A duel of hearts

A moment Alone

Nathaniel hesitated, clearly struggling with the idea of leaving her alone. Jasmine stayed firm, though, her tone softening just a bit. "Really, Nathaniel, I just need some time to myself. I appreciate your concern, but I'll be fine. Please, go back to the house and let my father know I'll be home soon. And... thank you for understanding." She offered him a small smile, hoping to ease his worries and give him the reassurance he needed.

Nathaniel looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and resignation. He wanted to protest, to insist on staying, but he knew better than to push her when she was seeking some space. He nodded slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing a bit as he returned her smile, though it was tinged with worry. "Alright, Jasmine," he said quietly. "But please, be careful. I'll let your father know." With one last lingering look, he turned and began to walk back towards the house, leaving Jasmine to her thoughts. She watched him go, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness, knowing she needed this moment to herself, yet still feeling the weight of their earlier conversation lingering in the air.

Nathaniel turned and headed back towards the house, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He couldn't quite pinpoint why, but there was something about Jasmine that brought out a softer side of him, a side he rarely showed to anyone else. Yet, he knew he had to maintain the facade he had carefully crafted, the image of the spoiled, untouchable aristocrat. It was his shield, his way of keeping the world at a distance. As he walked, he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt gnawing at him, wondering if he was pushing too far, alienating those who might care for him. But for now, the act had to continue, and he steeled himself for the part he had to play.

As Nathaniel approached the house, he took a deep breath, trying to compose himself before re-entering the social scene. The grandeur of the Teaton estate loomed before him, a stark contrast to the quiet walk he had just endured. He pushed open the door and entered, his expression shifting back to one of casual arrogance. The familiar murmur of conversation and clinking of glasses greeted him. He made his way to where his host, Mr. Teaton, was engaged in a lively discussion. With a practiced air of nonchalance, Nathaniel approached and gave a slight bow. "My lord, Miss Jasmine asked me to let you know that she'll be home shortly. She just needed a bit of time alone." He said, trying to keep his voice steady and indifferent, though a trace of genuine concern lingered beneath his surface.

Jasmine took a deep breath, trying to shove aside the emotions stirred up by their conversation. She focused on putting distance between herself and the troubling exchange. As she continued her walk, she mentally steeled herself against the vulnerability she felt. She reminded herself that she didn't need to get close to someone like Nathaniel—his presence was a distraction she didn't need. She resolved to focus on her thoughts and the calm of the night, hoping that clarity and distance would help her find her way back to a sense of peace.

The moon cast a soft glow over the park, creating a serene atmosphere that Jasmine hoped would help her clear her mind. She walked at a slower pace now, her thoughts meandering as she admired the tranquility of the evening. The rustling leaves and distant chirps of night creatures were a soothing contrast to the chaos of her earlier emotions. As she rounded a familiar path, she noticed a bench under a large oak tree and decided to sit for a moment. The solitude offered a brief reprieve, allowing her to gather her thoughts and find some solace in the quiet of the night.

Jasmine knew she should be heading home, aware that a lady of her standing shouldn't be out walking alone at night, especially with the risk of encountering drunken men. Yet, she found herself lingering, her gaze fixed on the starry sky. The quietness of the night enveloped her, offering a rare sense of peace she wasn't ready to relinquish. She took a deep breath, savoring the stillness as if it were a fleeting luxury before she had to return to the constraints of her daily life.

Jasmine wasn't sure how long she'd been sitting on the bench, lost in her thoughts, but eventually, she stood up with a soft sigh. "Guess I should be getting home," she murmured to herself as she began her walk. The streets were nearly empty now, with most people heading home for the night and settling into bed. The only figures she saw were a few drunken men stumbling from clubs. As she rounded the corner, she thought she heard footsteps behind her. She brushed it off as her imagination, trying to focus on the calm of the evening.

Jasmine bit her bottom lip, regretting not asking Nathaniel to stay with her. She couldn't shake the feeling that someone was following her, but she tried to ignore it and focused on her path. Suddenly, she felt a rough hand grab her, a muffled yelp escaping her as she was pulled into the darkness near the park. Her back hit a tree, and she looked up to see a man towering over her. The stench of alcohol was overpowering, and his disheveled appearance made her heart race with fear.

Panic surged through Jasmine as she struggled against the man's grip. His breath was hot and foul as he leaned in closer, his intentions clear. She tried to push him away, but his hold was too strong. Her mind raced, desperate for a solution. Remembering the self-defense techniques her brothers had taught her, she focused on staying calm. With a quick, practiced move, she aimed a sharp elbow at his midsection, hoping to catch him off guard. The man's grip loosened slightly, giving her a momentary chance to escape.

Jasmine's heart pounded as she struggled against the man's iron grip, her attempts to break free proving futile. His drunken state seemed to amplify his strength, making it nearly impossible for her to escape. Desperation fueled her movements, but with her arms pinned, her options were limited. The man's breath was heavy and reeked of alcohol, making her stomach churn.

As she wriggled, trying to find any leverage, she heard distant footsteps approaching. Her hope flickered briefly, praying for someone to come by and intervene. She twisted her body, trying to create some space, and called out as loudly as she could, "Help! Someone, please!"

xxxxx

After Jasmine hadn't returned, Nathaniel, despite attempts to keep a facade, had gone out to look for her, knowing that she should have been back by now and that it was getting late Nathaniel's heart raced as he heard Jasmine's frantic cry for help. Despite his attempts to remain detached, the urgency of the situation spurred him into action. He sprinted through the darkened park, his focus locked on the sound of her voice. When he finally spotted her struggling with the drunken man, a surge of anger and fear drove him forward.

Without hesitation, he lunged at the attacker, grabbing the back of the man's shirt and yanking him away from Jasmine. The man stumbled, his grip loosening on Jasmine, and before he could react, Nathaniel's fist connected sharply with his jaw. The force of the punch sent the man crashing to the ground, groaning in pain.

Nathaniel quickly turned to Jasmine, his face a mix of concern and relief. "Are you alright?" he asked his voice tight with worry. His eyes scanned her for any signs of injury, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive.

Jasmine gasped slightly and stumbled slightly but realized it was Nathaniel and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart as she nodded. "I'm... I'm alright. Slightly shaken up but I'm okay." She promised as she fixed her dress slightly. "Thank you.." she said.