Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 236

Natalia woke up, again, finding herself in the sterile white of a hospital room.

Scarlett, seeing her awake, rushed to her side with concern. "Are you feeling okay? The doc said you got a mild concussion. Headache, nausea, anything?"

Natalia took a moment to assess herself. "No, I'm fine. But, what about Hamilton? And my mom?"

Scarlett hesitated, her face shadowed with worry before she finally spoke. "Your mom's in ICU, and Hamilton... he's hurt pretty bad. Lost a lot of blood and hasn't woken up yet." Natalia's heart skipped a beat. "Where's he hurt? Where is he?"

As she attempted to rise from her bed, Scarlett gently but firmly pushed her back down. "Stay put for now. He's still unconscious, and rushing over won't help. Let me get a doctor to check on you first." After a brief check-up that confirmed Natalia was alright, Scarlett allowed her to get up.

"Go see Hamilton first. Visiting hours for your mom in the ICU aren't until later, and the docs are changing shifts. You can check on her after."

Natalia nodded, a mix of gratitude and urgency in her gaze.

Scarlett couldn't help but smile, "You were planning to see him first anyway, weren't you?"

Natalia's cheeks flushed, a silent acknowledgment.

"Either way, he's the hero this time. Heard if it wasn't for the ambulance right there, he might not have made it," Scarlett added, her tone somber.

A chill ran down Natalia's spine, her heart aching with a blend of fear and tenderness.

"I need to see him."

some food for you

pace quickened, her heart pounding. Yet, standing at the door, she hesitated, unsure of what awaited her

washed away

stood up as she entered. "Natalia, you

"I'm fine. How's Hamilton?"

lot of blood. But he's stable now, just hasn't

alone with Hamilton, Natalia's emotions swirled into a storm. She couldn't believe he'd risked his life for hers, especially when survival instincts should

of hero? That I'd be touched by this? Do you want

stand, Hamilton's grip tightened. He was

was worried about me," he said, a weak smile

check on him. Once assured of his stability, she relaxed, only for

more than any doctor could," Hamilton murmured, his voice a mix of pain

was caught in a moment of vulnerability and connection.

hands wandered, crossing lines, as Natalia found herself lost in the moment, willing yet hesitant, until reality snapped back, reminding them of the boundaries not yet crossed. The oversized hospital gown did little to conceal

and

Natalia flushed

in a hospital. Someone could walk in any

this when we get

smacked his arm

as if she had touched

made Natalia hesitate to resist any

chuckled, then planted a quick kiss