Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 455

Chapter 455 A Fresh Start

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As she spoke those final words, Tatiana finished peeling the apple. She sliced several pieces, the succulent fruit resting in her palm. She casually speared a slice with the knife and fed it to him.

Jasper opened his mouth and took the piece of apple.

“Is there something you need to confess to me?” she asked.

After swallowing the slice, Jasper admitted, “Yes. I received a mysterious text message that gave me the location and details of what was happening. I didn’t believe it at first, but then I saw you, so I followed the instructions in the message.”

“It was Dr. Xander after all,” Tatiana muttered.

There were rarely so many coincidences in the world; most things were carefully orchestrated.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“Don’t apologize. This had nothing to do with you.”

“Your illness… is it better?”

She touched her forehead lightly. “It’s nearly gone, I think.”

Ever since she stopped running and accepted Jasper’s presence in her heart, that silent, gnawing pain had gradually faded. She rarely suffered from the kind of agony that kept her awake or made her long for an end to it all. She truly was recovering.

She found it almost ironic that he was the cause and the cure.

“Jasper, you really are my nemesis.”

She didn’t explicitly reveal the exact nature of her illness. If he knew, he would surely let it go to his head and try to push his luck. Some things were better left as little secrets.

“What you’re worried about won’t happen,” she added.

“You… you aren’t leaving?”

“Where would I go? How many places have we drifted through? I’m tired, Jasper. I don’t want to move anymore.”

Looking back at the heart–stopping risks and the constant battles between life and death, she felt a profound exhaustion. She had grown fond of Bellwood. It was coastal, the climate was pleasant, and it was close to Steele Island. The maritime trade was convenient, and the medical

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facilities were excellent. She wanted to stay.

“Hey, Jasper.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m not running anymore, so stop chasing me. Let’s just stay right here, okay?”

His heart gave a violent jolt, and his voice overflowed with unrestrained joy. “Okay.”

“I’m giving you one last chance. We start over. But remember–it’s just a chance. It doesn’t mean we’ve reconciled. You are to court me properly, sincerely, and with dignity. No more of your underhanded schemes. Just be normal, alright?”

“I will.”

Tatiana stood up and stretched. “Then you’d better hurry up and get well, or I won’t wait for you. I’m heading back to get some rest.”

Because of his supposed coma, she had barely slept. The exhaustion was finally catching up to her.

“Tatiana!”

“Yes?”

She turned back and met his deep, intense gaze, feeling as though she were being pulled into an abyss. Jasper looked at her with absolute sincerity, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Rest well.”

She smiled back and walked out of the room.

Outside, a line of people stood waiting as if they were being punished. They all looked incredibly tense, their backs stiff and straight. When Tatiana’s gaze swept over them, they were too guilty to meet her eyes, choosing instead to stare intently at the ceiling. Even Ann and Hubert didn’t dare call out to her.

Tatiana was amused by their reaction, feeling a mix of annoyance and humor. “Alright, stop standing there like statues. I’m not angry with you.”

The relief that washed over the group was visible. The two little ones finally found their courage and lunged at her.

“Mommy! You really aren’t mad at us?”

“Don’t let there be a next time, understood?”

“Understood! Thank you, Mommy! You’re the best!”

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