Against Cruelty, She Grew Strong (by Anastasia Glover) novel Chapter 495

Even in Darkness, She Chose to Rise

Chapter 495 The Proposal

“Why wait for next time?”

“Because…”

“Can’t you do it now?”

Finished

He froze, his gaze slowly shifting toward her. Tammy thrust the ring back into his hand, urging him on. “Hurry! Propose!” Her expression was a mix of pride and triumph; she looked incredibly spirited.

Norman couldn’t help but chuckle. He finally took the velvet box and dropped down to one knee. The casual, nonchalant mask he usually wore vanished, replaced by a devastating sincerity.

He looked up at her, his voice steady as he spoke each word with intent. “Will you marry me? From this day forward, I will protect you for the rest of my life. I promise to cherish you and never leave your side.”

Tammy’s eyes crinkled into crescents as she nodded vigorously. “I will!”

She even extended her hand, waiting for him to slide the ring on. The diamond wasn’t large–it was actually quite small–but it had cost several tens of thousands, the very best he could afford at the moment. He slid it onto her finger with reverence, as if he were binding her to him. Or perhaps, binding himself to her.

Tammy spent a moment admiring the ring before throwing herself into his arms with a blissful smile. “So, does this make us a legal couple?”

“Mm. And we’ll have a wedding.”

Their current identities were forged, making a marriage certificate impossible, but a small ceremony was within reach. He couldn’t let her have nothing.

“I’m so happy! Are you happy?”

“Yes,” Norman whispered, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Me too.”

Under the moonlight, their silhouettes were intertwined She looked so radiant, as if she possessed the most precious treasures in the world, despite wearing a cheap dress and a tiny ring. She had forgotten her past, had no destination for her future, and was living under a false name, yet she was utterly content.

Norman’s heart ached with a sudden, sharp pang. Deep love often breeds a sense of inadequacy–the feeling that he simply couldn’t give her enough. It wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough. There were so many things he wanted to provide for her.

The swelling ache in his chest sparked a different thought. Perhaps it was time to uncover his true identity.

This moonlit proposal would become a lingering regret in the countless nights to come.

Tatiana finally caught Norman’s match on the third day of her stakeout.

Watching him effortlessly dismantle a muscular giant several times his size inside the iron cage, she heard the roar of the crowd echoing around her. Her expression was complicated as she leaned in to whisper to Jasper, “He seems… quite popular.”

Then, shifting her gaze downward, she spotted Tammy the stands, cheering at the top of her lungs. Tammy looked… well, she looked healthy and full of energy, without a single scratch on her.

70

Chapter 495 The Proposal

Finished

Tatiana finally felt the weight lift from her heart. Even though she had suspected they were fine, she hadn’t been able to truly rest until she saw them with her own eyes.

Once Norman’s match ended, the two of them prepared to head backstage to find them. However, as they stood up, Jasper immediately pulled Tatiana behind him, facing off against a figure approaching from the opposite side.

Tatiana peeked out with curiosity.

It was a woman–an exceptionally tall woman, nearly six feet tall, with a powerful aura and striking features, though her makeup was quite heavy. She was flanked by several thugs who acted as her personal guard.

“It’s rare to see you here. Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

When the woman spoke, her voice wasn’t feminine or delicate; it was quite gravelly, made even stranger by her attempt to pitch it higher.

Jasper slowly uttered a familiar name. “Annie.”

“Oh, you still remember my name? I’m honored. Since we’ve run into each other, why don’t we have a cup of tea?” The woman’s gaze shifted slowly, landing on the person Jasper was shielding. Her tone turned deep and speculative. “And while we’re at it, you can introduce your companion.”

“I will, but another day. I have business today.”

“What business? Looking for someone?”

Seeing that she knew his purpose, Jasper’s eyes darkened. Just as he was about to speak, a soft hand reached out from behind him, gently pressing against his arm.

Tatiana spoke up with a smile, “Sure, a cup of tea won’t take long. Right, Jasper?”

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