Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 175

**Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**

**Chapter 175: The Simple Soup**

Before long, Lauren emerged from the kitchen, cradling a steaming bowl of soup in her hands. “Make sure to drink it while it’s still hot,” she instructed, her tone warm yet firm.

“Thank you, Mom!” Tatiana exclaimed, her voice bubbling with gratitude.

As she blew gently on the surface of the soup, she took cautious sips, her expression one of pure delight. “Mom’s the best!” she declared, a radiant smile lighting up her face.

Lauren observed her daughter, her heart swelling with a mix of nostalgia and bittersweet memories. It felt like just yesterday when she and her husband had showered this little girl with affection. How could they not? Gordon had always held Tatiana in such high regard, and the child, with her bright intelligence and obedient nature, had brought them immense pride.

Yet, a shadow loomed over those memories; Tatiana was not their biological child. All those years of love felt somehow tainted, as if the very foundation of their bond was built on an illusion.

Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts. The maid answered, and in walked a familiar figure—Jasper.

The moment Lauren laid eyes on him, a sharp pang of guilt shot through her.

Tatiana leaped from her seat, her excitement palpable. “Jasper!” she shouted, rushing towards him.

Jasper caught her in his arms, a frown creasing his brow. “Careful now. Don’t fall,” he admonished gently, concern etching his features.

“Did you come to see me?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with hope.

“Mhm. I did,” he replied, his gaze softening as he took in her flushed cheeks and bright, clear eyes. The scars on her face seemed to fade momentarily under the warmth of her joy.

He studied her closely. After she had the baby, she could consider plastic surgery. It would restore her face, freeing her from the burden of unwanted stares.

“Jasper! Drink some soup! Mom made it! It’s so good!” Tatiana urged, her enthusiasm bubbling over.

Lauren’s heart sank as she realized she couldn’t intervene in time. The words had already escaped Tatiana’s lips, and an icy chill washed over Lauren’s face.

Jasper, initially indifferent, now looked suspiciously at Lauren. “What soup is this?” he inquired, his tone sharp.

His question was directed at Lauren, who felt trapped under his scrutinizing gaze.

“Just a normal tonic soup,” she managed to stammer, forcing the words out despite her rising anxiety.

“What kind of tonic?” he pressed, his eyes narrowing further.

Lauren faltered, struggling to find the right words. She knew that to ensure Tatiana’s safe delivery, Jasper had gone out of his way to procure numerous beneficial supplements and had them sent over to nourish her frail body. The soup should have been made from those carefully selected ingredients.

Noticing Lauren’s distress, Jasper casually picked up the bowl from which Tatiana had been drinking. Without a second thought, he took a sip, disregarding the fact that it had already been used.

“Ah, don’t—” Lauren’s warning came too late.

Jasper’s face fell as he recognized the taste immediately. This was not the nourishing concoction he had sent; it was merely an ordinary soup.

With a loud crash, the bowl shattered against the floor.

Tatiana jumped back, her eyes wide with concern. “Jasper?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“My hand slipped,” he replied flatly, the anger simmering just below the surface.

“Ah! Did you… did you get burned?” she asked anxiously, inspecting his fingers with worry.

He gently enclosed her hand in his, calming her. “I’m fine. You go upstairs and change. We’re going out later,” he instructed, his voice softening.

Pale and trembling, Lauren quickly apologized. “I… I won’t say it again…”

He nodded, gesturing to the cheap substitutes she had used. “Put back exactly what you took.”

Lauren’s heart sank. “You can’t,” she pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice. “That’s already…”

“Don’t make me repeat myself,” he warned, his voice low and menacing.

Lauren didn’t dare resist. All her energy drained away, leaving her feeling defeated. “I understand,” she murmured, her spirit crushed.

But inside, she was already directing her frustration at Tatiana. She couldn’t bring herself to blame Jasper, so she focused her anger on the one person she felt she could bully. She conveniently overlooked the fact that Bianca, under Marilyn’s care, was wanting for nothing. The Jackson couple, eager to cherish their grandchild, provided her with a steady stream of supplements.

Tatiana, in stark contrast, was as thin as a stray cat, suffering from severe malnutrition.

Yet, Lauren either couldn’t see it or chose to ignore it completely.

“Jasper!”

A cheerful call broke the tense silence in the living room.

Jasper’s anger dissipated like smoke in the wind. He turned to look over. “Ready?”

“Mhm! We can go now!” Tatiana beamed, her happiness infectious.

She bounded over, naturally taking his hand, a picture of innocence and affection.

Watching them, Lauren felt a sharp stab of jealousy. That was supposed to be Bianca’s husband. But she had forgotten one crucial detail; from the very beginning, it had always been Jasper and Tatiana. Even now, in the eyes of the law, they remained man and wife.