Nate saw his daughter Hazel, whose eyes were still wet with tears, clutching the woman's shirt tightly with innocent hopeful eyes. His heart was heavy. He knew Hazel and Liam had lost their mother since they were babies. They needed a nurturing figure they could trust.
But this was different. This woman didn't even know who she was.
"No,Baby. She can't stay," Nate said firmly, though his voice trembled slightly. "She's... not the nanny we're waiting for."
Hazel furrowed her small brow. "But she's helping Liam! And she's nice, Daddy..."
The woman glanced at Hazel, then at Nate, then back at Hazel. Something inside her stirred at the little girl's plea. Maybe it was because she herself felt empty without memories.
Hazel was still holding "Jasmine's" shirt, her eyes glazed over. "Please don't go..."
Nate let out a long breath. He knew his daughter was stubborn, and if he continued to refuse, Hazel would probably cry hysterically. Not to mention Liam who was still lying weak after his fall.
"Okay," Nate finally relented, though his face remained cold. "You can stay for a while. But remember, this is only until I find a replacement for the real Jasmine."
The woman nodded slowly. Truthfully, she had nowhere else to go. With no memories and no identity, the streets were dangerous.
"But there are conditions. First, you don't go near my kids unsupervised. Second, tomorrow, you'll help Mrs. Wilkins with chores until I decide it's time for you to leave. Third—"
"Daddy!" Hazel interrupted. "Does that mean She can stay?"
Nate nodded slowly. "For a while."
The woman nodded. "I understand. Thank you."
"Get some rest, Mrs. Wilkins will prepare a room for you," Nate said as the woman who was currently using the identity of Jasmine was allowed to rest.
As she walked past him, he whispered, "Don't tell the kids, or Mrs. Wilkins, the truth."
She nodded in agreement.
"Miss Winslow, there are some clothes in the closet for you. If they don't fit, we can get more later," Mrs. Wilkins said kindly as she led Jasmine to her room.
"Thank you," Jasmine replied shortly. Then, hesitantly, she added, "You can call me Jasmine."
Mrs. Wilkins nodded. "Of course. Rest well. I hope you'll take good care of the children." With that, she left.
Jasmine stepped inside, immediately heading to the bathroom to freshen up and change. She hurried, exhaustion already weighing on her. Although her arm was still sore, Jasmine didn't think much of it.
She fell into a deep sleep.
"Run…!" Then, the sound of gunfire.
Jasmine's eyes flew open. The dream had felt so real.
She gasped, her body slick with cold sweat. The echo of gunshots still rang in her ears, so vivid her heart pounded.
She scanned the unfamiliar room, trying to calm herself. The wall clock read 2 AM. Kingsley Mansion was silent, bathed only in moonlight slipping through the curtains.
Jasmine decided to get a glass of water. As she passed the hallway, she noticed a faint light from what looked like a library. But she ignored it and kept walking toward the kitchen.
"What are you doing?"
The voice behind her startled her. She spun around to see Nate staring at her, suspicion in his eyes.
"I had a nightmare," she answered honestly, meeting his gaze as it bore into her.
"Stop looking at me like that. I don't mean any harm. I just... don't remember who I am," the woman called Jasmine mustered the courage to voice her frustration at the constant disbelief.
"Who said you weren't pretending?" Nate replied coldly.
"If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave at dawn." Jasmine did not want to prolong this matter.
"Good." Instead of stopping her, Nate looked relieved.
Without another word, Jasmine returned to her room.
At dawn, she got ready to leave. She wouldn't say goodbye to Nate or Mrs. Wilkins.
"Miss Jazz, where are you going?"
Just as she reached the front door, a small voice called out. Liam and Hazel rushed toward her, confusion written on their faces.
Jasmine froze.
"I… just wanted to take a walk," she lied gently.
But Liam, sharp as ever, frowned. "You have a bag. You're leaving, aren't you?"
Jasmine swallowed. The kid was too observant.
"Miss Jazz, don't go!" Hazel suddenly grabbed her hand, clinging tightly. "You promised you'd stay!"
Jasmine blinked. She didn't remember any promise, but something about Hazel's teary eyes made her hesitate.
Nate appeared behind the kids, his expression still icy.
"Sweethearts, you two go inside first. Daddy needs to talk to Miss Jasmine," he said gently.
Liam and Hazel nodded obediently, though Hazel kept glancing back at Jasmine with pleading eyes before Mrs. Wilkins led them to the dining room.
After the kids left, Nate sighed. "You really want to go?"
Jasmine nodded. "You said yourself I should go. I don't want to cause any trouble."
Nate gave her a quick look, then suddenly pulled out his wallet and pulled out a piece of card. "This is a credit card with a limited amount. Enough for you to rent a room for a while and buy the basics."
Jasmine was shocked. "I can't take this."
"Just take it. I don't want you to get hurt on the road and cause trouble for others," he said, still cold.
Before she could object again, Nate's phone suddenly rang. From the drastic change in his expression, it was clear that it was not good news.
"When?!" her voice rose. "All right, I'll be right there."
He hung up with a panicked look on his face.
"What's going on?" Jasmine asked.
"There's a problem at Kingsley headquarters." Nate closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, "I have to go now."
But at the same time, Liam and Hazel came running back.
"Daddy, you promised today was your day off!" Liam protested.
Nate hesitated. He had to leave, but he'd also made a promise to his kids.
Jasmine saw the conflict. Without thinking, she said, "Just go. I'll look after them until you get back."
Nate eyed her skeptically. "You sure?"
"I won't leave until you come back. That's a promise."
There was an honesty in her eyes that finally made Nate nod. "Okay. But remember, Mrs. Wilkins will be watching you."
He ran out, leaving Jasmine with the twins, who were now smiling with relief.
Jasmine began her duties as nanny until Nate returned. Liam, whose wound had improved, immediately clung to her like a curious kitten. Hazel, who was usually shy, began to smile more. They were comfortable with their new nanny.
"Just for a little while, until their father returns, then I'll be on my way," Jasmine thought as she smiled sweetly at Liam and Hazel.
"Hmmm... I like the name you gave me. Miss Jazz, that sounds interesting," Jasmine said as she smiled at the twins, who laughed happily as well.
Even though she knew it would only be for a short time, it felt… nice.