Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton) novel Chapter 136

Hamilton was resolute, his eyes crimson with fervor as he faced Natalia.

“Natalia, I’ve told you over and over, I won’t allow it. You’re not walking away from this! I’ll deal with Orpheus. You just focus on getting better and cut this nonsense out,” he said, his voice stern and unyielding.

Natalia absorbed his words, a bitter taste flooding her heart. She leaned against the bedside, fragile as a porcelain doll, yet her eyes blazed with defiance.

“Hamilton, I can’t do this anymore. Since the moment you left me alone when my mother was on her deathbed, since you neglected the dangers around me to run after Eveleen, I’ve wanted out. Even without this kidnapping mess, I’d still want out,” Natalia’s voice wavered, and her eyes began to redden.

Hamilton looked at the fragile woman before him, a pang of pain shooting through his heart.

“You don’t get to choose. You must know that I have ways to keep you by my side,” he said coldly.

Natalia’s gaze fell, and after a long silence, she looked up, her eyes swimming with tears.

“Yes, I know. To you, Hamilton Fowler, I’m always insignificant, always without a chance to resist. You have your ways to force me back, but I’m so tired of it. What will you use this time? A penalty clause? I’ll pay it, whatever it takes. Or will you use my mother to pressure me? Hamilton, if you don’t want to help her anymore, that’s your call. I'll find another way. If all else fails, then I’ll have to let her go too.” Her eyes met Hamilton’s. “So, Mr. Fowler, how do you plan to deal with me?”

Natalia seemed to have exhausted all her strength after those words, slumping against the bed, her complexion ghostly pale.

Hamilton felt a throbbing in his temples. He knew she was gearing up for a fight and was surprised by her unwavering determination to leave no room for compromise, even willing to forsake her own mother.

He didn’t lack for female company. With his status, a mere gesture would beckon countless women. Yet, no one could replace Natalia. He couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving, of her being with another man. It ignited a fury within him.

He tried to soften his voice. “Natalia, I had no idea this would happen. If I had known, I wouldn’t have left you last night.”

She just looked at him. “Did you really not know, or did you just not care? Between me and Eveleen, you’ve always chosen her, haven’t you?”

“Let me go,” she suddenly pleaded, her eyes downcast, hiding her pain. “Hamilton, I may not come from wealth, but I was cherished by my mother. I can’t grovel for your care or affection anymore. Your care, your affection, it’s all out of reach for me. I’m not worthy of it, nor can I afford it.”

Hamilton stood a few steps away, his expression indifferent. After a while, he let out a cold laugh.

“Are you done? If so, rest. I’ll go get you something to eat. Natalia, don’t bring this up again. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear a word.”

Without a moment’s pause, Hamilton left the hospital room.

Natalia lay in bed, staring at the closed door, her heart brimming with bitterness. She had anticipated his refusal; he never liked to be contradicted. Her determination to leave was probably more than he could tolerate.

Scarlett quietly entered, holding a small cake in her hands.

“Babe, happy birthday,” she winked at Natalia.

A smile spread across Natalia’s face, though her eyes grew redder.

“Don’t you dare cry,” Scarlett scolded. “It’s your birthday. No tears allowed.”

Natalia nodded, trying to smile.

Scarlett placed the candle on the cake and lit it. “Make a wish for safety, for no more incidents like this.”

Natalia gazed at the flickering candle and silently wished for freedom. She blew out the candle, but had no appetite for cake. Scarlett didn’t push it.

“Cream’s hard to digest. I’ll get you something easier on the stomach later.”

Natalia's eyes fell. “Scarlett, can you buy me a phone, and fetch a contract from my place? And... get me some medicine.”

Scarlett’s brow furrowed instantly. “What kind of medicine?”