Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Hamilton cradled the woman in his arms, his heart aching for her struggles.

For years, she had tirelessly protected Tatiana, and he knew it better than anyone.

Yet, it seemed someone always begrudged her happiness.

He held her close, gently soothing her with soft pats.

It was only after Natalia had cried her heart out and calmed down that Hamilton spoke again.

"I've got everything arranged. I've even sent someone to look for that physical therapist."

Natalia nodded, then remembered something.

"How are you feeling?"

Hamilton couldn't help but chuckle, "Not great. I might need a kiss to cure me."

Natalia, taken aback at first, then realizing his jest, pushed him lightly.

"If you're feeling unwell, you should see a doctor. I'm alright now."

Her calm demeanor reassured Hamilton. The chaos of the moment before seemed to have dissipated with her tears.

He wasn't sure when she had grown so independent of him.

Yet, seeing her like this didn't bring him any comfort.

He sighed softly. "Natalia, this is the time to lean on others."

Natalia bit her lip, managing a faint smile. "Hamilton, if you weren't here, I'd probably be more panicked."

His face lit up at her words, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm so glad you can share that with me."

Indeed, Hamilton had thought of everything.

Not just the therapist, but he had also scrutinized the hospital's janitorial staff and even arranged for a city-wide CCTV check.

"Should we wait for news here or go back?" he asked.

Natalia initially wanted to stay, but seeing Hamilton's pallid face, she opted, "Let's go back."

So, they returned to their apartment together.

Scarlett had wanted Natalia to stay with her, but noting Natalia's demeanor, she held back her words.

Perhaps staying with Hamilton, Natalia could find some peace.

Elliott, arriving unexpectedly, watched their departing figures, sighing, "Who could Natalia have possibly upset to deserve all this trouble?" Scarlett glanced at him disdainfully. "Who knows? Some people just can't stand to see Natalia happy," she said, making a disgusted face. Elliott, puzzled by her animosity, protested, "Why do you always have it out for me?"

Scarlett snorted. "It's not personal. I just don't have time for jerks."

Elliott, spurred on by her challenge, retorted, "And how am I a jerk? Have I done something to wrong you?"

Scarlett looked at him with contempt. "You're friends with Hamilton, that jerk, and Eveleen, that wretch. Do you know who you sound like?" Elliott immediately thought of Victor but then tried to defend his character. However, Scarlett was having none of it, directly getting into her car. Elliott, determined to clear the air, boldly joined her in the passenger seat, demanding clarity.

"You're actually chasing after me?" Scarlett was astonished.

"I just want you to be clear. What was your name again?"

"I'm your worst nightmare!" Scarlett retorted, reaching for a can of mace and spraying Elliott point-blank.

Elliott, caught off guard, felt the burning sting in his eyes. Before he could react, he felt something sharp against his groin.

"Get out, or I'll castrate you right here and now!"

Barely able to see, Elliott realized a scalpel was pointed at him. "You're a doctor?"

Scarlett smirked. "Of course, a urologist specializing in vasectomies. If you ever need one, feel free to book an appointment. I'm your worst nightmare, remember?" With that, she shoved Elliott out and drove off.

Watching her leave, Elliott felt a mix of anger and disbelief. This was the first time a woman had ever maced him and threatened him with a scalpel! Fuming, he called Hamilton.

Hamilton, driving with Natalia, answered on speakerphone.

"What's up?"

"It's that woman, what's her name?" Elliott's voice crackled through.

Hamilton glanced at Natalia, who seemed lost in thought, and realized Elliott must be talking about Scarlett.

He cleared his throat.

"Which wild girl are you talking about?"

"The friend of Natalia."

It was then Natalia snapped back to reality, glancing at her phone screen.

"Elliott? You mean Scarlett?"

Hearing Natalia's voice, Elliott paused for a moment, "Scarlett, huh? Alright, got it. Thanks, Natalia."

Elliott was about to hang up when Natalia quickly called out to him.

"Elliott, why are you asking about Scarlett?"

"Nothing much, I'm thinking of poaching her for our hospital!"

With that, he ended the call.

Natalia stared at her phone, somewhat worried.

Hamilton passed her the phone.

"If you're worried, give Scarlett a call. The passcode is the day we met. I'll go down and get you a new phone later."

Natalia hesitated for a moment.

She looked at Hamilton and then chuckled softly.

"I thought you never remembered such things."

Hamilton's Adam's apple bobbed, "I'll remember from now on."

Natalia didn't say anything more, just unlocked the phone and called Scarlett.

Knowing there was nothing serious between Scarlett and Elliott, she just told Scarlett to take care.

Scarlett reassured her, "Don't worry about me, I'm fine. Call me if there's any news about your mom." Natalia nodded.

Back at the apartment, the nanny had already prepared dinner.

Seeing Natalia, she was full of sympathy, obviously having heard about her mother's situation.

"Ms. Jenkins, don't worry, fortune favors the brave. Your mother will be alright."

Natalia managed a smile and thanked her.

Hamilton pulled her towards the bathroom.

"Take a shower, rest up, and try not to worry too much."

Natalia nodded and went into the bathroom.

But just as she entered, Hamilton followed her in.

Natalia was taken aback, "What are you doing coming in?"

Hamilton wrapped his arms around her from behind, "How about we shower together?"