Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 187

Natalia had just settled into the driver's seat when her phone buzzed with a call from Ryan.

“Natalia, something came up today, and I don't think I can make it over to hang out.”

She had nearly forgotten Ryan was supposed to visit her.

“It’s fine, Ryan, Happy New Year.”

Natalia's voice was clipped, and although Ryan seemed like he wanted to say more, she quickly ended the call.

After hanging up, she floored the gas pedal and sped off.

Hamilton, following in his car, couldn't help but curse under his breath.

"Is she trying to kill herself driving that fast?"

Pulling into the hospital parking lot, Natalia bolted to the floor where Tatiana’s room was located.

Hamilton watched her rush, a sense of worry washing over him.

"Has something happened?"

Exiting his car, he hurried after her.

Natalia burst into the hospital room, finding the doctor running some tests.

“Doctor, how's my mom doing?”

The doctor’s face was etched with concern. “There are signs of awakening. She’s starting to respond to stimuli. Ms. Jenkins, you might try calling out to her; she might respond to your voice.”

Eyes brimming with tears, Natalia approached Tatiana's bedside and called softly, "Mom, can you hear me? It's Natalia."

As she spoke, Tatiana's fingers twitched.

It was slight, but Natalia saw it clearly.

Tears streamed down her face as she cried out, "Mom, mom, it's Natalia. You can hear me, can’t you? Please wake up, please..."

Clutching Tatiana's hand, she sobbed into the hospital sheets.

Hamilton arrived to find Natalia weeping beside the bed, calling out for her mother.

Something inside him twisted with regret.

All these years, Natalia rarely spoke of her mother to him.

He knew only of a mother who had been in an accident and that Natalia's earnings were mostly spent on medical bills.

Yet, he had never considered how hard it was for her to shoulder these expenses alone.

For the first time, Hamilton felt genuinely remorseful about how he had used the medical bills to pressure Natalia in the past.

Eventually, Natalia's tears subsided.

After the doctor had advised her to talk to Tatiana regularly, he left them alone.

Natalia, her initial fervor dampened, finally looked at Hamilton and rasped, “What brought you here?”

Hamilton suddenly had the urge to embrace her. And he did just that, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Why can't I be here? After all, you don’t own the hospital."

Her body tensed at his familiar scent, and though she tried to pull away, Hamilton held her closer.

"Stop struggling. Just a hug, alright? Lean on me if you need to cry."

But Natalia still resisted.

She did want to share her joy with someone, but not with him—the man who had once threatened her with her mother’s medical bills.

Feeling her struggle, Hamilton softened and whispered an apology.

Natalia froze momentarily, then realized what he was apologizing for.

“I don’t need your sorry! Let go of me!”

His voice came from above her, firm yet pleading.