Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131: The Misunderstanding

“If you didn’t die, then why didn’t you come back?” The question hung heavily in the air.

Tatiana’s throat tightened as she instinctively glanced at Jasper, realizing with a pang that they hadn’t coordinated their stories on this crucial point. That single look was enough to spark a dangerous assumption in Grandpa’s mind.

In his eyes, that glance was confirmation: Jasper had married another woman, and Tatiana, heartbroken beyond measure, had chosen to let everyone believe she was dead rather than face the pain of returning.

Without warning, Grandpa snatched up a nearby cup and hurled it across the room. The cup shattered violently against Jasper’s forehead, sending shards flying.

“You unfilial grandson!” Grandpa’s voice cracked with fury.

Blood trickled down Jasper’s forehead, his expression darkened by rage. “I am your grandson!” he shouted, voice thick with anger.

Tatiana’s heart skipped a beat, shocked by Grandpa’s sudden outburst. She hadn’t expected such violence. Jasper’s bleeding head and furious glare only intensified the tension in the room.

But Grandpa’s anger only deepened. “You insolent fool!” he spat.

Tatiana stepped forward, her voice trembling, “Gordon, there’s no need for this. This isn’t his fault.”

Grandpa brusquely pushed her hand away. “No explanations needed. I see it all clearly. He must have broken your heart so badly that you’d rather be dead than alive.”

Tatiana opened her mouth to protest, to explain that her death was a mystery even to herself. But the furious Jasper suddenly fell silent, the pieces clicking into place in his mind. So that was why she had to fake amnesia.

Both Grandpa and Jasper had completely misunderstood the situation. Tatiana felt trapped, unable to clarify the truth—that she hadn’t faked her death, but was the victim of a failed assassination attempt, surviving by sheer luck, and still unsure who had tried to kill her.

“Since you refuse to reclaim your identity, how about this?” Grandpa proposed, his voice softening slightly. “I will publicly announce that you are the descendant of an old friend of mine, and I will raise you under my name—as my god-granddaughter. From now on, you will be Jasper’s younger sister.”

Tatiana’s eyes widened in surprise. “Is that even allowed?”

Jasper’s response was immediate and firm. “Absolutely not!”

The two spoke almost simultaneously, but Grandpa paid no attention to Jasper’s objection. His gaze locked onto Tatiana’s. “If you agree, I’ll arrange everything right away. I promise it will be handled flawlessly—no one will suspect a thing.”

Jasper’s chest tightened painfully at the word ‘sister.’ The thought was unbearable. What kind of man would share a bed with his own sister?

“Grandpa, I…” Jasper began, but was cut off by a sudden violent coughing fit from the old man.

“Grandpa!” Tatiana exclaimed, rushing to his side.

“Girl… cough, cough… Grandpa doesn’t have much time left. I just want you near me… to keep me company. Cough, cough… Jasper may have wronged you, but I haven’t, cough, cough…” His voice grew faint with each word.

Grandpa nearly lost his temper again. “How can you say such disgraceful things!”

“I won’t accept it,” Jasper insisted.

“Then what do you want? You were the one who insisted on marrying her, and now you’re divorcing her. I’ve reasoned with you every way I can, but you won’t change. Now you don’t even want her as your sister? What exactly are you aiming for?”

Jasper had no answer. Since Tatiana had reappeared in his life, he hadn’t figured out where she fit, or how to treat her. But under no circumstances could she be his sister.

“This is settled. It’s not your decision. Accept her as your sister, or consider me dead!” Grandpa’s voice was firm, though weary.

Fearing to truly upset Grandpa, Jasper said no more. The old man looked exhausted and waved them off. “Go. Tell those waiting outside to leave. I’m not dying just yet.”

Once the guests had gone, the old butler stepped forward quietly. “Grandpa, why didn’t you tell Mr. Jasper the truth?”

Grandpa gazed out the window, his eyes distant. “Tell him? How? That the girl’s biological parents died saving him? Or that she isn’t really a Lowell?”

The butler fell silent, understanding there was a painful history left unspoken.

Years ago, when he and Jasper were returning home, they had been chased by enemies and involved in a terrible car crash. The driver died instantly as the vehicle slid down a slope. Miraculously, Grandpa and Jasper survived, trapped and immobilized in the wreckage, but the truth of Tatiana’s origins remained tangled in that tragedy.