Zara closed her bedroom door, releasing a breath as she leaned back against it. She brushed her hair out of her face and headed to the bathroom, splashing cool water over her skin. A lot had happened that evening, and her emotions felt raw, like exposed nerves. But there was no time to let her mind wander into darker places; she needed to stay focused.
After freshening up, she slipped into a mauve velvet pajama set. The cropped spaghetti-strap top hugged her comfortably, with delicate lace trimming the neckline, and the matching shorts, also with lace along the waistband, had a relaxed, soft fit. The slightly crushed texture of the velvet added a touch of luxury and ease. She took a moment to breathe, letting the soft fabric ground her, then picked up her phone and dialed her assistant.
"Hi, Tori," she said, her voice a little more serious than usual. "I need you to find the best cancer treatment centers available and send over a detailed list as soon as possible."
Tori, always efficient and discreet, only responded with, "Of course, Zara. I'll start on it right away."
"Thank you, Tori," Zara replied quietly, appreciating her assistant's professionalism. Tori didn't ask questions, never pried into Zara's personal matters, something Zara valued deeply. She just got things done, and quickly.
True to her word, Tori called back after half an hour. Zara listened carefully, nodding as Tori listed the options she'd found. When the call ended, Zara sat on the edge of her bed, reviewing the information Tori had sent, but a lingering sense of dissatisfaction gnawed at her. None of these options felt certain enough, and she needed the best care possible for her father. This was too important to leave to chance.
A small voice in her head whispered that maybe Xavier could help. She bit her lip, debating it; the idea of asking him felt strange, almost uncomfortable. She was used to handling things herself, and leaning on someone else—even if only for information—was foreign. But her father's health took precedence over her pride.
Finally, she steeled herself, took a steadying breath, and headed toward Xavier's room. Standing in front of his door, she felt a pang of doubt. What if he dismissed her concern? What if he didn't care enough to help? Just as she was about to turn back, she lifted her hand and gave the door a soft knock, already starting to regret it.
The door opened almost instantly, and Zara's eyes met Xavier's. Luckily, he was wearing a T-shirt this time—she wasn't sure she could've handled another distraction. For a brief second, she caught a flash of surprise in his eyes as he took in her appearance, but he quickly masked it, his expression cooling into something unreadable. Zara could feel her cheeks heat up, realizing her outfit was perhaps a bit too casual for a serious conversation.
Xavier's gaze softened, as if sensing the weight of her request. "Do you want to come in?" he asked, his voice more gentle than usual. She nodded, a little shy, and stepped past him into the room.
Zara perched herself at the edge of his bed, fingers fidgeting with the lace on her pajama shorts. After a moment of silence, she finally found her voice. "I, um... I was wondering if you knew any doctors who specialize in treating cancer." Her voice was quiet but steady, her eyes downcast.
For the first time, a genuine look of worry crossed Xavier's face. "You…..have cancer?" His voice softened, losing the usual indifference as he processed her words.
Zara shook her head quickly. "No, no, not me. I'm fine. It's my father." She tried to keep her tone light, but the weight of the situation seeped through. Talking about it aloud felt like scratching at a wound that hadn't healed.
Xavier nodded thoughtfully, the tension in his shoulders easing, though his eyes remained serious. "Actually, our family doctor specializes in oncology. He's one of the best in the field, and he's treated quite a few complex cases."
Zara's eyes widened, her heart racing at the unexpected news. "Really?" she whispered, her voice filled with a sudden, hopeful disbelief. For the first time since the diagnosis, she felt a glimmer of light at the end of a dark tunnel.
"Yes," Xavier confirmed with a small nod, his tone steady and reassuring. "I can give him a call, set something up if you'd like."
Without a second thought, Zara surged forward, wrapping her arms around him in an impulsive hug. The warmth of his body surprised her, and she was suddenly hyperaware of how close they were. Xavier's arms hovered in the air for a moment before he gently rested them on her back, returning the embrace.
"Thank you," she murmured against his shoulder, her voice barely audible. The weight of the stress she'd been carrying eased, just a little, in his embrace.
Xavier's voice was soft when he replied, "You're welcome."