Chapter 71
Chapter 72 A Fleeting Hope
Jasper glanced at the invitation and took it. “Understood p>
Once the butler had departed, leaving them alone again, Tatiana retreated into silence, the easy rapport she’d shared with James moments before vanishing completely.
Jasper stood to leave, but before he went, he placed a bank card on the table. No words were exchanged, but the meaning was unmistakable: financial compensation for her suffering.
Tatiana forced down the last of her breakfast, cleared the table without a single look at the card, and started to walk away. She’d only taken a few steps when a violent cough seized her. She doubled over, a metallic tang flooding her mouth as drops of blood splattered onto the pristine floor.
She stared at them for a long moment before wiping the blood away with a tissue. She hadn’t taken her medication since discovering the pregnancy. How much longer could she hold on?
Bzz–Be-
Her phone vibrated. Answering it, she heard Chandler’s voice.
“Thank God, I finally reached you. Tatiana, are you okay? Why did you disappear like that p>
“I’m fine. I’m sorry for worrying you p>
“Is now a good time? Can we meet and talk p>
“Okay p>
“Where are you? I’ll come pick you up p>
She quickly refused. “No, that’s okay. I can get there myself. It won’t take long.” She couldn’t let Chandler know she was staying at Jasper’s house.
They arranged to meet at a coffee shop.
Chandler was already waiting when she arrived. Seeing her approach, he stood. “Over here p>
“Sorry to keep you waiting p>
Chandler couldn’t shake the feeling that in just a few days, Tatiana seemed even more distant, almost formal. “Tatiana, you don’t have to keep apologizing. Jasper didn’t do anything to you, did he p>
She shook her head. “I’m okay p>
“That’s good. If you need help, please, tell me. I’ll do everything I can p>
A warmth spread through her chest. “Thank you p>
“By the way,” he continued, “Maestro Bell is performing tonight. Would you like to go? I remember how much you always admired him p>
1/3
+ Funched
Bell was a world–renowned musician whose tickets were notoriously hard to come by, and he rarely performed in their city.
Tatiana’s eyes instantly lit up.
Chandler produced two tickets. “I managed to get these through a contact. Want to go together? ”
Her heart leaped, excitement warring with hesitation. Then, she pushed the doubt aside. I don’t have much time left. Missing this… I’d regret it forever.
She nodded. “Okay p>
Chandler couldn’t hide his smile, a hint of determination shining through.
Night descended, painting the city in flickering neon.
Jasper had promised to take Bianca to a concert. He’d secured the best seats, treated her to dinner, and bought her the latest designer handbag without a second thought.
As he signed the credit card slip, he glanced at his phone – no other payment notifications. Tatiana hadn’t touched the card he left. She desperately needed money, yet she refused his.
“Jasper, does this look good p>
He surfaced from his thoughts, glancing briefly at Bianca posing in her new dress. “It’s fine,” he replied noncommittally. “If you like it, buy it p>
Bianca feigned a pout. “Then what did I change into just now p>
He was silent, caught off guard.
Bianca almost couldn’t suppress her smile. “Jasper, what’s wrong? You seem so distracted. Is it work p>
He seized the excuse. “Yes p>
Bianca visibly relaxed. “You need to take care of yourself.” In public, she always played the part of the doting fiancée, sweet and harmless. Beside Jasper, they certainly looked the perfect couple.
The sales associate added the expected flattery, “You two make such a lovely pair! Your boyfriend is so good to you so generous, and he even shops with you p>
Bianca savored the compliment, adding pointedly, “Not boyfriend. Fiancé.” Only eight days remained until the cooling–off period ended. Then, she would officially, undeniably, be Mrs. Jackson.
After the shopping spree, they headed straight to the concert hall. Jasper had booked a private box on the second tier, offering a perfect, unobstructed view of the stage. They settled in, Bianca deliberately snuggling close against him. The intimacy grated on him, and he made an excuse to step out to the
restroom.
Rounding a corner, he collided with someone.
2/3
“Sorry p>
The voice was familiar, flustered. He reached out instinctively to steady her. As their eyes met, an unexpected jolt of something akin to pleasure shot through him.
“Tatiana. Are you following me p>
Tatiana almost swore under her breath. Why does this keep happening? She used to chase him relentlessly. desperate to know his every move. Now, she avoided him like death itself, yet their paths kept crossing.
“I wasn’t following you. Let go p>
Disbelief hardened his features. “Who told you where I’d be p>
“No one!” She tugged her arm, but his grip was unyielding, like iron.
“How many times are you going to play this game?” he asked, his voice laced with contempt. “This push and pull p>
She clamped her lips shut, humiliation burning in her cheeks. Yes, she had once debased herself, chasing him like a lost puppy, but not anymore. She hadn’t done anything remotely like that now.
120
B
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold. Follow current novᴇls on