I didn’t realize how tightly I was clenching my jaw until I felt the dull ache in my temple. The tension had crept up on me slowly, like a fog crawling in through the cracks. As Yvonne’s mother ran her mouth and her daughter kept throwing daggered glances in every direction, something inside me was
LUCIAN I watched her sleep. Her breath was soft, her lips parted just slightly, lashes casting gentle shadows across her cheeks. Essence always looked peaceful when she was like this—lost in dreams, untouched by the weight of the world. And yet, even in sleep, I could feel the heaviness inside h
After the call ended, I folded my arms, brows raised. “Why did he sound so desperate?” Lucian chuckled softly. “You really need to remember your father. Then that look of surprise on your face would make a lot more sense.” He stood and looked at Hailey and Sky. “You girls go on. Keep chatting. I
I blinked. “Wait. Come in? Where are you?” “I’m outside.” I shot up from my seat. “You’ve been outside this whole time? Why didn’t you come in?” “I didn’t want to interrupt your girls’ time.” I grinned. “Lucian. Come in this instant.” As soon as I ended the call, Hailey and Sky groaned in
I swallowed like they had just told me I once adopted a crocodile. “I allowed my husband’s ex to live in my house? There’s no way I could’ve done something that outrageous. Nope. I don’t believe it.” Hailey clapped. “And there it is. The new Essence. Fierce, possessive, and ready to throw hands. S
ESSENCE Lucian's voice cracked a little. It was the kind of question you ask not because you didn’t hear it… but because you want to hear it again. I reached out, brushed my fingers along his jaw, and said it again, softly this time, but even more certain. “I love you, Lucian.” As he froze,