Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 118

118 The Nightmare Returns

“Jasper, you’re not the only son of the Jackson family, you know. That girl was raised like a princess—pampered, adored beyond measure. There were countless men lining up to marry her. If it weren’t for your family name, those suitors would’ve trampled the doorstep by now! Do you really think you’re that impressive? Hmph!”

The old man’s voice was thick with both frustration and sorrow as he finished speaking, releasing a heavy sigh that seemed to carry the weight of years.

“That girl is truly good-hearted. Anyone she chooses to love would be incredibly fortunate. But you? You don’t deserve her.”

Zara had once said those very words, and now the old man echoed them, their meaning crashing through Jasper’s mind like thunder.

In that moment, a sudden, desperate urge to see Tatiana overwhelmed him. He wanted, more than anything, to ask her—do you regret it now?

—

Late into the night, Tatiana woke again from the recurring nightmare. It had been ages since she last remembered that haunting dream. Endless stretches of mountains loomed in the distance, shadowy forests whispered secrets, and a crumbling wooden cabin stood quietly by a riverbank. She could even recall the worn furnishings inside: a broken bed, a rickety table with a limp leg, and a soot-blackened iron pot resting on the hearth.

She seemed to have lived there for a long time, though the reason escaped her. Vague memories hinted she wasn’t alone—someone else lay on the broken bed, but their face was blurred and indistinct, lost in the fog of her mind. She appeared to be caring for that person, but the scenes were fragmented and confusing, tangled with uneasy feelings she couldn’t quite name.

Every time she tried to focus, a sharp pain stabbed through her head, forcing her awake. She lay there, staring up at the ceiling, her breath uneven and heart pounding.

She hadn’t seen this dream in years, and its sudden return puzzled her. It had started creeping back after that high fever she’d suffered. Four years ago, a severe head injury nearly claimed her life. She’d spent an entire month in the hospital. The doctors explained that she’d been robbed, struck on the head, and then found by a passerby who rushed her to the hospital just in time. Since then, her memory had been patchy, often slipping away like sand through her fingers. Fortunately, it hadn’t affected her daily life much, so she mostly ignored it.

Shaking off the lingering unease, Tatiana pushed the nightmare from her thoughts. It was the weekend, and she didn’t have to go to work. She began sorting through a pile of scrap items, preparing to take them out to sell.

Jaime offered to help, but Tatiana gently declined. “No, you rest. I can handle it.”

“But there’s so much! Are you sure you can manage alone?” Jaime’s concern was genuine.

“It’s okay,” Tatiana insisted, struggling to lift the heavy cardboard boxes one by one, stacking them carefully.

Just then, a familiar voice called out, “Cindy! Let me help you!”

She turned to see Perry, his expression a mix of surprise and eagerness.

“Perry,” she greeted softly.

“Step aside, I’ll take these. It wouldn’t be good if you hurt yourself.”

Without waiting for her reply, Perry stepped forward and began carrying the boxes. His strength and speed made the task quick and easy. Once the pile was ready, he hoisted it up.

“Lead the way,” he said with a smile.

Since he had already come this far, Tatiana didn’t refuse his kindness. She thanked him quietly and started toward the door.

“Grandma, we’ll be back soon,” she called out.

Jaime smiled warmly. “Good, good. Be careful on the road!”

After they left, Jaime lingered by the doorway, watching them go. “This one’s good. The young man is strong; he can take care of Cindy.”

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