Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 133

133 The New Identity

Although Tatiana was only planning to be away for a few days, she couldn’t shake the overwhelming feeling that this departure was more like a permanent goodbye. She kept talking, listing off countless things in a nervous rush, while Jaime watched her with a gentle, knowing smile. When her words finally ran dry, she could only cling tightly to her grandmother, holding on as if to anchor herself. “Wait for me to come back, Grandma,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

By the time she turned to leave the room, her eyes were already glistening with unshed tears, red-rimmed from the emotion.

Outside the door, Jasper had been waiting patiently for quite some time. As soon as he saw her emerge, he immediately opened the car door for her. Tatiana quickly wiped her cheeks, trying to compose herself before slipping inside.

The car pulled away, and Tatiana’s throat tightened with the weight of her emotions. Jasper frowned, watching her closely. “I’ll arrange for a better doctor to examine her. You don’t need to worry about that,” he said firmly.

She said nothing in response. Jasper felt a strange irritation rising within him—was it because of her tears, or was it the unsettling reality that she was about to become his sister?

The car soon arrived at an unmarked but incredibly lavish shop. The few customers inside were all familiar faces from the media, their presence hinting at the shop’s exclusive nature.

“You’ve arrived. Is this the young lady?” a staff member asked politely.

“Yes,” Jasper replied.

“Very well. Miss, please follow me,” the attendant said, gesturing toward the interior.

Tatiana understood the purpose immediately and didn’t ask any questions. She followed the attendant inside quietly. When she removed her mask, a few of the staff members were visibly startled. Though her facial injuries had healed significantly—some of the shallower wounds now mere faint scars—the deeper, more severe scars on both sides of her face remained painfully obvious. Tatiana had grown accustomed to this reaction over time and met their surprise with a cool indifference.

“Miss, please don’t worry. Leave everything to us,” the attendant reassured her gently.

Outside, Jasper sat waiting, a book in hand, though he hadn’t turned a single page the entire time. When the curtain was drawn back, he looked up and observed carefully.

Tatiana was dressed in a long, deep-blue gown. The hem was adorned with flowing, colorful patterns reminiscent of the ocean’s waves. A small suit jacket rested over her shoulders, lending her an air of light elegance and dignity—perfect for a formal occasion. Because the scars on her face were too prominent to conceal completely, the makeup artist had only managed to soften the more minor wounds, leaving the deeper scars visible but less horrifying. The transformation was striking; she no longer resembled the original “Tatiana” anyone had known.

Jasper studied her for a moment, a satisfied expression crossing his face. “Yes, this is acceptable,” he said quietly.

After the makeover, they headed to the old family estate. The place was already bustling with people when they arrived. Grandpa looked much healthier than before; he was even able to sit up and wait for their arrival. Before they came, he had warned everyone firmly, “No matter what opinions you have, swallow them! If I hear any disrespectful words, don’t blame me for being severe!” Barry was furious but dared not speak up, and the other relatives remained silent, clearly intimidated.

When Jasper led Tatiana inside, the first reactions were harsh and unkind. “Hah! Where did this ugly freak come from?” whispered one. Even with the makeup, the scars were still shockingly visible. None of them recognized her as the supposed fake young lady of the Lowell family. Expressions varied—some incredulous, some disgusted—but Grandpa’s face lit up with genuine happiness.

Jasper didn’t take it. His expression was unreadable, cold and distant.

Grandpa didn’t tolerate his refusal. “Fine, if you don’t want to drink it, then don’t.”

The recognition ceremony ended quietly. Grandpa’s health was fragile, and the effort had clearly worn him out. As soon as it was over, he was wheeled away to rest and take medicine. Before leaving, he sternly reminded everyone to treat Cindy with respect.

Barry was unwilling to accept this new daughter and found the entire event ridiculous. His illegitimate son outside couldn’t be brought back, yet this strange girl was suddenly becoming a young lady of the Jackson family! Minnie was furious as well—she was the only young lady of the Jackson family, and now she was forced to share that title and call this newcomer her sister.

But the person in the worst mood was Jasper. To hell with being his sister!

Soon, the news spread beyond the estate. The outside world was shocked and curious, eagerly awaiting the first public appearance of the new Jackson family young lady. Yet Tatiana clearly wanted to keep a low profile; after the recognition, she showed no intention of stepping into the spotlight.

In her heart, Tatiana didn’t truly believe her identity had changed. To her, this was just a performance for Grandpa’s sake. Once his condition improved, she planned to return to her previous life.

But the reality was far from what she expected. Grandpa had formally arranged three press conferences, determined to firmly establish her as the legitimate young lady of the Jackson family.