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."

"I'll grab some food

Hamilton's room, Natalia's pace quickened, her heart pounding. Yet, standing at the door,

entering, the sight of Hamilton's pale, lifeless face washed away all her fears, leaving a deep, searing

stood up as she

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

hasn't woken up yet. Stay with him;

couldn't believe he'd risked his life for

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

to stand, Hamilton's grip tightened.

was worried about me,"

in a doctor to check on him. Once assured of his stability, she relaxed, only for Hamilton to feign pain, pulling her into a tight embrace to avoid any real

could," Hamilton murmured, his voice a mix of pain

connection. As they locked eyes, the tension was palpable, their emotions raw and

found herself lost in the moment, willing yet hesitant, until reality snapped back, reminding them of the boundaries not yet crossed. The oversized

a bit, and Hamilton just grunted

Natalia

in a hospital. Someone could walk in any

we continue this when we get

Natalia smacked his

she had

made Natalia hesitate

chuckled, then planted a quick