Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 205

Hamilton froze for a second when he saw the tears falling from her eyes.

"What's up, had a nightmare?"

He reached out to wipe her tears away, but Natalia snapped back to reality and instinctively dodged his hand. She looked down and dried her own tears.

"It's getting late, you should head back and get some rest," she said, setting her laptop aside and standing up to head to the bathroom.

After washing her face, her eyes still slightly red, the feeling of near-death that had overwhelmed her upon waking had vanished. She glanced at the nail marks in her palm, took a deep breath, and turned to leave the bathroom.

Ever since that shipwreck, she'd been haunted by feelings of desperation and helplessness, like a nightmare she couldn't shake off. She thought she'd grown accustomed to it, yet the moment she woke up and saw Hamilton today, reality and dreams blurred. Opening the bathroom door, she found Hamilton waiting outside, his brow furrowed with concern.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing," Natalia avoided his gaze.

"Really nothing, or you just don't want to tell me?" Hamilton's expression darkened slightly.

After a moment of silence, Natalia admitted, "I'm just tired, Hamilton. I want to rest."

Hamilton knew her well enough to see through her. She wasn't fine; she just didn't want to share.

A stir of irritation rose within him. Did she really not want to open up to him at all? What had happened that she didn't even have the slightest desire to share with him? Or was he just not trustworthy enough in her eyes? Hamilton's face hardened. "Natalia, you really don't want to share anything with me?"

Natalia didn't want to bring up those issues with Hamilton. She knew it would only make things worse. "Please, let's not talk about it."

"Well then, I'm not leaving tonight. I'm worried about you," Hamilton declared, and sat down on her bed.

what's the point

moving. With a sigh, Natalia finally gave in a bit,

on the bedsheet. After a long pause, his voice slightly hoarse, he said, "Natalia, some things, once they're in the past, should be left there. Holding on to them only causes more pain." Natalia laughed bitterly. She wished she could let go, but the chilling waters seemed to seep into her very bones, reminding her of those who had wronged her and had yet to face justice. She couldn't just forget! "Hamilton, I'm tired. I need to

"I'll stay with you."

refused, "No need. It's past

you!" Hamilton's

"Hamilton, I need

"Then rest well, call me if you need

tried to force herself to sleep. Eventually, she sat up, deciding to refine her plan for the

Natalia remained as unyielding as ever. Lighting a cigarette, he stared into the night, feeling a sense of defeat. The next morning, Ryan arrived with breakfast, only to find Hamilton outside

playing the devoted suitor?"

grunt, Ryan replied, "You're up

their concerns for Natalia's wellbeing and questioning each other's intentions, they discovered Natalia had

offered, but

Natalia, each questioning the other's ability and intentions to truly make her happy. Despite their rivalry, it was clear both men were deeply affected by Natalia's situation and her refusal to open up completely about her troubles.

headed out early, intending to check out the venue

the venue's entrance, she

"Mr. Collin."

Natalia called out.

Collin's face lit up with surprise. "What brings you here

smile. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd come by and make

man

have to put in extra effort to manage a conference like this." Collin nodded, his eyes full of admiration for

heading straight to the venue,

pale. Not

well last night. I'll catch up on sleep

"Regardless, you