In Boria City, Natalia was all set for her flight, but an unexpected turn of weather delayed her journey. She stood by the large windows of the departure lounge, gazing out at the relentless rain, her heart heavy with guilt. She gently caressed her belly, whispering softly, "I'm

sorry, sweetheart. It looks like I might not be able to give you the complete family I dreamed of."

With a sad chuckle, she added, "But I promise, I'll love you enough for both of us. I'll make up for your dad's share, okay?"

Ryan observed her from a short distance, her contemplative stance and the tender gesture towards her stomach tugging at his heartstrings. He had always told her that if Hamilton ever dared to hurt her again, he'd be there to whisk her away. Yet, seeing her in pain like this was not something he had ever wished for.

Approaching her, Ryan handed her a warm cup of coffee. "Why don't you take a seat over there? This storm doesn't seem like it's going to let up anytime soon."

As if on cue, thunder roared across the sky.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the airport, a private jet was braving the storm to make its landing. Hamilton sat inside, his expression indifferent to the turbulent weather outside. The crew was visibly anxious, but Hamilton remained unfazed.

"Mr. Fowler, landing might be challenging with the current ground conditions," one of the crew members warned.

Hamilton's deep, piercing gaze was his only response, sending shivers down the crew member's spine. "Prepare for landing," was all he said.

Back in the terminal, Natalia's face was pale, a sense of unease growing within her. "Feeling alright?" Ryan inquired, concern in his voice. Natalia shook her head, "I'm fine," just as a wave of murmurs spread through the crowd.

"Did you see that? A plane just skidded off the runway!"

"In this weather? Are they insane?"

"I hope no one's hurt."

Curiosity and concern drew Natalia closer to the window, where she could see the flashing lights of emergency vehicles piercing through the rain. An inexplicable tightness clutched her heart, prompting her to move closer for a better look. Ryan, sensing her distress, offered to gather more information.

As Natalia felt a sharp pang in her belly, she turned to call out to Ryan but stopped short at the sight of a drenched figure standing not far from her. It was Hamilton, his clothes soaked, yet his presence overwhelming.

Their eyes met, and without a word, he enveloped her in his arms. The cold from his wet clothes seeped through, making her shiver, but it wasn't just from the temperature.

"Let me go," she whispered, trying to push him away.

Hamilton chuckled softly, "My plane almost crashed, Natalia. Just let me hold you for a moment, okay?"

The realization hit her. "That was your plane?" she asked, voice trembling.

Hamilton didn't reply, simply holding her tighter. Natalia, feeling overwhelmed and confused, pushed him away, "Hamilton, have you lost your mind?"

He looked at her, a mix of regret and relief in his eyes. Regret for the distance between them, relief that she still cared.

Natalia, realizing she might have shown too much concern, averted her gaze. "Why are you here?" she asked, trying to regain her composure.

Hamilton's clothes were still dripping, but he ignored the discomfort. "Let's talk somewhere private. This isn't the place," he suggested.

Despite her reluctance, Natalia knew this confrontation was inevitable. They moved to a nearby VIP lounge for privacy, leaving a fuming Ryan behind. Once alone, Natalia was blunt. "What do you want to say?"

"I won't let you go," Hamilton stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Natalia stiffened. "What right do you have? We're over, Hamilton!"

"Because I'm the father of your child!" Hamilton's eyes were a tumult of emotions. "Natalia, Eveleen is gone."

Natalia froze, her hands clenching at her sides.

"What did you say?"

Hamilton met her gaze. "I said, Eveleen is gone, Natalia. There's nothing standing between us anymore."

Tears fell from Natalia's eyes without warning.

At that moment, she couldn't quite articulate her feelings.

Eveleen was gone?

The woman who had caused so much pain, almost costing Natalia her life, was just... gone?

"How did she die?"

"Fell down the stairs, hit her head just right."

Natalia's fingers tightened into fists. "To think she got off that easy!"

Hamilton moved closer, taking her wrist. "Natalia, with Eveleen gone, we..."

She looked away, breaking free from his grip. "Hamilton, the damage has been done. Her death doesn't fix everything, and besides, there's more than just Eveleen between us."

He pulled her into an embrace. "Natalia, do you really want our child to be born out of wedlock? Do you know the impact a broken home can have on a child?"

Hamilton's voice was full of bitterness.

His child deserved to be born into a loving, whole family.

He didn't want his child to suffer as he had in his early years.

Natalia's lips were tight.

Illegitimate child, broken home.

Those words pierced her heart.

She had thought about it, more than anyone could understand.

She knew the struggles of being born out of wedlock, the impact of a broken home on a child.

But she...

She couldn't risk it again.

Her last gamble had cost her mother's life.

This time, she couldn't risk her child's life.

"Hamilton, I'd rather my child be born out of wedlock, live in a broken home, than risk their life."

Hamilton frowned. "So you're set on leaving?"

Natalia nodded. "Yes."

Hamilton chuckled. "Fine, I'll follow you wherever you go." holds © this.

"Hamilton!" Natalia looked at him, her eyes filled with pain. "Why? Why do you insist?"

He held her, burying his face in her hair.

"Because you're my woman, and you're carrying my child. Natalia, don't leave me, don't give up on me. This time, I promise to protect you and our child. Just trust me one more time!"

Natalia felt a sharp pain in her heart.

Trust? She had trusted too many times. And the result?

She was about to push him away when her cellphone rang.

It was from Tatiana's caregiver.

"Debby, is something wrong?"

"Ms. Jenkins, I was organizing some things at the hospital today and found some of your mother's belongings mixed with mine. Can I bring them to you?" Natalia paused.

"My mother's belongings? What are they?"

"A key, a notebook, and a box."

Natalia bit her lip, about to suggest sending them to Scarlett, when Ryan suddenly knocked and entered.

He glanced at Hamilton with a frown before turning to Natalia.

"There's been a complication with Landeia. Your external assignment might be delayed."