Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 192

**Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 192: A Desperate Hope**

Tatiana’s life had taken a tumultuous turn since the day they diagnosed Ann with Asperger’s syndrome at the tender age of two. The weight of that label pressed heavily on her shoulders, demanding every ounce of her strength and determination. As she navigated the complexities of Ann’s condition, she simultaneously carved out time for her studies. Against all odds, she secured a place at an overseas university and astonishingly completed a four-year degree in just two years. During that whirlwind of a journey, she juggled any job that came her way, tirelessly working to make ends meet.

When she first set foot in Murica, fortune had smiled upon her in an unexpected way. Chandler, her steadfast ally, had traveled across the globe to resell a pendant she had won at an auction. That pendant, a mere trinket to some, had turned into a lifeline, fetching a significant amount of money that finally found its way to her after a labyrinthine process. With that windfall, she managed to establish a semblance of stability in her life. It covered medical expenses, financed her plastic surgery, and ensured a safe delivery for Ann. Yet, despite her efforts, the funds had dwindled alarmingly fast, leaving her in a precarious financial position.

Desperation clawed at her, a constant companion in her quest for security.

Chandler had taken the initiative to reserve a table at a local restaurant, and to the casual observer, they appeared just like any other family enjoying a night out.

Tatiana’s brow furrowed slightly as a thought crossed her mind. “You weren’t followed, were you?” she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Chandler flashed a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, I was extremely careful. Everything is fine. Besides… it seems he’s given up,” he added, his tone lightening the mood a fraction.

Tatiana’s hand stilled for a moment, the knife pausing mid-cut through her steak, but her expression remained stoic as she resumed her task with an intensity that belied her calm demeanor.

Ann, perceptive as ever, noticed her mother’s unusual forcefulness with the steak, as if it were something far more sinister than a simple piece of meat. She blinked, her young mind whirling with thoughts.

Chandler, sensing the tension, continued, his voice steady and comforting, “He returned to normal about six months ago. He’s not pursuing you as relentlessly anymore. You can breathe a little easier, as long as you don’t go back to him.”

“Mm,” Tatiana replied noncommittally, her mind racing back to the three years spent evading Jasper, meticulously covering her tracks. Her communication with Chandler had been limited to once every six months, a necessary precaution to protect Ann.

Unbeknownst to her, a sleek black car lurked just outside the restaurant, its windows tinted dark enough to obscure the view from the outside while allowing those within to observe the world around them.

A flicker of unease pricked at Tatiana’s senses, an instinctual warning that she couldn’t quite place. She glanced up just in time to see the shadowy vehicle gliding away, her heart racing momentarily.

“What’s wrong?” Chandler inquired, his voice breaking through her reverie.

She shook her head, dispelling her thoughts. “Nothing,” she replied, though the word felt hollow.

“Are you heading back after this?” he asked, his concern evident.

“I need to take Ann for a check-up and pick up her medicine,” she explained, her mind already racing ahead to the tasks that awaited her.

Chandler offered, “I’ll drive you.”

She hesitated, a flicker of gratitude mixed with guilt. “You don’t have to. You just got back; you should rest…”

“Tatiana,” he interjected gently, “you don’t need to be so formal with me. I’ve watched Ann grow up. I care about her, too.”

His words settled in her heart, and she found herself unable to argue further.

After dinner, as Chandler went to retrieve the car, Tatiana held Ann close. The little girl leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “Mommy, Mr. Chandler likes you.”

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