Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 176

**Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 176: The Auction**

“Alright, it’s time to go.”

As Tatiana turned to her mother, she waved enthusiastically, a bright smile lighting up her face.

Lauren, however, was less than enthusiastic. Her demeanor was frosty, a clear indication of her displeasure. Yet, when she caught Jasper’s warning gaze—sharp and piercing—she relented, muttering, “Be back soon!”

“Okay, Mom!” Tatiana chirped, her voice filled with youthful exuberance.

With that, Jasper took her hand and led her away, the air between them charged with anticipation.

Once settled in the car, Jasper casually asked, “Are you happy at home?”

Tatiana shot him a suspicious glance, her brow furrowing. “Why wouldn’t I be happy at home?”

It was a valid question; in her mind, home was a sanctuary of joy and warmth. Jasper chose not to challenge her perception.

“Jasper, where exactly are we headed?” she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“To buy a gift,” he replied, his tone light and playful.

“A gift?” Her eyes widened with excitement, sparkling with possibility.

“Mhm, for you,” he confirmed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

“What is it?” she pressed, her anticipation palpable.

“You can choose anything you like,” he said, his tone inviting.

Only Jasper could turn an upscale auction into a playground of choices, treating it like a lavish department store.

Before long, they arrived at the elegant hotel hosting the auction.

As VIP guests, they bypassed the usual ticketing process, a member of the staff guiding them directly inside.

Throughout the walk, Tatiana maintained a poised silence, her demeanor remarkably composed. It was hard to believe that beneath this sophisticated exterior lay the mind of a seven-year-old, brimming with wonder.

Jasper, intrigued, broke the silence. “What’s on your mind?”

“Shh! I’m a lady. I can’t let people laugh at me!” she whispered fiercely, her expression earnest.

He paused, unable to suppress a chuckle. Yet, Tatiana was utterly serious about upholding her ladylike image.

Though she had always been vibrant and spirited, her upbringing had instilled in her the importance of decorum, especially in formal settings.

“The auction will commence in an hour. You may dine here first. Please let us know if you require anything,” the staff member announced, his voice smooth and professional. “And if you wish to remain anonymous, we do have masks available.”

“Masks,” Tatiana echoed, her interest piqued.

The staff member promptly returned with two elegant silver masks that covered the majority of their faces, adding an air of mystery to the evening.

With a gentle touch, Jasper placed Tatiana’s mask over her face. She insisted on returning the favor, eager to put his on for him, and he acquiesced without a hint of reluctance.

However, the height difference posed a challenge. She wasn’t short by any means, but Jasper was exceptionally tall.

Standing on her tiptoes, she pouted playfully, “You’re so tall! What did you eat to grow so big?”

Jasper smiled, bending slightly so she wouldn’t strain herself too much.

Her face transformed, a teary smile breaking through her earlier distress. “Jasper, I’m hungry!”

“Let’s find something to eat,” he suggested, relieved to shift the focus away from the emotional turmoil.

The auction promised to offer exquisite delicacies, prepared by master chefs and beautifully arranged for the guests to enjoy.

Tatiana, with her sweet tooth, dove into a selection of small cakes, her delight evident as she savored each bite. Jasper watched her with a fond smile, allowing her to indulge without restraint.

As she relished her treats, her eyes suddenly caught sight of a bowl filled with fruit candies tucked away in a corner. They were simple, store-bought candies, a stark contrast to the lavish desserts surrounding them, yet they had been placed there nonetheless.

Noticing her fixation, Jasper inquired, “Want one?”

She nodded eagerly, then shook her head, unable to articulate her thoughts.

“Then eat,” he encouraged, holding out a handful, perplexed by her fascination.

But then, without warning, she exclaimed, “No! It hurts!”

She swatted his hand away and bolted from the scene.

“Tatiana!” he called out, instinctively chasing after her, his heart racing. He eventually found her curled up in a utility closet, trembling and clutching herself tightly.

“Don’t hit me… don’t… I’ll be good… no hitting… hurts…” she muttered, her words jumbled and laced with fear, tears streaming down her cheeks.

The sight tore at Jasper’s heart. He had no idea what had triggered this reaction, but his instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong.

He softened his voice, making it as gentle as possible. “Tatiana, what’s wrong? Where does it hurt?”