Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)
Chapter 262

After the kiss, Hamilton was still holding onto her, not ready to let go.

Natalia was getting anxious. "Hamilton, I've got an interview waiting."

Hamilton looked down at her, touching her face gently. "Natalia, you should've called me if you were in danger." Natalia bit her lip. "I didn't know you could make it here."

Hamilton's expression was still stern, but he didn't dwell on it, instead asking softly, "Did you get hurt anywhere?" Natalia shook her head. "I'm fine."

However, Hamilton wasn't convinced and checked her over carefully before he let her go.

When she finally went outside, she noticed the journalist who was supposed to interview her was now interviewing Delilah. Natalia's eyes flickered, and she quickly caught on.

She scoffed and made her way over.

The interview was ongoing, connected live with a domestic broadcast, so Delilah had to finish it.

After the interview, the journalist came over to Natalia with an apologetic look.

"Ms. Jenkins, since you were not coming out and we were pressed for time on the live broadcast, we had to go ahead with Delilah."

Natalia glanced at Delilah, who smirked, "I'm sure Ms. Jenkins doesn't mind. After all, the reporters have a tight schedule and couldn't wait forever." Natalia scoffed. "Was it you who locked me in the bathroom?"

Delilah feigned innocence. "What are you talking about, Ms. Jenkins?"

Natalia felt frustrated.

Though she suspected Delilah, she had no proof.

The bathroom, out of respect for privacy, had no surveillance.

Delilah chuckled beside her. "Ms. Jenkins, missing your chance isn't my fault, is it?"

Natalia didn't respond, merely telling the journalist she had to leave and turning to walk away.

But the journalist stopped her again.

"Even though we missed the interview, could I schedule an exclusive one with you, Ms. Jenkins?"

Natalia paused before nodding.

Delilah's face soured upon hearing this.

But then she caught Hamilton's icy stare.

She stiffened slightly. "Hamilton, what brings you here?"

Hamilton sneered, stepping closer to Delilah. "Delilah, don't force my hand."

Delilah felt a chill run up her spine but managed a strained smile.

"Hamilton, I don't understand what you mean."

Without another word, Hamilton took Natalia by the hand and led her outside.

Once outside, he asked softly, "Was it Delilah who played you?"

Natalia grimaced. "Maybe."

Hamilton held her hand tighter. "Are you upset?"

Natalia scoffed, clearly annoyed.

Hamilton coaxed, "Call me something sweet, and I'll make it right."

Natalia raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

Hamilton's lips curled into a smile. "Call me 'honey' and see."

Natalia laughed dismissively. "Hamilton, it's broad daylight."

She meant for him to stop dreaming.

But Hamilton just laughed, pulling her into his embrace. "Then how about at night?"

Natalia's face turned crimson.

She kicked him lightly in the leg.

Hamilton, still laughing, led her towards the nearby riverbank.

"Natalia, you always scream my name at night."

"Would you shut up!"

"How about 'honey' tonight?"

"Get lost!"

They bantered and teased each other all the way to the river.

As the sun set, painting the sky in shades of gold and red, Hamilton wrapped his arms around Natalia. "Do you like this?"

Natalia nodded. "I've always imagined us watching the sunset together."

Hamilton's gaze softened. "What else?"

Natalia frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

"What else have you imagined?"

Natalia smiled, "Watching the stars, feeling the evening breeze, walking after dinner, traveling far for a meal, bringing our kids to the beach." The same beach where they had reconnected when she was seventeen.

Hamilton felt a lump in his throat.

Such simple desires, yet they meant so much to her.

He felt a surge of tenderness. "I'll make them all come true, okay?"

Natalia's eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

Hamilton, noticing her emotion, kissed her gently on the eyes.

They spent two more days in Ylandia before returning home.

It was only then that Natalia heard about Delilah's accident-a minor car crash that resulted in a broken left arm and a scar on her face.

Natalia glanced at the man beside her, who was finishing a call, and her lips curled into a slight smile.

Hamilton, feeling her gaze, came over. "What's on your mind? Missing me?"

Natalia rolled her eyes. "Is there anything else in your head?"

Hamilton whispered in her ear, "Your look just now seemed rather inviting."

Natalia faced him. "Did you have anything to do with Delilah's accident?"

Hamilton looked slightly disappointed. "So that's what this is about." Natalia pressed her lips together, then softly thanked him.

Hamilton pulled her close.

"If you're really grateful, move back into the apartment after we get back."

Natalia paused, then pushed him slightly. "Let's wait a bit longer."

Hamilton frowned. "So you'll leave me alone at night?"

Natalia was silent for a moment. "I'll come over on weekends."

Hamilton protested. "Only two days a week?"

Natalia challenged him. "Take it or leave it. Your choice."

Hamilton's mouth twitched sharply, "What if I get the urge on a regular day?"

"Suck it up!"

Natalia pushed him away and headed towards the boarding gate.

Before boarding, she got a call from Ronin.

Ronin's voice came through, tinged with a hint of urgency.

"Natalia, there's been an accident at the North Suburb construction site."