Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 186

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

**Chapter 186: The Aurora**

Xavier was acutely aware that he was treading in dangerous territory.

Despite knowing how inappropriate his stance was, he remained resolute, refusing to back down.

Jasper let out a laugh that felt hollow, a mere façade of amusement that failed to reach the depths of his eyes. “This is none of your business.”

Xavier’s voice rose, filled with indignation. “I’m Tatiana’s brother!”

“Are you really? I was under the impression that your only sibling was Bianca.”

The sarcasm dripped from Jasper’s words like venom, and Xavier felt the heat rise in his cheeks, his usual composure slipping away like sand through his fingers.

“Don’t you realize how toxic the rumors have become? Tatiana might be blissfully unaware, but you should know better. And Bianca…”

“Xavier, do you really think I need a lecture from you?”

As he met Jasper’s frigid gaze, the courage that had surged within him moments ago evaporated. “I’m just… concerned for what’s best for Tatiana.”

“You and I both know who you’re truly thinking about,” Jasper countered, his tone cutting through the air like a knife.

Xavier was left momentarily speechless, grappling with the weight of the accusation.

“Jasper! Here! Water!”

Tatiana burst into the room, carefully balancing a glass of water in her hands. She handed it to Jasper, completely oblivious to the tension that crackled between the two men.

Jasper’s expression softened as he accepted the glass, his demeanor shifting. “Let’s go. I’m taking you out.”

Tatiana’s eyes sparkled with excitement, illuminating her face in a way that made Xavier’s heart sink further.

“Okay!” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

Xavier could only stand back and watch as Jasper led her away, a sense of dread pooling in his stomach.

Inside the car, Jasper’s eyes were half-lidded, lost in thought. He weighed the dilemma before him: the Lowells were far too cunning; he couldn’t leave Tatiana in their clutches. Yet to her, they were family. How could he possibly convince her otherwise?

The whispers in the community had escalated to a fever pitch. While he typically remained indifferent to gossip, the thought of some reckless individual saying something hurtful in front of her made his stomach churn.

Just as he was about to voice his concerns, Tatiana, pressed against the window, exclaimed, “It’s almost winter! I want to see snow!”

The chill in the air was palpable, yet the first snowflakes had yet to grace the ground.

“You want to see snow?” he asked, feigning nonchalance.

She whipped her head around, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Yes!”

An idea sparked in his mind. “Alright. I’ll take you.”

“Where are we going?” she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“Someplace with snow,” he replied, a sense of determination settling within him.

Jasper had pressing matters to attend to and retreated to the study on the second floor. From his window, he watched her cheerful, bundled figure frolic in the snow, reminiscent of a small, joyful creature.

His heart swelled with warmth, and he tried to focus on his work.

Little did he know that Tatiana, with her back to him, was not merely playing. She was discreetly sending her location, her mind racing with thoughts of what was to come.

She watched as a delicate snowflake landed on her glove, inhaling the crisp, icy air deeply.

It was almost time.

Jasper remained by Tatiana’s side for three blissful days. They were practically inseparable.

He offered her endless patience, never tiring of their adventures together—taking her to see the majestic mountains, the thrilling ski slopes, and the stunning ice sculptures. He would tenderly warm her hands, wrapping his scarf around her petite neck. Their fingers were often intertwined, a silent promise of connection.

Jasper had never experienced anything quite like this before. An overwhelming warmth enveloped him, and he found himself craving more.

On the night the aurora graced the sky, Tatiana’s voice rang out, filled with pure delight. “Jasper! It’s the aurora! The aurora!”

The vibrant lights danced overhead, shimmering across the snow, refracting like a river of stars—a sight so breathtaking it left him momentarily speechless.

She stood beneath the celestial display, jumping up and down, her joy unabashed and contagious.

In that fleeting moment, Jasper felt his heart give a powerful jolt.

He finally understood. He liked Tatiana.

The emotion he had fought to deny was unmistakably… love.