**TITLE: Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 148: The Desire to Leave**
In the dimly lit room, the tension crackled like static in the air. Both men were seasoned fighters, their skills honed through countless confrontations. When they finally clashed, each blow was a vicious testament to their strength, fueled by raw emotion and a fierce desire to dominate.
Yet, despite Chandler’s fierce determination, he was no match for Jasper, a man who had weathered storms of gunfire and chaos. It didn’t take long for Chandler to find himself at a disadvantage, the metallic taste of blood staining his lip as he faltered under Jasper’s relentless assault.
The ruckus drew the attention of the staff, who peeked in with wide eyes, but none dared to intervene. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, and as guests began to drift closer, Tatiana felt a surge of resolve wash over her. With a fierce determination burning in her chest, she clenched her fist and smashed the smoke detector on the wall, sending a sharp crack echoing through the room.
In an instant, torrents of water cascaded down from the ceiling, drenching both men and interrupting their violent exchange.
Ignoring the crimson droplets that trickled from her right hand, Tatiana’s voice rang out, steady and unwavering, “Have you fought enough?”
Chandler, still reeling from the chaos, murmured her name, “Tatiana…”
But Tatiana’s gaze was as hard as steel. “You are mistaken.”
A faint, victorious smile flickered across Jasper’s lips, a brief moment of triumph amidst the turmoil.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Tatiana turned on her heel and walked away, her back straight, her resolve unshakeable.
Jasper, however, couldn’t let her go so easily. He turned his head back to Chandler, his voice low but laced with warning. “Don’t let me see you near her again.” With that, he sprinted after Tatiana, leaving Chandler standing alone, soaked and disheveled, caught in a whirlwind of emotions that left him both laughing and crying.
Leon, alerted by the commotion, rushed into the scene, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Chandler, what on earth are you doing? How did you end up like this?”
Leon and Chandler shared a close bond; the invitation to the wedding had been an unspoken agreement of friendship. Chandler had arrived late, unaware of Tatiana and Jasper’s earlier entrance, otherwise, he would have recognized her immediately.
“It’s nothing,” Chandler replied with a dismissive wave, trying to brush off the absurdity of the situation. “I accidentally hit the smoke detector. Anyway, I wish you a happy marriage.”
“Alright, just go and change your clothes quickly. You know, you should think about getting married soon, too. Being single for all these years is driving your parents crazy. Haven’t you found anyone suitable yet?”
Chandler’s expression shifted, seriousness overtaking his features. “No, I have found her.”
His voice was firm, resolute. “This time, I won’t miss my chance.”
—
Tatiana continued to stride forward, but with each step, the pain in her limping foot intensified, a dull throb that echoed in her mind.
It hurt, but she pressed on, determined to escape the chaos behind her.
The more the pain escalated, the more her gait faltered, revealing the struggle she had long learned to mask.
From a distance, her silhouette appeared awkward, a stark contrast to the confident woman she aspired to be.
“Stop!”
Jasper’s voice cut through the air as he seized her arm, compelling her to halt.
“Where are you trying to go?”
His clothes clung to him, still drenched from the downpour, the damp strands of hair on his forehead slicked back. Despite the disarray, he exuded an undeniable allure, a magnetic presence that was hard to ignore.
“Let go!”
Her resistance was fierce, a sharp contrast to the way she had allowed Chandler to hold her just moments before. This defiance ignited a fire within Jasper, a fury that simmered just beneath the surface.
“Your leg is crippled. How much further do you think you can walk?”
Tatiana paused, her breath hitching as a pale smile crept onto her lips. “You’re right. I’m crippled. So what? Jasper, what does that have to do with you?”
Her words, delivered with a smile, felt like daggers piercing through his heart.


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