Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 201

Chapter 201 Like Father, Like Son

64

+8 Pearis

Ann tugged on her mother’s hand. “Mommy, this is my friend. His name is Hubert.”

Tatiana looked at the boy, her heart turning to ice. He looked almost exactly like Jasper; anyone could tell he was his son. It felt as if that strange, hidden flicker of hope within her had been ruthlessly crushed, vanishing without a trace.

She looked away, then crouched down to their level, forcing a gentle smile. “Your name is Hubert? Hello. I’m Ann’s mommy. I’m very happy you and Ann can be friends.”

The adults‘ grudges were their own; they had nothing to do with the children. She could keep them separate. Besides, she found it impossible to hate this child. There was a natural sense of closeness that made her want to be kind to him. The feeling was intense, inexplicable, and utterly baseless. She eventually attributed it to him being adorable–looking like Jasper was both a fact and, in a way, a compliment.

Hubert studied the beautiful lady in front of him, feeling an urge to get closer. He stared with his big, watery eyes, unblinking, until Tatiana’s heart softened completely.

Hubert fidgeted, a rare show of shyness, and held out his chubby little hand. “Hello, Ann’s mommy.”

Her large hand grasped his small one. It was soft, just like Ann’s, but plumper.

“I have to go home now. Let’s add each other as friends!” Ann held up her right wrist, showing off the children’s watch Tatiana had gotten her. They could add friends by touching watches. It was popular in Murica, and she had bought it specifically to help Ann make friends. This was the first time Ann had ever wanted to add someone.

Unfortunately, Hubert’s wrist was bare.

His lip trembled, and he looked like he was about to cry. Daddy didn’t buy me one… I really am a child nobody wants…

መ Seeing Hubert’s tears about to fall, Tatiana couldn’t help but glance at Jasper. Does he not care about this? Almost every child has one these days. Even Ann, who doesn’t like it, has one. Jaspe certainly didn’t lack the money. It meant he just didn’t care.

She was suddenly glad he didn’t know Ann was his daughter.

Jasper had no idea this small detail had further damaged Tatiana’s already precarious opinion of him. But seeing his son about to cry so spinelessly, he frowned. “I’ll buy one when we get back.” Meaning, stop crying, it’s embarrassing.

Being scolded only made Hubert more upset. He hung his head, silent.

14:29 Sat, Nov 29 A

Chapter 201 Like Father, Like Son

(64

+8 Pearls

Suddenly, something cool touched his wrist. Ann had taken off her watch and put it on him.

“Don’t cry. You can have mine. I’ll contact you later.”

Hubert stared dumbly at the watch, then at her. A single tear escaped. “Thank you…”

“You’re welcome! Okay, I’m going home now! Read lots of books. Don’t get stupid!” If he got stupid, she wouldn’t be his friend anymore. Ann kept that last part to herself, sensing it would make him cry again. Hubert cried too casily!

Hubert nodded vigorously. “Okay! I’ll read lots and lots of books!”

Ann was satisfied. She went back to her mother and tugged on her hand. “Mommy, I’m hungry.”

Tatiana scooped her up, her voice softening. “Okay, let’s go home.” She didn’t want to stay either.

Given what had happened, Anna didn’t delay her further. “We’ll be in touch by phone.”

“Okay. Goodbye.” The goodbye was for Anna; she completely ignored Jasper. Anna even thought Tati seemed to want nothing to do with Jasper. Did she not know who he was?

Jasper’s gaze darkened. He stood there, watching her retreating back, which seemed almost like a panicked escape. Beside him, Hubert clutched the watch lovingly, his eyes wistfully following

Ann.

After a moment, Jasper suddenly spoke. “Did you have fun playing with Ann?”

Hubert tensed instantly, afraid his daddy was displeased. He mumbled a vague “mhm.”

A large hand rested on his head, ruffling his hair. Jasper’s voice held an unreadable quality. “Then play nicely. Stay in touch.”

Hubert wasn’t sure if he was imagining it, but he thought his daddy sounded… slightly approving?

Back at the apartment, Tatiana let out a huge sigh of relief.

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