Chapter 79
Jasmine breathed a sigh of relief as she finally finished her workday. Navigating the bustling streets, she walked towards the bus stop. She sighted a pharmacy just along the streets. her mind consumed by the events of that morning. The morning’s awkward incident haunted her thoughts, and she cringed at the memory of her attempt to apologize which had ended. up in a disaster.
“His impression of me must be even worse now, she thought, replaying the Incident in her mind.
As Jasmine stared at the pharmacy, her thoughts dwelled on the aftermath of the morning incident. Sympathy filled her as she imagined the extent of his injuries caused by the glass shards. The image of his wounded fingers was one she couldn’t get out of her mind Deciding to do something thoughtful, she entered the store. Emerging moments later, she made her way home.
Upon reaching her apartment, Jasmine’s first thought was to check the parking lot to Know if he was back already, but his car was nowhere in sight. He hadn’t returned home yet “Good” She thought to herself. I’ll wait for him here.
Settling down to wait, Jasmine occupied herself with her phone, determined to be there so as to know when he returned. The chill in the air began to seep through, but she resisted the temptation to go upstairs, fearing she might miss him. She didn’t have the confidence to walk up to his door and knock there. She wanted to meet him outside.
Time went by and she engrossed in her phone almost missed him when he drove by.
She spotted his car in the driveway, he had exited and was already standing in the clevator. She hurried towards the elevator, only to see its doors close before her. Undeterred, she quickly entered the next one, hoping to catch up with him.
Reaching the floor, she stepped out, glancing around to spot him. He was already walking towards his apartment, engrossed in a phone call. Determined not to let this chance slip away, Jasmine quickened her pace the medicine bag clutched in her grip.
“Wait, excuse me.” Jasmine called, running up to him.
“Hi,” she greeted nervously, offering a small smile. The man shifted backward, an uncomfortable look on his face as he hung up the call.
“What do you want?” He asked stiffly. The distance he created spoke volumes – he didn’t want her anywhere near him. Not that she could blame him; the last couple of times she approached him, it ended with him getting hurt badly.
Jasmine swallowed nervously, sensing the tension. “I just wanted to apologize for this morning. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I brought something for your injuries. I’m really sorry about what happened,” she explained, her voice genuine. She held out the small bag with the first aid kit.
He eyed the bag cautiously, skepticism etched across his face.
Urm, I just wanted to apologize about this morning.” Jasmine was saying when her
attention was drawn to a red spot close to the collar of his shirt. Upon closer inspection, she noticed it was blood.
Blood?!
Oh no! She gasped in shock, her palms instinctively covering her mouth.
“Did I do that? I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize it was that bad, I swear I didn’t mean to hurt you. I thought there was a mouse, and I was jumpy, and 1… Jasmine was still talking.
Axel touched his neck lightly, feeling the stickiness of blood. He hadn’t even realized he was bleeding.
“This isn’t caused by you,” he explained, interrupting her rambling.
“I got some treatments,” she waved the package in front of him. “I can help you treat it?” She offered eagerly.
“This isn’t caused by you,” he stated once more.
“It isn’t an injury I got this morning. That incident happened over ten hours ago; you think an injury like that would look this fresh?” Axel asked.
Jasmine bit her lips, feeling a little stupid; he was right. Still, she wanted to make it right, after all, she had hurt him earlier She could see the plasters from his earlier injuries she had caused.
“Still, let me help you,” she offered.
“Don’t bother,” Axel said, turning to go into his house.
“Wait,” she called, running ahead and standing in front of him.
“Let me,” she insisted.
“I hurt you several times, and besides that, treating that yourself would be quite difficult,” she stated thoughtfully. He would have to strain his neck to treat it. Rather than go through that, he could just let her help him. Her sincerity and remorse were evident in her eyes.
“Fine,” he agreed finally.
She smiled, feeling a little victorious.
“Great!”
gave
her way,
She stood behind him as he unlocked the door with his security code. Axel leading her in. Jasmine followed him inside his condo–styled apartment, noticing some things she hadn’t seen earlier.
“He has a dog?” she wondered to herself, spotting all the dog toys and things around. Then, she nearly squealed from delight when she saw a puppy.
It must have been sleeping when I came earlier, she mused thoughtfully.
The dog hovered over its owner, wagging its tail excitedly.
Jasmine stood there awkwardly, watching the sight.
“He doesn’t seem like a dog person. He seemed cold and aloof, not like someone who would like a pet or have the time to take care of one,” she thought so she was rather surprised. Still. you know nothing about his Jasmine, she reminded herself.
He had taken off his suit, and was now unbuttoning his shirt and ripping off the tie. She couldn’t help but stare at him, captivated by the mesmerizing way he undressed. It was as if she was witnessing a supermodel preparing for a photoshoot. His almost shirtless figure. revealed a body that was not only fit but well–toned, a perfect contrast to the crisp white shirt he had just discarded. The allure of his well–sculpted physique left her in awe. He was perfection.
He removed his glasses, revealing a gaze that seemed to pierce through her. “Well…” be called, and she snapped out of her daze, realizing she had almost been caught in the moment of admiring his perfect body
“How about the kitchen?” he suggested, knowing the stools would make it easier for her to apply the treatment. She nodded in agreement and he moved to the kitchen settling on a stool. She followed him hovering over him.
Despite her nervousness, she leaned in, realizing that him sitting down had brought them to almost the same height.
Her hands shook slightly as she leaned down, and he turned to offer the side of his neck that was
injured. She couldn’t help but notice his striking features up close, and a soft “Woah” escaped her thoughts.
In the hushed atmosphere, she Donned a pair of gloves and started cleaning the wound, the only sound being the soft movements and the ticking of the clock, her hands trembling slightly with a mix of apprehension and concentration.
Here they were, seated in the same kitchen where chaos had unfolded earlier. The vivid image replayed in her mind, causing a shiver to run down her spine. Determinedly, she pushed the unsettling thoughts away, focusing on the task at hand.
As she continued applying the treatment, Jasmine couldn’t help but marvel at his good. looks. His aloof demeanor only added to his appeal, creating an enigmatic charm. While attending to him, she noticed his pulse quicken at some point.
“Td like to apologize for what happened this morning and the other night,” she stated, attempting to break the awkwardness. Suddenly, he flinched, catching her off guard. “Did it hurt?” she asked, concern evident in her voice. No,” he replied succinctly, leaving an. unspoken tension lingering in the air.
As she leaned in to continue, he abruptly stood up, asserting, “It’s okay now. I can manage on my own.” His discomfort was palpable, a slight reddening of his ears revealing more than words could convey. ‘It’s just the bandage that’s left, right?” he asked, hastily arranging his shirt.
“Yes,” she replied softly, picking up on his subtle cues. A sense of melancholy washed over her; it seemed evident that he wanted her gone immediately from his space. Jasmine gathered her bag as he handed it to her, and he guided her towards the door with a noticeable urgency.
He spoke in a hurried manner, “I can take care of the rest. As he ushered her out, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of being an unwanted guest.
Thank you,” he stated as she stepped out. The door slammed shut immediately, leaving her standing in the corridor.
“You’re welcome,” she replied slowly, staring at the closed door. A lingering hurt tugged at her emotions, and she trudged slowly to her own apartment next door.
“Did I do something wrong?” she wondered, the uncertainty gnawing at her. The moment had taken a strange turn, from his calm acceptance of her help to a sudden need to send her away. She felt sad and unwanted.
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