All Chapters of I CHOOSE YOU: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

My name is Jessica Lohan. I’m twenty-one years old and in my final year at the prestigious University of Orlander. At this very moment, I’m seated in the bustling college cafeteria, caught in a rather dramatic argument with my best friend. But before I reveal the reason behind the commotion, allow me to take you on a brief journey through the winding corridors of my life.I was born within the towering walls of the Royal Palace of Orlander—a world gilded with marble halls, centuries-old chandeliers, and secrets buried in velvet-lined corners. My mother, the Head Maid, and my father, once the revered Head of Guards, served the royal household with unshakable loyalty. My father retired a few years ago; my mother is set to retire in four months. Yes, they met in the palace—maid and guard—fell in love, married, and had me rather late in their marriage.Every palace staff member is granted a room in the servant quarters, but those who rise in rank or serve over fifteen years are bestowed a

It has been precisely two months since I began working at the palace, and though every task has unfolded with near-perfect grace, one persistent challenge remains: avoiding Erica. But today—today is not about that. Today is my graduation. And I’m positively brimming with anticipation.The palace has been a whirlwind of activity for days, its hallways echoing with hurried footsteps and whispered instructions. Servants and attendants have been preparing for the return of Prince Christian and his cousin, Princess Molly, who are also graduating. Excitement hums in the very walls.Now, all the maids have been summoned to the servants' quarters by the ever-formidable Madam Silvia."Good morning, everyone," she greeted, voice clipped and sharp as a sword’s edge."Good morning, Madam," we chorused in practiced unison."As you all know," she began, "Prince Christian and Princess Molly are returning today to celebrate their graduation. According to a report from His Majesty, there will be a spe

Jessica’s POV


I stirred awake, the soft scent of rosewater and linen reminding me that I wasn’t in my bed. Molly’s room. Slowly, reality began to press down on me, and yesterday’s events came rushing back like a violent tide. My chest tightened. For a fleeting moment, I’d hoped it had all been a dream — but no, it was real. What was meant to be a day of celebration had ended in shambles, and the bitterness of it sat heavy in my throat.


“Good morning, Jess,” Molly’s voice rang out far too brightly for my mood. She stood by the window, already dressed, with sunlight crowning her like a halo. She was always a morning person — today, I could not match her energy.


I shot her a look, one that clearly said *there’s nothing good about this morning*, but I still responded, if only out of courtesy. “Good morning. What time is it?” I asked, yawning with the weariness of a broken heart.


“Seven-fifteen,” she said casually.


That’s when panic struck.


“Oh no, I’m late!” I jumped from her

Jessica’s POVThis morning, I awoke with an involuntary smile curling my lips. I could hardly believe it—today is the day of the Selection. Still, the memory of yesterday plays on a loop in my mind like a favorite song I can't turn off.He proposed. Indirectly, yes—but a proposal all the same. And he told me he loves me. As a friend, he said. But at this point? I could care less. I’ll take what I can get. Not because I’m desperate—no, far from it—but because I’m helplessly, wholly in love.I hummed to myself, twirling lightly on my feet as I moved through my morning duties, heart dancing along with me."Someone looks suspiciously happy this morning," Andy’s teasing voice rang from her bed. I hadn’t even noticed she was awake."Yes. I am very happy," I admitted, grinning like a child given too much sugar."Happy, or in love?" she asked, raising an eyebrow with that knowing tone that only best friends possess."In love? Me?" I scoffed, throwing in a half-hearted laugh. "You must be jokin

Christian’s POVToday marks the beginning of a new chapter—not just for the kingdom of Orlander, but for me. The palace stands adorned in gold and cream banners, grand and resplendent as always, but today it feels like a gilded cage. The sun gleams above the courtyard, catching the shimmer of camera flashes as the media gathers like vultures in velvet. The crowd beyond the gates roars with excitement, waving signs and banners of the selected girls, their favourites among the hopefuls. A live broadcast streams across every home in Orlander. All eyes are on us.The air is thick with celebration—everyone is smiling, buzzing with anticipation—but I? I feel like I’m drowning.My mind is still tangled in last night. In Jess.The paparazzi call my name, their lenses aimed to capture what they believe is the smile of a poised future king. I give them what they want—a hollow curl of my lips that hides the dark circles beneath my eyes and the ache that clings to my chest like fog.I haven’t se