Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 116

Tatiana’s eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of shock crossing her face. “So that’s why I’ve never been able to find the right wife at my age,” Perry confessed quietly. “I’m sorry for keeping this from you, but I swear I’ll treat you well. And the child you’re carrying—I’ll raise them as my own. If you don’t mind, can we try to make this work?”

Unsure if she would believe him, Perry pulled out a crumpled medical record from his pocket and handed it to her. As Tatiana glanced down, her eyes immediately caught the words: “Sexual function impairment, incurable.”

Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, Tatiana felt a strange pull. “I won’t be a burden,” she said softly. “The truth is, my grandfather is gravely ill, and all he wants is for me to get married. But I can’t bring myself to tell him about my own problems.” Perry’s hidden condition suddenly made sense in a new light. His secrecy wasn’t just a lie—it was a shared vulnerability. In a world where kindness rarely comes without strings attached, the fact that they both needed something from each other made the arrangement feel oddly genuine. Maybe, just maybe, it could work.

Seeing she hadn’t outright rejected the idea, Perry felt a flicker of relief. “Take your time to think it over,” he said gently. Her hesitation, neither a yes nor a no, was a sign she was considering it.

Outside, passersby couldn’t help but steal glances at the man leaning casually against the car door. His tailored trousers hugged long, straight legs, one hand tucked into a pocket as he rested diagonally against the vehicle. His face was handsome but reserved, marked with a cool, forbidding expression. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he stood out starkly against the mundane street scene, like a fallen star drawing attention from every direction.

Jasper’s gaze was locked on the pair inside through the floor-to-ceiling glass, though he couldn’t hear their conversation. He noticed Tatiana remove her mask and speak quietly. Why would someone so guarded be willing to lower her defenses like that? Was it because of the man sitting opposite her? A slow, burning rage began to simmer within him, as if an invisible line had been crossed—his territory invaded.

Tatiana nibbled on small bites of food, responding to Perry in a surprisingly calm and pleasant exchange. Just then, two young women burst into the café, chatting excitedly. “Did you see that handsome guy outside? Oh my god, he’s way too good-looking! Like, better than any idol!”

“I’m not blind—I saw him too! He looks like a model. Who could he be waiting for? It’s like a scene straight out of a drama!”

“Tsk, tsk, maybe he’s waiting for some woman who saved the galaxy in her past life? So lucky! If my boyfriend looked like that, I wouldn’t let him wait a second.”

“There you go again, getting all dreamy-eyed!”

Tatiana caught their voices and glanced toward the window. Through the glass, she saw the familiar car parked by the curb and the man she knew so well standing nearby. Startled, she nearly knocked over her cup. “Are you okay?” Perry asked, noticing her sudden movement.

Quickly, she looked away, smoothing her clothes. “Nothing, my hand just slipped.”

But the water had already spilled, dampening her collar. She hurriedly dabbed at it with a napkin. Perry immediately stood and offered her a fresh stack. “How did you get wet? Are you alright?”

As Perry moved closer to help, his body partially shielded Tatiana from Jasper’s view. From Jasper’s perspective, the two appeared far too intimate, and a flash of fury ignited inside him. Without hesitation, he strode inside the café.

Seeing Jasper enter, Tatiana’s heart raced. “I just remembered I have something else to do. Let’s go,” she said suddenly, standing up. Perry looked surprised. “So soon?”

“Yes, that’s right. Let’s go.”

She was already moving toward the exit when Jasper appeared behind Perry, his voice calm but cutting through the tension. “In such a hurry to leave?”

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