Chapter Two

Sometimes, I don’t understand Christian. His possessiveness bewilders me, stirring something deep within me—something I can’t quite name. He claims to love me, but only as his best friend. And yet, the way he looks at me, touches me, worries for me... it makes my heart ache with a yearning I can barely admit to myself. I want more. I want all of him. But I know—it’s a fool’s wish. A fantasy I cradle in the quiet moments. A girl can dream, can’t she?

I looked up at Christian, my gaze hopeful, silently praying he’d say yes.

“Ugh, come on, man. Just two months and you’ll see the love of your life again,” Jake teased, his voice dramatic, pulling a blush from my cheeks.

I dropped my gaze, stealing a glance at Christian. He rolled his eyes with practiced indifference. Sigh. What did I expect? A declaration? A smile just for me?

“Yeah, man, just say yes,” Luke chimed in.

Christian sighed. “Okay, fine. But…” His eyes lingered on mine. “You have to make it to graduation.”

“Of course, Christian. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I replied softly, my chest tightening.

“Good. And don’t forget to—”

Before he could finish, my phone rang, interrupting whatever he was about to say. My heart sank a little.

“Hello? Oh, you’re outside? Okay, I’ll be out in five minutes,” I said into the phone, then turned to the group. “Alright, guys. I’ve got to go. My ride’s here.”

“Now?!” Christian asked, clearly surprised.

“Yes, now. My bags are packed, I just need to grab them from my dorm,” I said.

“Okay, fine,” he said, pulling me into a hug.

Oh, his hugs. How I wished time would freeze in that embrace. I wanted to stay there, wrapped in him, just a little longer. But reality was a cruel thing. I moved on to hug Molly, Jake, and Luke, saying goodbye with forced cheer.

I was almost at the exit when I heard my name called.

“Jess!!”

I turned. It was Christian, jogging toward me, hand outstretched.

“You forgot this,” he said, his palm revealing my inhaler.

I laughed softly. “Come on, Chris. I haven’t had an attack in five years.”

“I know,” he said, voice lower now. “But just in case.”

My smile faltered. “Thank you, Christian. But... where did you find it?”

“I’ve had it,” he said simply. “Been carrying it around since your last attack.”

I stared at him, heart stumbling in my chest. “Since high school?”

He nodded.

Moments like these were the worst. Or the best. Or maybe both. When his actions screamed louder than his words. When I remembered just how much he cared—and yet, somehow, not in the way I needed him to.

I thought back to that terrifying night in senior year. After the championship win, we’d all gone out to celebrate. Christian had booked one of his father’s restaurants, and laughter filled the air until I started feeling tight-chested, my breaths shallow and quick. Christian was the first to notice. He was always the first.

Panic erupted. I remember Molly crying, voices screaming. Christian carried me like I weighed nothing, bolting to his car with Jake, Luke, and Molly on his heels. He laid me in the backseat and drove like the world was ending. I thought I was dying. And all I could think about was him.

We made it to the pharmacy just before I gave up. He raced in and returned almost instantly, his hands shaking as he used the inhaler on me. I’ll never forget the terror in his eyes. For weeks, he didn’t leave my side.

And now, five years later, he still carried the memory—in his pocket, no less.

“Okay, Christian... thanks. Bye,” I said quickly, turning away before he could see the tears brimming in my eyes. My heart was pounding so loud I feared it would give me away.

---

Three hours later, I arrived at the palace. It had been almost a year since my last visit, and yet, it never ceased to take my breath away. Regal, timeless, and impossibly beautiful.

I greeted the guards as I made my way to the servants’ quarters—the quiet world beneath the grandeur, where reality lived.

“Jess!!!” a familiar voice squealed.

Andy ran toward me, pulling me into a tight hug. She’d been working in the palace since she was eighteen, juggling duties and online college courses, all paid for by the royal household. She was my favorite person here—mostly because she loved palace gossip as much as I did. And she had the world’s biggest, most tragic crush on Luke. Sadly, he remained oblivious.

“Oh my God, I missed you so much!” she gushed.

Warm greetings met me from all corners of the servants’ wing. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to see me back—everyone, that is, except Erica.

Her eyes narrowed as she approached.

“So you finally remembered where you belong,” she sneered.

“I’m not in the mood, Erica,” I said, voice flat.

“Oh, please. What are you acting like? Don’t forget—no matter how much the prince favors you, you’re still just a maid. Just like the rest of us.”

The words stung. Not because they weren’t true—but because, deep down, some part of me feared they were.

Andy stepped forward, her loyalty burning bright. “And I’ll keep reminding *you*—you’re just a bitter brat who’s mad she never got the prince’s attention.”

“This isn’t your fight, Andy. Stay out of it,” Erica snapped, stepping closer.

“Oh yeah? And what if I don’t?” Andy shot back.

The tension crackled. I had to end it before it spiraled.

“Andy, let’s just go,” I said, grabbing her hand and pulling her into our room.

Servants’ rooms were modest—two beds to a space—but I was glad Andy had saved me a spot. I threw my bag on the bed with a sigh.

“I don’t want to talk about her. I just want a bath, a quick visit to my parents, and a full night’s sleep. Tomorrow’s the beginning of a new chapter, and I need to wake up smiling,” I said, already undressing.

“Ugh, don’t remind me we have to be up by 5 a.m.,” Andy groaned.

I rolled my eyes, grabbed my towel, and was about to head into the bathroom when my phone rang.

Christian.

A smile spread across my face before I could stop it. He hadn’t even let me settle before calling. I answered, and the familiar faces of my four best friends filled the screen.

“Hey, guys,” I said, grinning.

“Hey!!!” they chorused.

“You’re already at the palace and didn’t even call? Seriously?” Christian said, frowning.

“Yeah, Jess. If it weren’t for us, your *boyfriend* over here would’ve called you every ten minutes,” Jake teased, making my face flame.

“Shut up, Jake,” Christian muttered, clearly annoyed.

“Come on, I’m sure Jess just got in and wanted to settle before calling,” Luke offered gently.

I nodded in agreement, catching Andy out of the corner of my eye. She was blushing furiously. Oh, Luke. If only you knew.

“I just want this semester to end already,” Molly sighed. “I miss you, Jess. And these boys are driving me mad.”

“Don’t worry, babe,” Jake said, sliding an arm around her. “I’ll take care of them for you.”

“Okay, baby,” she replied, smiling up at him.

They were disgustingly adorable.

“Okay, guys, I’ve got to run. I’m heading to my parents’ place and want to be back before it gets too late.”

“Tell Mama Lohan we said hi,” Christian said softly.

“I will,” I promised.

“Bye!” they all chorused.

“Take care of yourself,” Christian said, lingering before ending the call.

The moment the screen went dark, I dashed into the bathroom, showered quickly, and dressed. My parents’ neighborhood wasn’t lavish, but it was peaceful and secure—perfect for retirement. Seeing them again filled my heart with joy. My mother’s health had improved, and my father was content in his quiet life. We shared dinner and laughter, and I left feeling whole again.

By the time I returned to the palace, night had fallen. Andy was already asleep. I washed up, slipped into my nightdress, and climbed into bed.

With the weight of the day pressing gently on my chest, I whispered a quiet prayer.

A prayer for strength, for clarity.

And maybe—just maybe—for love that would one day be returned.

Then I let sleep take me.