Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 208

**Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 208: The Slap**

This was more than just a shopping excursion; it was a heartfelt mission to find the perfect gift.

**15 Pearl**

The address provided by the doctor had long become obsolete; the old physician had relocated, leaving Tatiana in a bit of a bind. Determined to track him down, she enlisted the help of a private investigator, who eventually unearthed his new location. With that information in hand, she felt a sense of urgency and purpose as she prepared a thoughtful gift for her beloved daughter, Ann. Ann’s happiness and well-being were paramount in Tatiana’s mind, guiding her every decision.

They began their outing at a charming children’s clothing store, where they meticulously sifted through racks of delightful outfits designed for little ones. Tatiana had packed lightly for their journey back, allowing only two or three outfits for Ann. But now, with ample time to spare, she took the opportunity to indulge and selected over ten adorable sets in one go.

Ann was a model of patience and cooperation, twirling in front of the mirror as she tried on each cute dress. With her doll-like features and infectious smile, she resembled a miniature fashion model, captivating the attention of everyone around her. In fact, three different agents had approached Tatiana, each slipping her a business card, but she politely declined them all, her focus solely on her daughter.

“Please make sure these clothes are delivered to this address,” she instructed the cashier, her voice steady as she completed the purchase. With that task behind her, she set her sights on the next stop: a luxurious gambiered silk shop located on the upper level of the mall. She had heard whispers that the esteemed doctor had a penchant for such exquisite items, and she wanted to impress him.

Upon entering the silk shop, Tatiana noticed it was relatively quiet, devoid of the usual bustle that accompanied high-end stores. As she and Ann stepped inside, a few employees glanced in their direction, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. They were clearly not accustomed to seeing unfamiliar faces in a place that catered primarily to affluent clientele. The casual attire that Tatiana and Ann wore certainly did not suggest a wealth of resources.

Tatiana held Ann’s small hand tightly as they ventured deeper into the shop, her eyes scanning the displays for something that would be fitting. She needed to find a gift that conveyed respect and admiration, yet wouldn’t come off as ostentatious or overly extravagant. It was a delicate balance, and she felt the weight of that responsibility.

But as she browsed, her indecision only seemed to reinforce the staff’s assumption that she was out of her league. No one approached to assist her, leaving her feeling increasingly isolated.

“Mommy, look at this!” Ann exclaimed, her voice bright with excitement as she scampered over to a display stand. She pointed enthusiastically at a round silk fan, its surface adorned with golden embroidery that depicted playful mandarin ducks gliding gracefully across a shimmering pond. The handle, crafted from luxurious nanmu wood, gave the fan an air of elegance that was undeniable. It was a piece of art, and Tatiana felt a spark of joy at the sight of it.

“That’s beautiful,” Tatiana said, her heart warming at the sight of her daughter’s excitement. It seemed like the perfect gift.

But before she could reach for it, a figure suddenly appeared beside Ann and shoved her roughly aside. “Don’t touch that! If you break it, you won’t be able to afford to pay for it!” the saleswoman snapped, her tone harsh and unyielding.

Caught off guard, Ann stumbled and fell, her forehead colliding with the edge of the display stand. A painful lump quickly began to swell, and Tatiana’s heart sank into her stomach.

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