Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 178

**TITLE: Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 178: Never Again**

The weight of his past actions bore down on him like a relentless storm. How many monstrous deeds had he committed over the years? Each memory clawed at him, a reminder of his failures and the darkness that lingered within.

“Jasper! You’re bleeding!”

Tatiana’s voice cut through his thoughts, panic lacing her words. The sight of his injured hand sent a jolt of fear through her. In that moment, her own fears evaporated, replaced by a desperate need to help him. She grasped his wounded hand, her fingers trembling as she pressed her jacket against the blood, trying to staunch the flow.

“Blow on it, make the pain fly away. It won’t hurt anymore! I’ll give you candy. You won’t feel it after this!”

Her voice was a mix of urgency and innocence, as she fished out a piece of candy from her pocket. With deft fingers, she unwrapped it and gently placed it in his mouth, her eyes wide with hope.

“An orderly… she gave them to me. When I endured, she would reward me with one. She was very, very nice!”

The memory of the orderly felt distant and hazy, but the warmth of the candy brought a flicker of comfort.

As he regained his composure, Jasper noticed the red rims around her eyes, a reflection of her own distress. He locked eyes with her, an intensity in his gaze that spoke volumes. Then, without warning, he pulled her into a fierce embrace, his voice trembling as he murmured, “I’m sorry. Don’t hate me.”

“Jasper?”

His words hung in the air, heavy with emotion. “I will never throw you back into that place. Never again.” The conviction in his voice was a promise, a vow forged in the fires of his guilt.

What he had once dismissed as mere deception now felt like a deeper betrayal. He wouldn’t let Bianca slip away again. There were shadows in his past that he had yet to confront, secrets that clawed at him from the depths.

They remained in the cramped utility closet, the silence wrapping around them like a shroud until Tatiana’s breathing steadied.

Their clothes were stained, remnants of chaos, and his hand throbbed with pain. By the time fresh clothes were delivered and his injury was properly bandaged, the auction was on the verge of commencing.

Tatiana, ever resilient, transformed back into the carefree seven-year-old she was meant to be. The memory of her earlier sobs faded like a distant echo, and she returned to the simple pleasure of her cake, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing around her.

Yet, beneath the surface, an unseen shift had occurred. The timing simply wasn’t right for revelations.

“Jasper? What are you doing here?”

The voice was unmistakable, rich and commanding. It was Marilyn, adorned in her elegant attire, and beside her stood Bianca, who seemed to radiate her own brand of trouble.

The moment Jasper’s gaze fell upon Bianca, his expression darkened, a tempest of emotions swirling within him. The air grew thick with an unspoken tension, a palpable killing intent that sent a shiver racing down Bianca’s spine.

The warmth of her greeting faltered, dying on her lips as the urge to flee surged within her.

What had shifted? Just moments ago, there had been disgust, but now his eyes glinted with something far more sinister.

“Jasper, it’s not good to stay angry for so long,” Marilyn interjected, her tone feigning warmth as she attempted to diffuse the situation. “Come home for dinner in the next day or two.”

But the moment their eyes met, the words faded away, choked by the chilling intensity of his gaze.

What kind of look was that? It was bone-chilling, heavy with an almost tangible killing intent that made her blood run cold.

She shivered, her voice faltering as she weakly closed her mouth.

Tatiana blinked, her curiosity piqued. “Who are you?” she asked, her tone suddenly fierce, “You’re not allowed to call him Jasper!”

Bianca stared, her mind racing. Was this child truly simple, or was she merely playing a part? A wave of resentment surged through her, and she snapped, “I’m his…”

Before she could utter the word ‘wife’, a sharp pressure pressed into her back, freezing her in place.

Bianca paled, realization dawning as a bodyguard materialized behind her. Jasper was threatening her, and the gravity of the situation settled like a weight in the air.

Jasper’s expression was terrifying, a reflection of the rage simmering within him as he recalled all that she had done. If it weren’t for her pregnancy, he would have unleashed his fury without hesitation.

“The auction is about to begin. Please take your seats.”

The announcement sliced through the tension, and Jasper did not lead Tatiana into the main hall. He refused to allow this to ruin her mood. Ignoring the chaos behind him, he guided her away, her small voice trailing behind as she looked back, muttering, “Jasper, she’s mean!”