JULIAN
The house was completely quiet when I went downstairs.
Xavier was already gone for work. The only sign he’d been in the kitchen at all was a small folded piece of paper resting on the counter next to the coffee maker.
I picked it up and opened it.
Stop doubting yourself.
You already know the answers.
—X
I read it twice.
Six words. That was all he'd left behind.
No apology for last night. No explanation for the way my heart had hammered against his chest. Just quiet confidence.
Somehow... it steadied me more than a dozen speeches ever could. I folded the paper, slipped it deep into my pocket, and left for campus.
The main economics auditorium was warm and crowded by noon.
All six fellowship candidates sat at a long table facing Professor Vance, three guest teachers, and t
