Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 124

124 The Promise

The night had finally come to a close.

Bianca’s heart raced with unease, fearing Jasper might insist on accompanying her. “There’s no need, Jasper,” she said firmly, trying to sound casual. “You’ve been pushing yourself all evening. It’s rare for everyone to gather like this. It would be a shame if you left early. Just let the driver take me home.”

Jasper hesitated, caught between concern and reluctance. Bianca noticed and repeated gently, “Jasper, I can handle this on my own.”

After a moment, he relented. “Alright, I’ll have the driver take you.”

Relief washed over Bianca like a warm wave. Ignoring the sharp, lingering ache twisting inside her, she hurried out of the club’s dimly lit entrance, eager to escape the tension.

Seizing the chance, Shawn leaned in. “Jasper, it’s nearly midnight. There’s a big event happening soon. Want to come with us?”

But Jasper’s attention was elsewhere. He shook his head, voice distant. “No, thanks. You all enjoy yourselves.”

Shawn’s expression tightened awkwardly for a moment, but he was accustomed to Jasper’s cold detachment and didn’t press further. Turning away, he returned to his own evening plans.

At that moment, Tatiana pushed open the door and spotted her grandmother, tears threatening to spill from her eyes in relief. Jaime knelt on the floor, hands clasped tightly together, murmuring what sounded like a prayer. Tatiana stepped closer, catching the soft, muffled words: “Bless my granddaughter with safety. Don’t let anything happen to her. I could leave this world right now and serve you, but my granddaughter must be protected…”

Hearing this, Tatiana’s throat tightened, her eyes stinging as tears welled up. “Grandma!”

Jaime turned, startled, unsure if she had heard correctly. When she saw Tatiana, she rose shakily to her feet, nearly losing balance.

Quickly, Tatiana steadied her. “Be careful, Grandma!”

“Cindy! I’m so glad you’re alright,” Jaime said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Tatiana’s heart ached deeply. Her grandmother, at such an age, had endured so much undeserved pain. “Are you okay? Let me take you home,” she urged gently, unwilling to waste another moment. Fearful of more trouble, she guided Jaime away without hesitation.

Thanks to Jasper’s earlier instructions, no one dared to stop them on their way out, and they left smoothly. A sleek car waited at the entrance, Felix standing by its side. “Ms. Cindy, the Boss asked me to drive you home,” he said respectfully.

Tatiana hesitated, about to decline, but at this late hour, public transport was no longer running, and hailing a taxi would be nearly impossible. Plus, her grandmother was still visibly shaken. After a brief pause, she carefully helped Jaime into the car and took her seat.

Felix drove them quietly, the silence between them filled only by the hum of the engine and the soft glow of streetlights passing by.

“Grandma, I understand. Don’t worry. Let’s go inside and rest.”

The night’s ordeal had drained the old woman. After a light meal, she lay down and quickly drifted into a deep sleep.

Tatiana changed out of her bunny costume and looked at the expensive suit jacket again. The fabric was delicate, definitely not something to hand-wash. Dry cleaning was necessary, but there wasn’t a cleaner nearby at this hour.

She hesitated, then picked up her phone and dialed a number.

The call was answered quickly, but no voice came through—only the faint noise of a bustling background. Clutching the phone, Tatiana whispered softly, “Thank you.”

Meanwhile, Jasper held the phone in one hand, a photograph in the other. The butler had given it to him—a picture of two children. Little Tatiana, her skin pale and cheeks round, held his hand tightly. She had large, dark eyes full of innocence. Beside her stood ten-year-old Jasper, cold and aloof, yet with a rare bright smile.

The photo was taken at the old family estate. He vaguely recalled it was her birthday, and her wish was to take a picture together every year. He had been reluctant but obeyed his grandfather’s orders. This was their first photo together. The estate housed several large albums filled with pictures the butler had collected over the years, chronicling their lives—including hers.

Jasper had spent hours looking through those albums during his last visit to the estate. So long, in fact, that forgotten memories began to resurface slowly and clearly. He realized she occupied so much of his early life’s recollections. It seemed that whenever he looked back, there was always someone there—first a hesitant follower, then a steadfast presence by his side.