ログイン共有
CHAPTER SEVEN
最終更新日:
2025-03-22 19:04:39
関連チャプター
A Whole New World CHAPTER EIGHT
ESSENCE I didn’t know what to say. A part of me wanted to reject the bag Lucian was handing to me, not because I was ungrateful, but because it was all beginning to feel a little… unreal. He had already done so much for me tonight, and quite frankly, it was starting to scare me. No one had ever treated me this well. It was the kind of thing you see in romantic dramas, the ones where the girl gets swept off her feet by the handsome, mysterious stranger. Except I was not that girl. Not even close. He stood there, arm extended, waiting patiently, and I was shivering even with the heater on. The stubborn chill wasn’t just from the rain, it was from life. The kind of cold that clung to your soul and refused to let go. But the moment I looked at Lucian’s hand still holding the bag, not backing away, I felt guilty. He wasn’t pressuring me. He wasn’t doing it to impress me. He was just… kind. And that messed with me more than anything else. With a weak smile, I reached for the bag.
最終更新日 : 2025-04-04A Whole New World CHAPTER NINE
ESSENCE When I looked up, Lucian was still staring at me. His calm smile hadn’t changed, and oddly enough, it made me feel safe. Which was insane, because I knew better than to trust a man just because he looked like he belonged in a billionaire calendar. But still... something about him felt familiar. Not just familiar in the “I’ve seen this hot man in a dream before” kind of way, but like I’d met him, once upon a time. "Can I ask you something?" I asked. He gave a slight nod. "Shoot." "Have we met before?" He didn’t even blink. "Yes, we have." I gasped. I knew it! "Yesterday," he added with a smirk. "We met at the gym." My lips curled into a half-grimace. “Huh.” I blinked. “I meant before yesterday. There’s something about you that feels… familiar. I just can’t place it.” He just smiled again...cool, and confident. "Then let’s wait until you remember." Wait until I remember? Was that his way of saying yes? That we had known each other? My heart skipped for reas
最終更新日 : 2025-04-04A Whole New World CHAPTER TEN
ESSENCE The shrill sound of my alarm dragged me out of the shallow, miserable puddle of sleep I’d fallen into. I hadn’t slept much, but sleeping in wasn’t an option either. I needed to hit the gym—not because I wanted to, but because...well...I felt I had to. When I came out of my room, the house was as silent and empty as it was last night. The silence was almost theatrical, like even the walls were pretending I didn’t exist. I walked into the kitchen, made breakfast out of habit, but didn’t bother setting the table. What was the point? Alex and Asher weren’t home. They were probably off having their little family moment with Mother Remi the Great. As usual, I freshened up, put on my gym clothes, and headed out. I was nursing the tiniest hope that maybe Lucian would be there again. But of course, no black-suited dreamboat today. I remembered what he’d said about meeting someone three days in a row being fate. Ha. Fate clearly ghosted me. Maybe he said it out of pity. Maybe I look
最終更新日 : 2025-04-05A Whole New World CHAPTER ELEVEN
ESSENCE I stood there, watching them walk away, smiling, laughing, a perfect little trio. A part of me wanted to rush after them, plant myself in the middle of that picture-perfect lie, and scream that I was Asher’s mother. That I had built that family from the ground up. But what was the point? He called her Mommy. Right in front of me. My chest ached so badly, I thought I was going to pass out. I didn’t even remember walking to the couch, but somehow I landed there, and the moment I sat, the tears began to fall all over again. Not the pretty, movie-type tears. No. These were the ugly, sniffling, snot-running kind that shook my entire body. But eventually, the sobbing slowed, and the silence returned. And with it, something else. Resolve. I needed to do something. Anything. I couldn’t keep living like this.... crying, waiting, hoping. I had given up my dreams, my friends, my career, and my self-respect for a man who’d rather stab me in the back than acknowledge I existe
最終更新日 : 2025-04-05A Whole New World CHAPTER TWELVE
ESSENCE For a moment, I let go. Honestly, I did. It felt easier to just drift away than continue living this miserable, humiliating life where everyone I loved had turned into a stranger. But as the seconds passed, I realized something terrifying—I didn’t actually want to die. Not yet. Not like this. I was only thirty. I hadn’t even started truly living. I wanted to do something meaningful with my life. I wanted to be happy. Heck, I just wanted to wake up one day without feeling like a walking doormat. With renewed determination, I reached for my phone on the floor. Luckily, it was still within arm’s reach. My vision was blurry, and my limbs felt like they were moving through molasses, but I managed to unlock it and search for Sky’s number. Hers was the only name I could think of in that moment—short, simple, and still burned into my memory even after years of silence. I hadn’t spoken to her in forever. I had no idea what to expect. But still… I hoped. She picked up on the s
最終更新日 : 2025-04-06A Whole New World CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ESSENCE Lucian’s words made my heart thud like someone had kicked it. The most sought-after bachelor in the entire country just mentioned spending the rest of his life with me… to me? I mean, I knew he was joking—he had to be—but still, my heart flipped, tripped, and nearly did the salsa in my chest. And hearing that he was the richest man in the country? Yeah, that made me feel even smaller than I already did. I mean, look at me—messed up marriage, and all what not. Meanwhile, this guy had women lining up and crying for his attention, and somehow, I was the one he was talking to. I stared up at him, grinning like a fool. 'Say something, Essence. Anything.' My mind screamed. “Am I missing something?” Hailey whispered beside me, eyeing us suspiciously. I still couldn’t speak. “I’ll give you the privacy you need,” she added, leaning in closer. “I’ll just grab our drinks real quick.” And poof, she was gone like a magician’s final act. Lucian and I were alone again, a
最終更新日 : 2025-04-07A Whole New World CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ESSENCE Hailey led me back into the room. The moment Sky saw my condition, she got up and exclaimed, "What happened!" "Please, get the doctor," Hailey quickly told her. Thirty minutes later, the doctor wrapped a piece of bandage around my head and said, "You have to be careful, Mrs. Watson." I nodded. "I will. Thank you, doctor." After he left, Hailey held my hand and asked, "Do you want to talk about it?" "Talk about what?" Sky asked, her brows raised. Hailey sighed. "Well... um... her husband was..." "I'll talk about it some other time," I cut in quickly. "My head is aching right now and my mind is all over the place." "What exactly happened, guys!" Sky exclaimed. "Stop keeping me in the dark, people!" "We saw Lucian," Hailey revealed. Sky furrowed her brows. "And who the hell is that?" "Lucian Knight!" Hailey exclaimed. "Hello... richest billionaire in the country? Hot and sexy? And oh—he knows Essy. Not just 'hi, hello' kind of know, but 'take my jacket, let me cradle
最終更新日 : 2025-04-09A Whole New World CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ESSENCE Remi got up at this point and came to stand close to Alex, a smug look of triumph dancing across her face. A bandage was wrapped around her head too, as though she was the one injured. I could have laughed. “And who exactly will kneel and apologize to me for my own injury?” I asked, eyeing them. Vesper and Asher stood too and joined the drama. “Stop pretending!” Vesper snapped. “We all know that bandage on your head is fake. Kneel down and apologize to Remi now while we’re still being nice.” I scoffed and folded my arms. “And if I don’t? What’s going to happen? You and your brother going to try and jump me?” I chuckled bitterly. “A cripple I once helped out of pity is now trying to bite the hand that fed him? Interesting. Should I remind you what would’ve happened if I hadn’t wasted my hard-earned money to get an ungrateful man like you to walk again?” Alex blinked at me like I’d just slapped him across the face. Well, not yet. “You dare!” Vesper screamed and rai
最終更新日 : 2025-04-09
最新チャプター
A Whole New World CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
ESSENCE I stood there like a statue, struggling to digest Lucian's last words. Telling the world I was his wife? Without a second thought? Seriously? Was he even aware of what that would cause? The internet would lose its mind. The fashion blogs would probably hold an emergency meeting. All the sexy models of the world would send condolence messages to each other. And yet, he didn’t seem to mind. Then again, Lucian Knight had been surprising me since the very first day I met him. He didn’t behave like the cold, untouchable, notorious player everyone painted him to be. No, he was something else entirely.... warmer, scarier because he made it too easy to forget my place in his world. Could Sara have been right about him? Was he really different from what people thought? Or was it just too early for me to tell? Lucian must have noticed the turmoil on my face because he tilted his head slightly, smiled that devastating smile of his, and asked, "What’s going on in that pretty hea
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
A 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
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
