Chapter 74


    After the IV drip ran its course, Natalia’s allergic reaction had mostly vanished.


    The doctor swung by with a few words of advice and told her she was free to go.


    Hamilton nced at her.


    “Can you walk on your own?” he asked.


    “Yeah, I’m good.”


    Hamilton nodded, and they left the hospital one after the other.


    On the way back, Natalia leaned against the car window and was lost in thought.


    Silkwood City was eerily silent in the dead of night, and the only sound was the music ying softly in the car.


    Hamilton''s ylist was curated by Natalia. He was a fan of jazz, while Natalia had a thing for the ssics. This particr


    ssical piece was her subtle way of sharing her tastes with him, hoping he’d pick up on her preference.


    But, unfortunately, he never did.


    Natalia shifted her gaze when the ssical tune was winding down.


    “Can | y it again?” she asked.


    Hamilton raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “You into this kind of music?”


    She didn’t answer but just reached out and restarted the piece.


    Silence enveloped the car once more.


    “What''s on your mind?” Hamilton suddenly broke the quiet.


    Natalia snapped back to reality.


    “Nothing much.” She answered.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Hamilton nodded, “Who came looking for you today?”


    Natalia pursed her lips, “A fan of Ms. Schafer.”


    Hamilton''s brow creased ever so slightly, “The same nurse? I''ve already let the hospital sack


    her.


    Natalia chuckled, “Even if you sack the nurse, there will also be doctors and students who are Mr. Schafer’s fans. Mr. Fowler, are


    you nning to fire them all as theye?”


    Hamilton’s eyes narrowed just a fraction.


    Natalia knew she had touched a nerve, but she didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she just looked at Hamilton and said, “Maybe you


    should have a word with Ms. Schafer to get her to clear


    things up with her fans?”


    “Natalia,” his voice turned frosty. Fans are fans, they have nothing to do with Eveleen. Don’t bring her into this again!”


    A bitter feeling washed her over as she retorted, “So | just deserve to be harassed by her


    fans?”


    Hamilton squinted, hisugh cold and short, “And what do you suggest?”


    Natalia looked at him squarely, “You’d find where the rumors of me being the other woman came from as long as you want,


    right?”


    Hamilton reclined casually in his seat and steered wheel in one hand, “Ms. Jenkins, you think too highly of me.”


    Natalia was seething, but she held her tongue. She knew all too well that it wasn’t that Hamilton couldn''t find out; he simply didn’t


    want to. He didn’t care how much she was hurt in the process; he only protected those he chose to. If this man was unwilling, her


    words were futile.


    By the time they got home, it was midnight.


    Natalia was still weak, not to mention that she’d been tossing for such a long time. So shey down as soon as she got home.


    But just then, Hamilton’s phone rang. He was unbuttoning his shirt when he nced at the caller ID and put the phone on


    speaker, “What’s up, Elliott?”


    Elliott Lehner was one of Hamilton''s cronies. Natalia had met him a few times.


    When Elliott heard him, his voice came through with a chuckle, “Hamilton, why you have been MIAtely?”


    Hamilton continued disrobing. He unbuttoned his shirt nonchntly before responding.


    “Been busy. What''s up, calling thiste just to check in?” he quipped.


    Elliottughed, “Feel like pulling an all-nighter. Eveleen’s thrown together a little get-together. Everyone’s here but you. What’s


    got you so tied up? We haven''t seen you in a month, and Eveleen’s been saying she’s barely seen you either. Man, you can’t do


    that to Ms. Schafer, can you?”


    Natalia listened from the bed. Elliott''s words came through loud and clear. She hadn''t realized Eveleen was so popr in their


    circle. Victor doted on her, now Elliott too..


    But then, it made sense to her. Who would dare give Hamilton’s girlfriend the cold shoulder?


    Hamilton nced at Natalia, who was lying on the bed, with a slight furrow in his brow.


    “Take your medication.” He demanded.


    Before leaving the hospital, the doctor had instructed her to take another dose upon returning


    home.


    15:41


    Natalia stirred, but Hamilton was already handing her the pills. She looked at him, took them, and swallowed.


    Once he saw she was done, Hamilton picked the phone back up.


    Elliott must have heard the exchange because shock rang in his voice, “Ms. Jenkins with you?”


    Hamilton’s frown deepened, “Why? You want to talk to Ms. Jenkins?”


    Elliott wouldn''t dare. “No, just didn’t expect Ms. Jenkins to be there.” He answered.


    After a pause, he added, “So, you stilling out?”


    Hamilton sounded disinterested, “Nah, you guys have fun.”


    Someone on the other end called out, “Come on, Hamilton. Eveleen put this together just for you. Who else could catch


    Eveleen’s eye besides you? She’s waiting just for you. That''s not cool, man.”


    Hamilton chuckled softly, “What, someone throws a party and I’m obligated to show?”


    The voice on the other endughed awkwardly, “Not what | meant. Just that we all haven’t seen you in a month. Hang out is no


    biggie. Besides, Eveleen’s already here waiting for you.”


    Hamilton’s frown deepened.


    He nced at Natalia, who was frail in the bed, and finally declined, “Go ahead without me. I’ve got stuff tonight.”


    Without another word, Hamilton hung up.


    Not long after Elliott had hung up, Eveleen’s name shed on the screen again.


    Hamilton nced at it and promptly hit the decline button.


    Natalia heard the sound of the call being rejected, and she couldn’t quite ce the feeling in her heart. Once upon a time, she


    might have been ted.


    But now, it just felt sad. He had left her alone to be with Eveleen too many times, so it seemed like the rare asions he stayed


    with her had be a favor.


    Nataliay there with her eyes closed, not moving.


    Hamilton came over and pinched her cheek, “Nothing to say, Ms. Jenkins?”


    Natalia let out a coldugh, “Actually, yes.”


    “Huh?” Hamilton raised an eyebrow.


    She nced at Hamilton, “I’m going to bed, Mr. Fowler. Would you mind leaving?”


    Hamilton’s eyes narrowed slightly; Natalia’s tone had instantly sparked irritation in him.


    “You want to kick me out, Ms. Jenkins?”


    15:41


    Her lips were pressed tightly together,


    Lately, Hamilton had been camping out in the guest room. But she could sense that he intended to reim his spot in the master


    bedroom tonight


    Given the current state of their rtionship, she couldn’t stop him froming back. But part of her didn’t want him there


    “Mr Fowler, you don’t really need to stay here for my sake.” She said.


    Hamilton snorted softly.


    “I''m pitying you now. With that, he stripped off his clothes and climbed into bed


    Natalia forced a wry smile. She wanted to say that she didn’t need his pity. But then again, it seemed pointless,


    As soon as Hamiltony down, he pulled Natalia into his arms. She struggled a bit, and Hamilton responded by rolling on top of


    her, “Not sleepy? Well then, perhaps we can find something else to do.”