60. "Assault of Nathaniel leaves Lucien injured"

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Nathaniel strutted into the establishment, his arrogant face oozing with entitlement.

The structure before him, a blend of wooden beams and sturdy bricks, transcended the mere label of a stall, more fittingly resembling a miniature bar.

Unbeknownst to him, his demeanor had already begun to displease the owner, yet the proprietor maintained a professional demeanor, greeting him with a forced smile.

"Here is your drink, Sir!" the owner replied, serving him despite his own discontent. The corners of his lips curved upward, masking any hint of his internal dissatisfaction.

As Nathaniel lifted the glass to his lips, an intoxicating aroma engulfed his senses, momentarily stunning him. Curiosity overtook him, and he couldn't help but inquire about the beverage.

"What is this drink called?" he asked, his intrigue palpable.

With a sly grin, the owner responded, "It's called Saeva bibe." Unbeknownst to Nathaniel, the words held an underlying meaning, a subtle foreshadowing of the experience to come.

His first gulp sent a searing heat coursing down his throat, radiating through his stomach like the sweltering embrace of a sauna.

His mind buzzed, and for a moment, his vision blurred, only to snap back into focus.

The owner, witnessing Nathaniel's flushed appearance, couldn't hide his satisfaction. Maintaining his professional facade, he inquired, "How did you like the drink, Sir?"

"Give me one more!" Nathaniel exclaimed, the effects of the potent concoction already taking hold.

And so it continued, with Nathaniel consuming serving after serving, his senses dulled and his faculties lost in a haze of intoxication.

"Dam...n...it..gooood...!" Incoherent words spilled from his mouth, his body swaying as he struggled to maintain a semblance of composure.

In his drunken stupor, Nathaniel caught a fleeting glimpse of Vivienne's radiant face, a smile adorning her lips as she engaged in conversation with an unknown companion.

Oblivious to Lucien Sterling's presence, as his back was turned towards Nathaniel, a tempest of anger and humiliation swelled within him, momentarily eluding his grasp but now surging back with unbridled force.

The torrent of emotions overwhelmed him, crashing over his senses in an uncontrollable wave.

With unsteady steps, he rose from his seat, his hand instinctively grasping an empty glass bottle.

Though his movements stumbled here and there, his gaze remained fixated on Vivienne, his heart yearning to unleash his pent-up frustration upon her.

Meanwhile, Lucien and Vivienne, oblivious to his turmoil, were engrossed in their own conversation. Their voices intermingled with the ambiance, their words carrying a semblance of normalcy.

"Today has been an extraordinary experience for me," Lucien expressed, his tone filled with genuine gratitude.

He turned to face Vivienne, his eyes reflecting sincerity as he thanked her for accompanying him.

A faint smile graced Vivienne's lips as she shook her head, savoring the remnants of a drink that lingered in her glass.

"It's alright," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of weariness. "I, too, needed a day of respite, a chance to sort out my jumbled thoughts. The recent events have left me feeling rather disconcerted."

Lucien's gaze wandered to the night sky, a celestial tapestry adorned with twinkling stars.

The passage of time became evident, casting its shadow upon their encounter. "Indeed, it is growing late," he remarked softly, his voice carrying a touch of melancholy. "We should make our way home."

Vivienne gracefully rose from her seat, a nod of agreement escaping her lips. Unbeknownst to her, Nathaniel stumbled over, his disheveled state going unnoticed.

However, Lucien, ever observant, sensed that something was amiss. He could see that Nathaniel was in no right state of mind, his face contorted in an ugly and menacing expression.

"Hehe... you bitch... hick..hick... go to hell!" Nathaniel slurred, his words reaching Vivienne's ears just as she turned her attention towards him.

But it was too late for her to evade the imminent danger hurtling towards her— an empty glass bottle propelled towards her delicate face.

"Watch out!" Lucien's voice rang out, his reflexes kicking into action. In a split second, he lunged towards Vivienne, pulling her close and shielding her from the impending blow.

"Crash...!!"

"Ahh...!" The sound of shattering glass reverberated through the air, accompanied by a pained grunt.

The bottle struck Lucien's head, its impact causing it to fracture into small, dangerous fragments.

Disoriented, Lucien tried to comprehend the situation unfolding around him.

"What...!"

"Catch him...!"

"Don't let him get away!"

The unsuspecting patrons who had been enjoying their drinks were jolted from their reverie.

"Thud...!"

In a swift response, they surged forward, converging upon Nathaniel, who lay intoxicated and helpless on the ground.

His attempt to escape was futile, as the weight of their collective fury bore down upon him.

"Lucien... Lucien, please... are you okay?" Vivienne's voice trembled with concern as she witnessed the crimson liquid trickling from Lucien's wounded head, staining his once pristine visage.

"Ahh...! It appears that my head has taken a blow, but aside from that, I am fine," Lucien replied, his voice tinged with discomfort.

He gingerly moved his hand to his throbbing scalp, realizing it was coated in his own blood.

Numbness enveloped him, shielding him from the full extent of the pain, while a tingling sensation and the steady trickle of blood reminded him of the injury's presence.

Despite the disorientation, he found solace in Vivienne's presence as she supported him, her hand gently gripping his shoulder.

"Please, be okay," she implored softly, her worry evident in her tone. "We need to get you to the hospital. Someone, call an ambulance, please!" Vivienne's plea, filled with urgency, drifted across the place, reaching the ears of the surrounding onlookers.

"Please, don't worry, Ma'am. We have already called the ambulance and the police," the owner reassured Vivienne, stepping forward to offer his assurance.

The gravity of the situation had not escaped his notice, and he had taken the necessary steps to summon help.

Vivienne's anxiety began to ease, if only slightly, as she absorbed the owner's words.

Though concern continued to etch lines upon her face, Vivienne grasped onto a glimmer of hope that flickered with the imminent arrival of the medical professionals.

"Please hold on, the ambulance is on its way!" Vivienne's voice carried a delicate blend of reassurance and urgency as she sought to alleviate the mounting tension, directing her words to Lucien, whose well-being lay fragile before her.

"Hmmn, I'll manage somehow," Lucien responded, his voice carrying a calmness that belied the gravity of the situation.

A restrained smile graced his lips, a feeble attempt to reassure Vivienne despite the turmoil that surrounded them.

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