chapter 14: a difficult decision

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The weight of Julie's feelings for Xavier had become undeniable, and as each day passed, their moments together grew harder to separate from her thoughts. Yet, alongside her budding feelings was the ever-present, gnawing worry about her father's health and the crushing debt from his medical expenses. Though Xavier had become a source of comfort and joy, her life outside the palace cast a shadow over everything.

One evening, after finishing her duties, Julie returned to her small apartment to find her father, Frank, slumped in his chair, pale and struggling for breath. Panic surged through her as she rushed to his side.

"Dad! Are you alright?" She knelt beside him, clasping his hand tightly.

He nodded, giving her a weak smile. "Just a bad spell, Julie. Nothing to worry about," he said, attempting to reassure her, though his labored breathing said otherwise.

Julie forced a smile, but inside, her heart was breaking. She had saved every penny she could, cut corners wherever possible, yet it still wasn't enough to afford the treatments he needed. As she helped her father into bed, her mind raced, desperate for a solution.

That night, as she lay in bed, Julie found herself staring at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting to the palace and, inevitably, to Xavier. He'd become her confidante, the one person who seemed to truly see her. More than once, he had hinted that he'd help her in any way he could if she would only confide in him. But how could she admit the depth of her struggle without feeling as though she was burdening him?

The following morning, Julie woke to find a letter on her doorstep, its edges frayed and the ink slightly smudged. Her heart sank as she recognized the handwriting. It was from the hospital.

Inside, the letter laid out a grim ultimatum: her father's outstanding medical debt needed to be paid in full, or they would have to discontinue his treatments. Julie felt the ground fall away beneath her as the reality set in—she had exhausted every option. She had to find another way.

Desperate, she tried to consider every possible solution, each more impractical than the last. Finally, as she sat by the window, watching the sun rise over Perinn, a single thought lingered: Xavier could help. She hated the idea of leaning on him, of letting him see just how vulnerable she was. But in the face of her father's suffering, she felt her pride begin to waver.

Later that evening, as she was cleaning up in one of the palace's grand corridors, she spotted Xavier walking toward her. His expression softened as he noticed her.

"Julie," he greeted her warmly, stopping in his tracks. "How are you?"

Julie took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak. "Xavier, I— I wanted to ask you something."

Xavier raised his eyebrows, concern flashing in his eyes as he gestured for her to follow him into a quieter corner of the hall. "Of course. What is it?"

Her throat tightened as she struggled to find the words. "It's... my father. He needs more treatments, but I can't afford them. I've done everything I can, and I hate to even ask, but..." Her voice faltered, and she looked down, unable to meet his gaze.

Without hesitation, Xavier reached for her hand, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Julie, I would help you in any way I could," he said softly. "You don't have to face this alone."

Though his offer filled her with relief, guilt quickly followed. She had wanted so badly to stand on her own, to find a way to help her father without relying on anyone else. But the choice she now faced was one she could no longer ignore. "Thank you, Xavier. I don't know what I would do without you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Their conversation was interrupted by the echoing footsteps of an approaching figure. They both turned to see King Helmut, his expression cool and composed, watching them from down the hall.

"Xavier," the king greeted, his tone formal. "I was hoping to speak with you in private."

Xavier's hand slipped from Julie's as he turned to his father. "Of course, Father."

Julie offered a quick curtsy, murmuring an excuse, and hurried down the hall. She could feel the king's eyes on her as she left, and her pulse quickened with unease.

Later that night, as Julie sat by her father's side, her mind drifted back to the interaction with the king. She couldn't shake the feeling that he had somehow sensed the deepening connection between her and Xavier. She was well aware of the sacrifices that came with Xavier's title and station, and she worried what lengths the king might go to in order to protect the royal image.

The following morning, as she prepared to head to the palace, she found herself haunted by the difficult choice she now faced. Xavier's offer had been a lifeline, a way to ease her father's suffering. But accepting his help could also mean drawing closer to a man she could never truly be with.

With every step she took, she felt herself being pulled between her love for her father and her growing feelings for Xavier.

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