It turned out Nate didn't return right away. Only after a few days did Jasmine finally learn the reason.
"Miss Jasmine, Mr.Nate left a message saying he wouldn't be back for a few days," Mrs.Wilkins informed her about Nate's delayed return. Jasmine simply nodded. She was confused—why would Nate even bother to let her know?
At one point, she had even wondered if Mrs. Wilkins was delivering a message from Nate telling her to leave immediately.
Jasmine, or "Miss Jazz," as Liam and Hazel had been calling her these past few days—had grown closer to the twins. The two of them absolutely adored her, and she felt the same way. She had come to cherish the children deeply.
Jazz was settling into her new routine. Every morning, she woke Liam and Hazel up, prepared breakfast, played with them, read bedtime stories, and even taught Hazel how to bake simple treats. Unlike other kids their age, they didn't attend regular school but were homeschooled by private tutors. Jasmine figured it was because they were only four, and their father wasn't ready for them to interact with the outside world yet. Or maybe there was another reason—she didn't dwell on it too much.
One afternoon, while playing with Liam and Hazel in the backyard garden, Jasmine was suddenly hit by a sharp, stabbing headache.
"Run! Now!"
The voice echoed in her mind—faint yet clear. The shadow of a man with piercing eyes and a cold smile flashed in her memory.
"Miss Jazz? Are you okay?" Liam tugged at her arm, his face full of concern.
Jasmine furrowed her brows, trying to steady herself. "I... I'm fine, Liam."
But Hazel, more perceptive, stared at her with innocent eyes. "You look pale, Miss Jazz. Should I call Mrs. Wilkins?"
Jasmine shook her head. "No need. I just need to rest for a bit." She forced a smile, quickly grabbing some water and drinking it.
After making sure Liam and Hazel were safely playing again, Jasmine hurried back into the house. Her head was still throbbing.
She went to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. When she looked in the mirror, her own eyes felt unfamiliar.
"You're nobody. You're just an obstacle."
The words flashed through her mind, making her bite her lip.
She shut her eyes and took a deep breath—doing exactly what Nate had done days before.
---
That night
Jasmine fell asleep in the children's room after reading them a bedtime story.
"Run!" The nightmare struck again, this time accompanied by the sound of gunshots that left her gasping for air.
She jolted awake, her breathing ragged. But what shocked her even more was the sight of someone holding her hand and gently tapping her cheek.
Jasmine wanted to scream, but the figure firmly covered her mouth.
"Don't scream. You'll wake the kids." A familiar voice. Jasmine strained her eyes—it was Nate.
.Nate was back?" But hadn't he said he'd be away for a few more days?
"Calm down now?" Nate asked. Jasmine nodded in response.
He removed his hand from her mouth.
"You were restless, talking in your sleep. I was trying to wake you," he explained before she could ask.
"Thanks," Jasmine replied shortly.
"Can you… let go of me now?" she asked Nate, who was still holding her waist.
He reflexively released her. Without another word, Jasmine got up and left.
"Another nightmare?" Nate asked, concern in his voice.
Jasmine only nodded silently before opening the door and walking out, returning to her own room.
It was a long night, and Jasmine was afraid to sleep. The dream kept repeating, carrying a mystery that remained just out of reach.
---
The next morning
Jasmine woke up late, her head pounding. She was a little surprised—usually, the kids would come looking for her by now.
"Did their father forbid them from seeing me?" she wondered.
She quickly showered and dressed in simple clothes before stepping out of her room. The wound on her arm throbbed painfully, but she ignored it—almost as if she were used to this kind of pain.
In fact, she found it strange. Aside from her arm, she had several other scars that had already healed. What exactly was the missing memory?
The house felt quieter than usual. Even Mrs. Wilkins wasn't in the kitchen, where she normally was.
Jasmine walked to the dining room, where the scent of fresh coffee lingered. But the only person there was Nate, sitting at the far end of the table with an unreadable expression.
"Where are Liam and Hazel?" she asked, trying to suppress her unease.
Nate looked up, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. They're studying with their tutor in the back room. I told Mrs. Wilkins not to disturb you this morning."
Jasmine nodded slowly, but her mind raced."Why is Nate suddenly being so considerate?"
He sighed, as if weighing his words. "There's something we need to talk about."
Jasmine's heart pounded. Is he going to send me away?
But before Nate could continue, a small voice broke the tension.
"Miss Jazz!" Hazel came running in, followed by Liam, who looked worried.
"We missed you! Daddy said you needed rest, so we couldn't wake you," Hazel said innocently, hugging Jasmine's leg.
Liam glanced at Nate before adding, "Dad, can Miss Jazz join our lesson today? The teacher said we're drawing!"
Nate exhaled, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. "That's up to Miss Jazz."
Jasmine smiled, relief washing over her. "Of course, I'd love to."
Hazel and Liam cheered, pulling her toward the study room. But before leaving, Jasmine glanced back at Nate.
"Thanks… for not making me leave yet," she said softly before following the twins.
Night fell again.
As usual, after dinner, Jasmine spent time chatting and playing with the twins while Nate remained absorbed in his own world.
But this time, Nate came downstairs with an unpleasant expression. Mrs. Wilkins followed closely behind.
"Take the kids to their room!" Nate ordered Jasmine, his tone firm.
"Mrs. Wilkins, make sure they don't leave until I say so," he added. The housekeeper nodded obediently.
Before Jasmine could usher the children away, a small, shrill voice cut through the tension.
"Nate… Don't hide them from me. I'm their mother, I miss them!"
A beautiful woman with blonde hair stood there, her eyes filled with sadness as she looked at Nate. Then her gaze shifted to the twins, who were clinging tightly to Jasmine.
"Liam… Hazel, it's Mommy."