LOGINShare
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Last Updated:
2025-04-19 23:57:37
Related chapters
A Whole New World CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
ESSENCE Inspite of myself, I felt like the walls of Lucian's massive bedroom were closing in on me. The air suddenly felt thinner, like there wasn't enough of it to go around. My chest rose and fell faster than it should have, and I couldn’t tell if it was from embarrassment, confusion, or the way Lucian had looked at me just a moment ago. "I.... I'm going to check if the maids have kicked Angel out," I muttered, not waiting for a response as I turned and began walking away. But before I could take another step past the door, Lucian's hand caught mine. In one swift, effortless motion, he spun me around until I was facing him again, breath catching in my throat. "Not so fast, baby," he said, eyes narrowing, not in anger, but curiosity. "Tell me something. Earlier, when you walked off during all that drama with the staff... were you about to leave me?" I blinked. "How did you know? Are you secretly telepathic or something? Have you been reading my mind this entire time and
Last Updated : 2025-04-20A Whole New World CHAPTER THIRTY
ESSENCE After hugging, Lucian and I stood there for a long while, eyes locked, bodies close enough to breathe in each other’s warmth. It was crazy how often this man made me forget what I was supposed to be doing. But as soon as the memory returned, I blinked out of the trance and cleared my throat. “The maids,” I said, touching his chest lightly. “And the butler... they’re still outside waiting for their punishment, remember?” He let out a breath and nodded. “Go on. I’ll catch up with you,” I added. He gave me a little look..... as though he didn’t quite want to leave.... but eventually turned and walked off. Once he disappeared from view, I adjusted my shirt and found myself wandering through the house like a lost tourist in a palace. The halls were quiet now, the buzz from earlier having faded, and the polished floors seemed to echo every soft step I took. The scent of jasmine and wood polish lingered in the air, and the gentle hum of the central air system felt oddly
Last Updated : 2025-04-20A Whole New World CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
ESSENCE Sara nodded thoughtfully as the word left my mouth, her expression soft with something that almost looked like certainty. “You know,” she added, “despite all the things people say about Mr. Knight… I’ve never once seen him get close to any woman. Not even a little. But then you showed up. And he couldn’t take his eyes off you.” I blinked as I muttered. “Are you sure it wasn’t just me tripping over something and falling into his arms or something equally embarrassing?” She smiled, but her eyes stayed serious. “I’ve worked here for months. And I’ve seen him kind to people, yes, but the way he treats you? It’s different. It’s definitely affection, and it’s....” “Don’t say it,” I cut in playfully, holding up a hand. Sara gave me a look, then leaned in conspiratorially. “It’s real love.” Her words made me chuckle. Not because they were funny, but because it was not possible. And Sara, bless her sweet heart, didn’t know the half of it. If only she knew that when I op
Last Updated : 2025-04-21A Whole New World CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
ESSENCEAfter staring for a while, I stepped out to meet Lucian. Seeing the people kneeling, up close, I felt something twist inside me. Maybe it was guilt, maybe it was empathy. Either way, I couldn’t ignore it. Lucian was standing with his arms folded, his jaw clenched as if he were holding back fire. I reached out, gently taking his hand. “Come with me,” I said quietly, pulling him a few steps away from the others. He let me lead. “What’s the punishment exactly?” I asked, keeping my voice soft. He didn’t hesitate. “They’re to kneel for eight hours. After that, I’ll let it go.” My mouth parted in disbelief. “Eight hours? Lucian…” His eyes searched mine, unreadable for a moment. “What?” I sighed and tried to explain. “I know what they did was wrong, and I know they disrespected me... but I also heard what you did for Angel. You’ve always been kind to her, right? Always looked out for her?” He gave a small nod, clearly not sure where I was going with this. “Maybe those six ma
Last Updated : 2025-04-22A Whole New World CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
ESSENCE Lucian was just about to pick up the spoon when my phone buzzed again. I picked it up and smiled when I saw Sky’s name. “It’s Sky,” I told him softly, then stood. “Excuse me, I’ll just take this real quick.” I stepped a few feet away and answered the call. “Essy!” Sky’s excited voice rang through, and right after, Hailey’s joined in. “We’re just calling to check up on you. How are you holding up?” “I’m fine,” I said, a little too quickly. Lucian’s voice suddenly came from behind me. “Tell your friends I said hi.” I turned back to look at him, startled... and slightly embarrassed. But the effect was immediate. Both Sky and Hailey went silent on the line. “Wait…” Sky’s voice lowered suspiciously. “Who was that?” I cleared my throat. “That’s… my husband.”Their voices suddenly ceased, probably because they thought I was still married to Alex. I couldn’t wait to see the look on their faces when they learned the truth. “Let’s meet up tomorrow evening,” Sky finally spoke
Last Updated : 2025-04-23A Whole New World CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
ESSENCEThe moment Lucian started taking off his robe, my brain went into full panic mode. My body was having a completely different reaction. My mouth went dry, my knees turned to jelly, and my very married-to-a-billionaire-for-one-day self began sweating in places I didn’t even know could sweat.Was he about to have sex with me?No, no, no. Abort mission! If that man laid one finger on me, every one of my secrets would fly out like prisoners escaping a maximum-security prison. My stretch marks, my awkward moans—he'd see it all. And I wasn’t ready. I couldn’t be ready. Not now. Not like this.Then he got off the bed and slipped the silk robe off his shoulders and let it fall to the floor.Oh, Lord.I acted fast. “Oh wow,” I yawned dramatically. “Would you look at that? I suddenly feel very sleepy. Good night, Lucian!”I didn't miss the surprise in his eyes as I dramatically turned on my side and shut my eyes like I was preparing for the longest sleep of my life.The bed dipped behind
Last Updated : 2025-04-24A Whole New World CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
ESSENCE Guilt slammed into me like a thunderbolt. I had overslept. Overslept! On my first official morning as Mrs. Lucian Knight. I darted straight into the bathroom, squeezed out a generous amount of toothpaste, and brushed my teeth like my life depended on it. Forget the two-minute brushing rule... I was in and out like a Formula 1 pit stop. The shower I took? Record-breaking. Fastest in history. I promised myself a proper bath later. Right now, redemption was the mission. I threw on a red floral dress that hugged my curves without screaming, “Late and flustered.” I zipped it up, ran a comb through my hair, and bolted out of the room. The sight that greeted me almost knocked me off my feet. There was an audience waiting for me. No, scratch that. An entire fashion-hospital-corporate ensemble, neatly lined up like I was about to walk a royal runway. Four men and five women in pristine uniforms, standing with racks full of shoes, clothes, and designer bags. Three men and a
Last Updated : 2025-04-24A Whole New World CHAPTER THIRTY SIX
ESSENCE I sat in the room for a while, hugging one of the throw pillows and trying to talk myself into forgetting about what happened the night before. But the more I thought about it, the more embarrassed I felt. Eventually, I told myself that if I didn’t go out soon, Lucian would come looking for me. I got up and padded out to the dining room, steeling myself for whatever came next. Lucian looked up the moment I stepped in. His eyes landed on my face, and his expression immediately shifted into something soft and concerned. "Are you okay?" I nodded, attempting a half-hearted smile. "I'm fine." He motioned to the untouched food. "Come, finish your breakfast." I sat down, but I barely touched the spoon. "I'm not hungry anymore. I'm already full." Lucian watched me quietly for a beat before leaning in. "What’s wrong?" I sighed, realizing I couldn’t keep dodging him. Not with the level of attention he was giving to me. “Can we talk in private?” He led me into one of the sitting
Last Updated : 2025-04-25
Latest chapter
A Whole New World CHAPTER FIFTY
ALEX The hospital smelled like bleach and disappointment. I stood beside Asher's bed, his tiny hand resting in mine. I had paced the floor for hours, called Essence over and over again, but nothing. She didn’t even have the decency to call or explain. My mind was spinning, and the fury that simmered inside me was starting to boil over. The previous day, Remi had told me she saw Essence at a bar, drinking and laughing while her son was in a hospital bed. I didn't want to believe her, but when I got to that bar and didn't find Essence, it only made me angrier. I didn’t know what was going on with her anymore. She wasn’t the same woman I used to know—the woman who once adored me, who lived to make our family work. What was she playing at? I left the hospital in a haze, deciding to stop home and shower before heading back to continue my vigil beside Asher. But the moment I stepped through the door, Vesper's voice echoed from the living room. "A parcel came for you," she called.
A Whole New World CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
ESSENCE I stood frozen for a moment, blinking like a deer caught in stadium lights. Did I just hear her say fiancée? My eyes scanned her face, waiting for some twitch of a smile that would tell me this was some kind of joke. But no—this girl was dead serious. Confident, smug, beautiful, and terrifyingly calm. Her voice was syrupy sweet, like honey dripped over poison. "Your name is Essence, right?" she said, lips curled into a lazy smirk. “I’m Brittany. Brittany Dane. I just wanted to say hello.... after all, we share something in common. Lucian.” I tilted my head, pretending to be unbothered, even as my heart did that annoying somersault thing it did whenever something didn’t feel right. Did I have to keep dealing with things like this, as long as I was married to Lucian? “Yes, I am Essence. Lucian’s wife, to be exact,” I said, adding a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “Nice to meet you, Brittany.” But Brittany was relentless. She let out a soft, amused laugh like I had sa
A Whole New World CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT
ESSENCE When I eventually went to bed, Lucian was still working. I lay on my side, facing the wall, pretending to be asleep even though my heart was still very much awake. Minutes later, I felt the mattress shift under his weight as he joined me in bed. Moments passed. Then I felt his arm sliding around my waist, pulling me gently toward him until my back pressed into his chest. His warmth settled over me like a blanket, and I loved it. Honestly, if blushing were a paid job, I would have been a billionaire by now. I was grinning like an idiot and hiding my face in the pillow like a teenage girl with a crush. I fought the urge to turn around and stare into his face. Maybe he was already asleep, or maybe he was just holding me for comfort, but whatever it was, I didn’t want it to stop. His breathing slowed against my neck, and mine soon matched his. Wrapped up in that stillness, I finally let go of my thoughts and drifted off into a very peaceful sleep. When morning came, I w
A Whole New World CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN
ESSENCE Oh. My. God. Lucian wanted me. No, scratch that.... Lucian was attracted to me. I wasn’t dreaming, right? His hands didn’t just glide across my skin like silk. His lips didn’t just trail over my neck like he was inhaling me. And that thing I felt...yes, that thing....pressing gently against my lower back when he leaned in, that was not my imagination. Was it? I sat frozen, my heart racing like a wild stallion, and all I could do was stare ahead and pretend that I hadn’t just felt the most beautiful, maddening, nerve-wrecking thrill of my entire life. Every insecurity I had buried under sarcasm and sass was now rising like steam. My scars. My body. My imperfections. Would he still want me if he saw them? That question alone held my heart hostage. Lucian was kind. Generous. Gorgeous beyond reason. The kind of man women used as wallpaper on their phones, not the kind of man who would ever... want someone like me. Right? But he did. The evidence was, well, visible.
A Whole New World CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
LUCIAN Being married to Essence was a lot more beautiful and surprisingly thrilling than I ever imagined. She was not just funny in a way that disarmed me, she was also fragile and incredibly brave at the same time. And God, she was clueless about the effect she had on me. The way her eyes lit up when she was trying not to smile, the soft lines around her mouth when she pouted... I couldn’t stop watching her. That night, I had watched her struggle against sleep like a soldier on the battlefield. All in an effort to hide her snoring from me. She tried everything...cold showers, counting into her phone, even whispering to herself like some sweet, sleepy child who had sworn not to disappoint herself. But of course, sleep won. When I woke up the next morning to the unmistakable sound of her snoring.... a strong, melodic buzz that filled the room.... I couldn’t help it. I laughed. Not out of mockery, but sheer affection. It was oddly comforting. She was finally letting her guard down
A Whole New World CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
ESSENCE I didn’t even know how to breathe. Was Lucian serious? Did he really mean what I thought he meant? He was offering to bring my son, Asher, into our home. Into our life. Into this new, strange, beautiful chapter I didn’t even fully understand yet. I blinked at him, trying to piece his words together in my mind like a broken puzzle. How could he be so willing? So open? So... good? No man had ever done that. Not even Asher’s own father had ever stood by me with this kind of gentle determination. And yet here was Lucian, a man who owed me nothing, a man who married me under the most unconventional circumstances, offering me something I’d never dared to wish for out loud. But I couldn’t accept it. I just couldn’t. I lowered my eyes, my voice soft and bitter. “It’s not worth it, Lucian. Don’t worry yourself.” He tilted his head, concern etched into every line of his face. “Why would you say that? You’re clearly worried about him.” “I am,” I admitted, even though it h
A Whole New World CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
ESSENCE The words just wouldn't compute. "Your... stepson?" I asked again, even though my ears had done a perfectly fine job the first time. Sky gave me a little shrug, the kind someone gives when they just admitted to borrowing your lipstick without asking and hoped you wouldn’t make a big deal out of it. Not when what she’d said was equivalent to dropping a whole-ass scandal in the middle of a crowded marketplace. "Yes, technically," she replied, looking as calm as a cucumber dipped in audacity. "He’s the son of my late husband. We didn’t really talk until after the funeral. And one thing led to another..." I almost dropped my purse. "Sky, that’s not 'one thing.' That’s a whole damn novella! You went from widow to wicked stepmother in under a year." She snorted. "Oh, please. He’s older than me by like five years, and my husband was practically a century old. Besides, it’s not like I raised him or anything." I stared at her. "Sky. You literally just boned your dead hu
A Whole New World CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
ESSENCE Slapping Vesper felt better than I imagined. Scratch that... it felt glorious. It wasn't the first time, yes, but it was different. I didn't just slap her for myself; I slapped her for every insult she ever threw at me, every time she laughed when Alex humiliated me, and every single second I spent in that house feeling like I was less. My hand stung, but my soul? Oh, it sang. For a second, the entire bar went silent, like the slap had echoed into the souls of everyone watching. Vesper stumbled back, one hand pressed to her cheek as she fell, her mouth slightly open in shock. The crimson outline of my palm started to blossom across her face, and for the first time since I met her, she looked genuinely stunned. She touched her lips, then looked at her fingers. Blood. Oh yes, I split that lip. The satisfaction that rolled through me was sinful. I didn’t even try to hide my smirk. But of course, Remi wasn't one to just stand there. She immediately raised her hand, aiming
A Whole New World CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
REMI Alex had been spiraling since the moment we arrived at the hospital. I watched as he paced back and forth like a caged lion, muttering curses under his breath. Every time the doctor walked past without stopping, his fury intensified. I wanted to reach out, to soothe him, to remind him that I was just trying to help.... but the moment I opened my mouth, he shoved my hand away. “Don’t touch me,” he snapped. “You’re the root of every damn problem in my life.” The words hit me like a slap. My throat tightened as tears stung my eyes. “How can you say that?” I asked, my voice trembling. “I love you, Alex. I love Asher like my own. He calls me Mommy. I was just trying to make him breakfast. How was I supposed to know he was allergic to peanut butter?” He whirled on me. “That’s exactly the point, Remi!” His voice was sharp enough to cut through glass. “You claim to love him but you don’t even know what he can or can’t eat? Have you ever seen Essence feed him peanut butter? Ever?
