taking a long time before

pain; her whole body felt dismantled and reassembled, even breathing hurt. But she didn’t want to share that