Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

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.

Natalia frowned deeply. "Hamilton, what's the point of this?"

But Hamilton remained seated, showing no intention of moving. With a sigh, Natalia finally gave in a bit, "I dreamed about falling off a cliff again, Hamilton. I dreamed about it again."

Hamilton stiffened, his hand tightening 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 rest."

"I'll stay with you."

Natalia refused, "No need. It's past midnight; you should go."

"Nat, I'm worried about you!" Hamilton's expression was troubled.

Natalia met his gaze, "Hamilton, I need some peace!"

After a moment, Hamilton finally spoke, "Then rest well, call me if you need anything."

He left the room, and Natalia, lying in bed, tried to force herself to sleep. Eventually, she sat up, deciding to refine her plan for the conference translation instead.

Hamilton, back in his room, felt a mix of frustration and resignation. He had hoped their relationship was improving, but it seemed only superficial. 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 Natalia's door.

"Mr. Holzer, playing the devoted suitor?" Hamilton sneered.

With a grunt, Ryan replied, "You're up early too, Mr. Fowler."

After a brief exchange, highlighting their concerns for Natalia's wellbeing and questioning each other's intentions, they discovered Natalia had left early in the morning.

"Eat breakfast?" Ryan offered, but Hamilton declined.

Their conversation revealed their deep concerns for 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. After he said that, he turned and walked away.

Natalia didn't catch a wink of sleep all night. She headed out early, intending to check out the venue once more.

Unexpectedly, as she was passing by the garden at the venue's entrance, she stumbled upon Collin doing his morning jog.

"Mr. Collin."

Natalia called out.

Seeing her, Collin's face lit up with surprise. "What brings you here so early?"

Natalia offered a small smile. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd come by and make sure we didn't miss anything."

Collin burst into laughter. "You're going to make an old man like me feel guilty for trying to take it easy."

Natalia chuckled. "Given my experience, I have to put in extra effort to manage a conference like this." Collin nodded, his eyes full of admiration for her.

Instead of heading straight to the venue, he invited her for breakfast.

"You look pale. Not feeling well?"

Natalia shook her head. "No, just couldn't sleep well last night. I'll catch up on sleep once we're done here."

Collin frowned disapprovingly. "Regardless, you need your sleep."

"I know, I'll be more careful from now on."

After having breakfast together, they proceeded to the venue, and by the time they emerged, it was already dark. Hamilton had a social engagement that evening in Boria City.

By the time he returned, Natalia was already asleep.

He lingered at the door for a moment, then pulled out the room card Natalia had accidentally left with him the previous night.

The room was dimly lit by a bedside lamp as Hamilton tiptoed to the bed and sat down.

Natalia was not sleeping peacefully.

Watching her furrowed brow even in her sleep, Hamilton felt a tightening in his chest.

She never used to sleep like this. Natalia was known to kick off her blankets and occasionally, she'd even give him a nudge.

But now, she was curled up tightly under the covers, wrapping herself securely as if she were a child devoid of safety.

Hamilton's fingers gently touched her furrowed brow, intending to offer some comfort.

Upon touching her, however, he found it hard to pull away.

His fingers traced her brow, down her nose, and finally rested by her lips.

His Adam's apple bobbed twice, the urge to kiss her washing over him.

Just as he was about to, Natalia suddenly kicked out, catching him off guard.