A duel of hearts

Chapter 13

As they entered the house, the warm light from the chandeliers above bathed the foyer in a soft, golden glow. The murmurs of guests still lingering from the earlier gathering drifted through the hallways, creating a gentle hum of life that contrasted with the silence outside. Jasmine could feel the tension in her shoulders begin to ease as she stepped into the familiar surroundings of her home.

Nathaniel, on the other hand, felt a different kind of weight settles over him. The grandiosity of the house, with its ornate decorations and stately furniture, reminded him of the expectations that had been placed on him for so long. But now, with Jasmine beside him, those expectations seemed less daunting. He could feel a shift within himself, a resolve to be more than just the image he had carefully crafted over the years.

As they made their way through the foyer, Jasmine spotted her father standing in the drawing room, speaking with a few remaining guests. His gaze caught hers, and she saw the flicker of relief in his eyes as he noticed her return. She offered him a reassuring smile before turning to Nathaniel. "You don't have to stay if you don't want to," she said softly, sensing his unease. "I'm sure you've had a long day, and you might want to rest."

Nathaniel shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "No, I'm fine. I should at least say goodnight to your father. It's the polite thing to do, after all."

Jasmine nodded, appreciating his consideration. Together, they walked into the drawing-room, where her father was now bidding farewell to the last of the guests. He turned to them as they approached, his expression a mix of warmth and curiosity. "Jasmine, Nathaniel," her father greeted, his voice carrying a note of approval. "I'm glad to see you both back. I trust you enjoyed your walk?"

Jasmine hesitated, glancing at Nathaniel before answering. "Yes, Father, it was... nice." She wasn't sure how much to reveal about the conversation they had just had or about what had happened, but she could sense that her father wouldn't press for details.

Nathaniel, sensing the need to steer the conversation, spoke up. "Thank you for your hospitality this evening, sir. It was an honor to be your guest."

Her father smiled, clearly pleased by the young man's manners. "You're always welcome here, Nathaniel. I hope we'll be seeing more of you in the future."

Nathaniel's smile was polite, but Jasmine noticed the slight hesitation in his response. "I would like that, sir. Thank you."

There was a brief pause, during which the three of them stood in a comfortable silence. Then, Jasmine's father gave a small nod, signaling the end of the conversation. "Well, I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure you're both tired. Jasmine, make sure to get some rest. And Nathaniel, I hope you have a safe journey home."

Jasmine smiled at her father's gentle command, feeling the warmth of his concern. "I will, Father. Goodnight."

Nathaniel gave a respectful bow. "Goodnight, sir." He then turned to Jasmine, his voice quieter as he spoke to her. "Goodnight, Jasmine. Thank you for the walk."

She nodded, her eyes meeting his. "Goodnight, Nathaniel."

With that, he took his leave, walking towards the door with a composed, measured stride. Jasmine watched him go, a swirl of emotions rising within her. Part of her was still wary of Nathaniel, uncertain of what their relationship would become. But another part of her couldn't ignore the sincerity she had seen in his eyes tonight, the vulnerability that had slipped through his polished exterior.

As Nathaniel reached the door and stepped out into the night, Jasmine's father turned to her, his gaze soft and questioning. "Are you alright, my dear? You seemed... thoughtful this evening."