Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 446

Chapter 446 A Wedding Turned Funeral

“Alright, go on now. Don’t let the time slip away.”

With that, Ginnie finally departed.

The door clicked shut.

Jasper pulled out a handkerchief and forcefully wiped the lipstick from his face, his eyes cold with a revulsion he no longer bothered to hide. He bent down and retrieved a burner phone hidden inside the frame of the vanity stool.

He placed a call. It was answered almost instantly.

“Is everything ready?” Jasper asked.

“Mhm,” Foster replied.

“I’m sending you the coordinates. Move fast. Tatiana can only buy me ten minutes.”

Jasper rubbed his temples, his voice tightening with suppressed fury. “Why did you let her take such a risk? Answer me.”

Foster sounded equally frustrated on the other end. “Look, do you honestly think any of us can stop Tatiana when she’s like this? She’s not the fragile little flower who needs protection anymore. If you cross her now, she’ll take your head off. The men she brought with her are cutthroats who’ve survived a thousand deaths.”

Jasper fell silent, unable to argue.

“Alright, the time is nearly here. Get ready.”

Jasper hung up, suppressed his worry, and prepared to execute the plan.

Outside, the atmosphere was festive and lively, showing no signs of the impending chaos. Yet, Ginnie couldn’t shake a nagging sense of unease.

Max noticed his daughter’s expression. “It’s your wedding day. Why the long face?”

“I’m fine, Dad.”

“Your lip is practically dragging on the floor. What’s wrong? Did Tywin do something when he went to see you?”

It was exactly Tywin who was the source of her anxiety. “Dad… do you think Tywin really loves me?”

“Silly girl.” Max gave a cold, confident laugh. “Whether he loves you or not doesn’t matter. As long as I’m around, he has to love you. He has to treat you well for the rest of his life. That is his only option.”

Max’s arrogance gave Ginnie the reassurance she needed. She convinced herself that with her father’s shadow loomed over them, Tywin would never leave. Her smile returned.

“Come. Let’s go to the Saint to receive your blessing. Then we’ll start the ceremony.”

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Chapter 446 A Wedding Turned Funeral

The father and daughter walked toward the Saint’s station. Tatiana looked at Ginnie through the beaded veil -the woman who was supposed to become her husband’s new wife. She was pretty enough and clearly young: Jasper was certainly robbing the cradle with this one.

Tatiana withdrew her gaze and began reciting the blessing. Ginnie stared at the Saint with an instinctive dislike. She didn’t want this woman officiating her wedding.

But for once, Max didn’t indulge her. “Stop being difficult. The Saint’s status here is paramount; disrespecting her is a grave mistake. If we want to rebuild our foundation here, we have to respect the local

customs.”

In this region, religious faith was a powerful force. Even local warlords built temples to maintain the devotion–and the donations–of the people. To insult the Saint in public would invite the wrath of the masses. Max was trying to plant new roots; he had to move carefully.

Denied by her father, Ginnie swallowed her complaints and reluctantly accepted the blessing.

Soon, the auspicious hour arrived. Before the ceremony could begin, the Saint was to perform a ritual dance upon a massive drum. This would be accompanied by a display of fireworks and salutes, signifying the gods‘ personal blessing upon the couple.

Tatiana had memorized the movements. She removed her shoes and began to dance upon the drum’s leather surface. Her lithe silhouette swayed to the haunting, beautiful music. The crowd below cheered and danced along in a state of frenzied devotion.

Suddenly, she raised her arms high. Behind her, the sky erupted. It wasn’t just fireworks; the explosions were deafening, drowning out the ritual salutes. The crowd’s cheers reached a fever pitch.

But the explosions didn’t stop. Thick, rolling clouds of black smoke began to drift over the venue, swallowing the festive lights. The air grew heavy with the acrid, choking scent of chemicals.

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