Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 232

Natalia's grip on her phone tightened.

Before she could even speak, Alden's voice came through, carrying a heavy note of concern.

“My brother’s been through the wringer because of Victor. He’s been butting heads with Grandpa all week. Grandpa didn’t hold back, and now, on top of old injuries, there are new ones. He started running a fever last night but keeps insisting he’s fine, won’t take his meds, just toughing it out.”

Natalia frowned as she listened. Sometimes, she wondered if this was Hamilton's way of playing the martyr.

But the fact that he got hurt trying to help her was undeniable.

She bit her lip, taking a moment before asking, “Is he at the apartment?”

Alden confirmed, “Yeah, at the apartment. Grandpa had him grounded at home until yesterday when he finally got out.”

Natalia responded, “I’ll head over in a bit.”

“Alright.”

Ending the call, Natalia took a moment to gather her thoughts before heading straight to the apartment.

Upon reaching, she knocked on the door first, but there was no answer, no one to open the door.

Reluctantly, she used her fingerprint to unlock the door.

The shoe rack by the door still had the pair of brand-new slippers from her last visit.

Natalia glanced at them and slipped them on.

The apartment was eerily quiet, as if no one was home.

“Hamilton.”

Natalia called out, but again, no response.

She pushed open the bedroom door and stepped inside, only to be pulled against it.

The heat from Hamilton’s feverish body enveloped her as he pulled her into an embrace, looking down at her with eyes that reflected her image.

Natalia’s heart skipped a beat.

She tried to push him away but noticed how pale he was, his forehead bandaged.

She hesitated before asking, “Did Grandpa do this?”

Hamilton hummed in acknowledgment.

Guilt and sympathy swirled in Natalia, “I’m sorry you got dragged into this.”

Hamilton smiled, resting his forehead against hers.

“It’s not your fault. I chose this.”

The closeness was intoxicating.

Natalia shifted awkwardly away from him.

“Go lie down.”

Hamilton chuckled, his breath hotter than normal.

Natalia’s brows knitted together, “Did you hear me?”