Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Natalia pretended she hadn't heard him at all.

What's

there to compare, really?

It was just childish.

And to be honest, if we're laying it all out there, Ryan himself had never done anything to hurt her.

On the contrary, it was she who had initiated their relationship and later, the breakup, causing him pain.

Hamilton was about to say something else when a car pulled up to the curb.

Dawson stepped out, his gaze immediately finding Natalia.

"Senator Dawson."

Natalia was the first to greet him.

Dawson nodded, "I heard about what happened inside. Not everyone's a piece of cake to deal with. If you get along, great; if not, no need to sweat it. Don't let it bother you."

Natalia was taken aback; she hadn't expected Dawson to comfort her.

A small smile played on her lips, "Thank you, Senator Dawson, I appreciate it."

After a pause, she continued, "But about my past, I wasn't sure if..."

Dawson chuckled, "Mr. Fowler has already cleared the air with us. Don't worry, your past won't affect your application to the Foreign Affairs Department."

Natalia was stunned and looked up at Hamilton in surprise.

After sharing a look between Hamilton and Natalia, Dawson smiled, "Alright, if you're tired, better head home early to rest. You've got a busy day tomorrow," and with that, he headed towards the banquet hall. Standing at the door, Natalia was silent for a moment before speaking again, "How did you explain it to them?"

After a brief silence, Hamilton said, "I told them we were just normally dating."

Hearing this, Natalia felt a mix of emotions she couldn't quite identify.

Regardless, she thanked him. Without Hamilton's explanation, her chances of joining the Foreign Affairs Department with her history would have been slim.

Hamilton initially wanted to say that thanks weren't what he was after.

But fearing she'd brush him off, he went straight to the point, "Natalia, let's grab dinner together."

Natalia looked at him and after a moment, agreed, "Sure, my treat."

She felt she owed Hamilton at least that much. If a dinner could settle her debt, then so be it.

Ryan came out not long after.

Seeing Ryan, the smile on Hamilton's face vanished entirely.

Before Ryan could speak, Hamilton let out a cold huff.

Ignoring him, Ryan walked straight up to Natalia. "Natalia, can we talk in private for a moment?" he asked.

Natalia nodded, feeling that it was time to clear the air.

Seeing her nod, Hamilton's face darkened immediately.

"What can't I hear?" he asked.

Natalia didn't even bother with him, walking off to the side.

Hamilton's expression turned sour, realizing he had no place to argue.

Once they were aside, Ryan spoke up.

"I'm sorry, Natalia, about tonight. My mom was out of line. Don't take it to heart; I've already talked to her."

"I understand," Natalia gave a small smile. "No mother wants to see her son chasing after a girl she doesn't like. And tonight's incident isn't your fault."

Ryan frowned, "You're not upset?"

"To say I'm not would be a lie."

Who would want to be talked about like that?

"But I won't get mad at someone who doesn't like me."

Ryan breathed a sigh of relief but before he could relax completely, Natalia added, "But Ryan, some things just aren't meant to be. It might be better for both of us to let go sooner rather than later." Ryan's face fell, understanding her meaning instantly.

He managed a bitter smile, "Natalia, don't worry. I won't cause you any more trouble."

Natalia opened her mouth to respond but Ryan cut her off.

"Natalia, you've been in love before. You should understand that it's not always easy to just stop liking someone."

Natalia was choked up, "Ryan, you deserve someone better."

Ryan looked at her earnestly, "I've already met the best girl."

At that, Natalia was at a loss for words.

From the sidelines, Hamilton scoffed, "Ryan, is clinging onto her like this really worth it?"

Ryan glanced at him, "Mr. Fowler, maybe you should look at yourself before judging others."

Hamilton was momentarily speechless, his face darkening.

Afterwards, Ryan turned back to Natalia, "Happy Valentine's Day," then turned and walked away.

Natalia watched his retreating figure, her brow furrowed in concern.

Hamilton, with a grim expression, approached Natalia, "What's so fascinating about his back? Am I not more handsome?"

"Why are you so full of yourself?" Natalia glared at him, turning to leave.

Hamilton quickly caught her wrist, leading her towards his car.

"What do you feel like eating?"

Natalia pulled away, "Whatever."

She wasn't really in the mood for food.

She had hoped to clarify things with Ryan tonight, but it ended up being futile.

It wasn't that she feared another confrontation with Ryan's mother.

She just knew it was hopeless and didn't want to monopolize Ryan's kindness any longer.

She couldn't do it with a clear conscience.

All the way, Natalia was lost in thought about Ryan.

Hamilton turned on the car stereo, blasting the music.

Natalia snapped back to reality, glaring at Hamilton, "Are you crazy?"

As she spoke, she turned the volume down.

Hamilton just laughed, not saying a word.

Valentine's Day in Boria City was bright and festive everywhere.

Eventually, Hamilton parked the car at the start of a pedestrian street.

Hamilton parked the car with precision and, without missing a beat, took Natalia's hand, guiding her directly into the bustling pedestrian street.

The entire street was adorned in such a festive manner, it was impossible not to feel the holiday spirit in the air.

Catching sight of the string lights twinkling along the walkway, Natalia couldn't help but feel a touch of festivity herself.

"Do you like it?" Hamilton whispered beside her.

Snapped back to reality, Natalia replied, "Let's focus on finding somewhere to eat."

Hamilton didn't budge but instead gazed at her intently, his voice heavy with sincerity, "Natalia, I'm sorry."

He had said those words to Natalia before, but back then, it was only to soften her, to coax her back into his arms.

This time, however, his apology was heartfelt, a genuine acknowledgment of his past wrongs.

"I've hurt you so much in the past. I'm sorry, Natalia. Could you give me a chance to make it up to you?"

Natalia locked eyes with him for a moment before her gaze drifted off, landing on the couples lining the street, a soft laugh escaping her as she looked away. "Hamilton, it's over between us. Since it's over, there's no need to dredge up the past. I've blamed you, resented you, but upon reflection, it was all for naught." "After all, ours was merely a transaction. From the start, you were under no obligation to love me."

Her words were calm, extinguishing any potential for reconciliation between them.

Hamilton felt a sharp pang in his heart.

Stepping closer, he grasped Natalia's wrist.

"Natalia, give me one more chance. Let's start over. I promise to treat you right, to find you the best doctors, to take care of you. If you want children, we can try. Okay?" The mention of children brought a sharp pain to Natalia's heart.

"I'm sorry, but I don't want to be with you anymore."

With those words, she forcefully freed her wrist from Hamilton's grasp.

A flash of agony crossed Hamilton's eyes.

"Won't you even give me a single chance?"

After a brief silence, Natalia looked up at him, her eyes inexplicably moist.

"Hamilton, I did give you a chance. You just never took it."