Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 180

Hamilton squinted his eyes, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. After a long, tense moment, he snorted with derision.

"What the hell does my business with Natalia have to do with you?"

The air crackled with the threat of confrontation. Natalia quickly stepped in front of Ryan.

"Hey, Ryan, why don't you head back to the car?"

Ryan's brow furrowed deeply, and before he could argue, Natalia was already pulling him towards their vehicle. Once Ryan was safely in the car, Natalia turned back to face Hamilton. "How much do you want? Two hundred's not enough? How about two thousand? Or maybe twenty grand?"

Hamilton's temples throbbed with suppressed anger.

"Nat, do you really think I'm after your money? Or that I need your pity cash?"

Natalia's lips tightened. "Hamilton, I'll clear your name from my blacklist. Just tell me how much your medical bills are, and I'll wire you the money."

With that, she turned and walked back to the car. Hamilton made to follow, but a car suddenly pulled up in front of him. Caspian stepped out and his gaze landed on Natalia.

"You're not looking so great. Go home and get some rest, I've got this."

Natalia nodded, a simple "thanks" to Caspian, and got into the car. As the vehicle pulled away, Hamilton's gaze turned frosty. But there was a silver lining-Natalia was dealing with her monthly visitor. With that thought, Hamilton's mood lightened ever so slightly. Caspian raised an eyebrow. "Want me to help you with that cut?"

Hamilton shot him a look and without a word, got into his own car. He didn't go home, nor did he head to the office. Instead, he drove straight to a bar. Upon entering, he sat down without uttering a word and started to drown his frustrations in drink. Meanwhile, back in the car... The atmosphere felt unusually tense to Natalia.

"Sorry," she murmured after a while.

Ryan chuckled lightly. "What are you apologizing for? If anyone should be saying sorry, it's that jerk Hamilton."

Natalia massaged her temples. "But it's because of me you keep getting hassled, Ryan. You shouldn't have to deal with this." And you shouldn't have to be bullied by Hamilton, again and again. Her guilt grew heavier.

she felt guilty, the more it meant she didn't really see him as one of her own.

We're supposed to share the load,

slightly, then offered a wry

hand gently. "No, being with you is all that matters. I don't feel slighted

Natalia's lips curved into a small

no more silly thoughts, okay? As long as we're together, nothing else matters. And as for Hamilton, he'll give up eventually." Natalia

and Ryan stayed at Natalia's house well past midnight, showing no signs of leaving. Natalia could

take my room. I'll

Ryan caught her hand. "Natalia, can

nodded. Just as Ryan leaned in, Natalia's phone rang. Smiling awkwardly at Ryan, she said, "Excuse me, I need to take this." Ryan tried to hide his disappointment with a smile.

the caller ID and felt a jolt of irritation.

"What's up?"

are you this gentleman's girlfriend? He's drunk and needs someone to

replied, "Sorry, you've got the wrong number.

phone, and he's been calling for you even while

After a long pause, she said, "Sorry, I really don't know him. Try calling

Ryan watched her, a question in

"Hamilton?"

nodded. "Sleep well,

bit his lip. He had wanted to pick up where they left off, but she clearly wasn't in

Natalia. If you feel unwell, wake me

"Will do."

to the point of losing his senses. He had thought the alcohol would ease his pain, but it only made him feel worse. So much worse that his eyes stung with unshed tears. Once upon a time, Natalia would have rushed to pick him up no matter the hour. But now, she had left him to fend for

added once more.

happened to

hint of bitterness in his

"Did you two have

I'd never lay a hand on

quickly fetched a