Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 194

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

“I can swing by tomorrow to discuss the details,” Anna suggested, her voice brimming with excitement.

Tatiana felt a wave of joy wash over her. “That sounds fantastic! I’ll come and pick you up at eight in the morning!” she exclaimed, her smile lighting up the room.

“Okay,” Anna replied, her tone cheerful but casual, as if they were merely confirming plans for a coffee date.

Once Anna departed, Tatiana took a deep breath, rolling up her sleeves with determination. She surveyed their temporary home, a jumble of boxes and scattered belongings, and felt the familiar urge to create order from chaos.

Little Ann trailed behind her, her small frame a whirlwind of energy, all short arms and legs. Though she was hardly a help in the physical sense, her presence was a source of comfort. “Mommy, can I help?” she chirped, her eyes wide with eagerness.

Tatiana chuckled softly, glancing back at her daughter. “Of course, sweetheart. Just be careful with those boxes, okay?”

After a whirlwind of activity, the two of them finally collapsed onto the worn sofa, exhaustion settling in. Ann nestled against her mother’s side, her tiny body curling up like a kitten seeking warmth. “Mommy,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, “how long are we staying here?”

Tatiana turned her head slightly, her heart swelling at the sound of her daughter’s innocent inquiry. “Hmm? What’s on your mind, my love? Do you want to go back already?”

Ann shook her head vigorously, her childlike devotion shining through. “No way! Wherever Mommy is, that’s where I want to be,” she declared, her voice filled with unwavering loyalty.

Tatiana felt a warmth spread through her chest, a blend of pride and love. She enveloped Ann in a tight embrace, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead and playfully tousling her curly hair. “You’re far too young to be so sentimental, my little love. Did you remember to take your medicine today?”

Ann scrunched her face, sticking out her tongue in protest. “It’s bitter!” she pouted, her expression a perfect mix of defiance and innocence.

Tatiana chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I know it’s bitter, sweet pea, but you have to take it. It’s important for you to grow strong. Let me get you some water.”

Ann crossed her arms, her brows furrowing in a rare moment of childish rebellion. “But Mommy, the medicine is yucky! Can’t I just skip it this once?”

Meanwhile, in a sterile hospital room, a little boy glared defiantly at the approaching doctor. “I won’t take the medicine!” he shouted, his small fists clenched in determination.

“You have to, Hubert. Your body needs it to fight,” the doctor insisted, his tone firm yet gentle.

“I said no! Just leave me alone!” Hubert’s voice rang out, filled with frustration and fear.

The hospital staff buzzed around the room in a flurry of anxiety, their faces etched with concern. The doctors were at a loss, desperately trying to find a way to convince the stubborn boy to take his medicine. Time was running out; without it, his condition could worsen dramatically. The thought of anything happening to Hubert sent shivers down their spines.

As they continued to plead with him, the heavy sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. Everyone turned, their chatter fading into an uneasy silence. The atmosphere shifted, a chill creeping through the air as they instinctively stepped aside.

Unbeknownst to Hubert, who was still cocooned in his blankets, danger was approaching.

“I won’t take it!” he shouted again, his voice trembling with defiance.

In an instant, the blanket was yanked away, and Hubert was lifted into the air, his small body dangling like a helpless puppet.

“Put me down… Daddy?” he whimpered, confusion flickering in his wide eyes.

“Hubert,” came the cold, commanding voice of his father, Jasper.

At the sound of his full name, Hubert’s body tensed, instinctively knowing he was in trouble. He dangled from his father’s grip, his heart racing.

“You refuse to take your medicine?” Jasper’s gaze was icy, devoid of the warmth one would expect from a father.

“Mm. As I suspected,” Jasper replied, his tone unyielding.

Hubert’s eyes brimmed with tears, his frustration boiling over as he fought to keep his composure. His face flushed red from the effort of suppressing his cries.

In that moment, he bore a striking resemblance to someone else entirely.

Jasper’s gaze flickered, a slight ripple of emotion breaking through the cold facade. His tone softened just a fraction. “Get a new dose.”

The doctor, sensing a shift, hurried to fetch the medicine.

“I’ll ask you one last time. Will you take it?” Jasper’s voice held a hint of desperation now.

Hubert, still sniffling, nodded meekly, a small hiccup escaping his lips. “I’ll take it,” he whispered, his resolve crumbling.

Water was quickly brought to him, and with trembling hands, he swallowed the handful of pills. The staff exchanged sympathetic glances, their hearts aching for the boy who was so young yet already accustomed to the bitterness of medicine.

Jasper watched him intently until Hubert had calmed down. Then, with a gentle yet firm grip, he lifted his son into his arms, striding purposefully out of the room. “If you don’t want to be in the hospital, then we won’t stay,” he said, his voice steady.

Hubert’s eyes brightened, a flicker of hope igniting within him. He instinctively grasped his father’s collar, but then hesitated, fear creeping in. “Can I really?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Mhm,” Jasper replied, the hint of warmth in his voice barely noticeable.

In an instant, the difficult child became quiet, nestling into his father’s embrace, seeking solace.

Felix, trailing closely behind, let out a quiet sigh. He felt a pang of sympathy for Hubert. At least the boy had inherited some features from Tatiana. If he had looked more like his mother, Jasper might have found it even harder to bear the sight of him.