Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 130

130 The Coercion

The weight of her words hung heavily in the air, unmistakably clear. Perry stood there, stunned, completely caught off guard by her outright refusal. He hadn’t anticipated such a response from her—why would she turn him down? Especially a woman like Tatiana, who had endured so much: disfigured, burdened with the care of an elderly relative, and now seemingly pushing him away.

“Cindy, are you sure about this?” Perry asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Tatiana’s resolve was firm. Her life was already tangled in chaos, and she didn’t want to drag anyone else into the mess—not even Perry. He was just an ordinary man, and she believed he deserved a life free from the complications that shadowed her existence.

With a quiet but steady nod, she replied, “Yes, I’m sure.”

Her voice carried a gentle firmness. “Perry, you deserve so much better than this. Your condition isn’t insurmountable. If you get a thorough check-up and follow the doctor’s orders, you’ll recover.”

She believed that if even her severe injuries could be treated, then surely Perry’s problem was manageable too. Once he healed, he could find someone normal, someone who could give him the life he deserved.

But despite her good intentions, Perry heard something else entirely.

“So, you still mind my problem, don’t you?” he accused, hurt flashing in his eyes.

“No, that’s not what I mean…” Tatiana tried to explain, but Perry’s wounded pride had already taken over. The kind, honest expression on his face shifted instantly into something colder, more defensive.

“Then what do you mean?” he snapped, raising his voice. “You’re just looking down on me, aren’t you? Fine! Consider me a fool for trying! You’re better than me, you’re amazing—whatever! I’m done here.”

Before she could respond, Perry flung the items he was holding onto the floor with a loud crash. The noise echoed through the corridor, drawing the attention of nearby passersby. Tatiana remained frozen, feeling utterly helpless. She couldn’t pinpoint where she had gone wrong, but seeing Perry so angry and storming off, she realized their fragile arrangement was likely over. He probably wouldn’t come back.

Maybe that was for the best. She didn’t know how much time she had left, and she didn’t want to hold Perry back from a better future.

Quietly, she knelt down and gathered the scattered items—a bottle of juice, half-spilled on the floor. Borrowing a mop, she cleaned up the mess and paid for the remaining half of the drink, feeling the sting of humiliation and regret.

As she stepped outside, the sight of a row of sleek black luxury cars parked at the hospital entrance sent a chill down her spine. Her scalp prickled with unease. Without hesitation, she turned around and hurried away, only to find her path suddenly blocked.

Her entire body tensed as she heard footsteps approaching, each one deliberate, stopping just behind her.

“Tatiana.”

She inhaled deeply, summoning her courage to turn around and speak, but before she could utter a word, the serious, solemn expression on the man’s face stopped her cold.

“Come with me,” he said simply.

She wanted to refuse, to tell him he had the wrong person, but he quickly added, “Grandpa is critically ill. He only wants to see you one last time.”

“Can you keep them from finding out?” she asked quietly. “I don’t want anyone to know I’m alive. I want no part of my past life.”

Jasper considered this for a moment before answering, “Yes.”

They entered through the back door, avoiding the crowds. Jasper even had Tatiana change into a maid’s uniform, so she could move unnoticed.

Tatiana took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the old patriarch’s room. The faint sound caught the old man’s attention, and he slowly turned his head, eyes filled with both hope and fear. When he saw her, even masked and disguised as a maid, recognition flooded his face. Tears welled up in his eyes.

“My girl!” he whispered.

“Grandpa!” Tatiana rushed forward, tears streaming down her face. Jasper hadn’t lied—Gordon’s condition was truly grave. She had never seen him look so fragile and aged.

Jasper stepped back a few paces, watching quietly, unwilling to interrupt their reunion. The old butler standing guard at the door looked surprised but quickly understood Jasper’s shushing gesture and returned to his post, barring anyone else from entering.

The old patriarch clutched Tatiana’s hand, sobbing softly. “It’s such a relief to see you safe, my girl! Those people lied to me—they said you were dead! Scoundrels!”

Tatiana dared not reveal the truth, fearing it would break his heart. Thankfully, she and Jasper had prepared a story. She whispered, “Yes, there was an accident, and they mistakenly thought I had died.”

The old man nodded, tears still falling as they held onto each other, the fragile thread of family binding them in this moment of sorrow and hope.