Nathaniel Fu looked at her delicate, innocent face. He hadn't touched her in days, hadn't held her in his arms at night. But now her familiar scent lingered in the air, stirring something in him. His large hands clenched inside the pockets of his trousers.
He had thought he could go without her.
But...
His low voice turned hoarse. "How about we give it a try tonight?"
"What?" Celia stared at him in confusion.
Nathaniel had always thought she liked to play innocent—like she was just waiting for him to take the bait. "Didn't your best friend want to know if she bought the wrong size?" he said, voice deliberately slow. "Try it, and we'll know."
Celia finally realized what he meant. He wanted to sleep with her. Tonight.
What did he take her for?
The stand-in game was already over, and he was still trying to coax her back into bed?
"Mr. Fu, if you have certain… needs, feel free to find another woman."
What did she just say?
She told him to find someone else?
Nathaniel's eyes turned cold. His tall frame straightened, and the distance between them suddenly widened.
"Celia, do you really think you got into CC on your own?"
She looked him in the eye. "Mr. Fu, my affairs are none of your concern. We made it clear last time—we're not involved anymore."
Then she paused, as if remembering something. "Oh, and Mr. Fu, I heard you're planning to marry Rosalie?"
He narrowed his eyes. "Does it matter to you who I marry?"
"Not at all. I just thought I'd remind you—if you go through a second marriage with Rosalie, you'll definitely end up needing a third. Because Rosalie belongs to me."
With that, Celia brushed past him and headed upstairs.
Nathaniel stood frozen.
He wasn't even married a second time yet, and she was already cursing him with a third?
He watched as her slender figure disappeared into the room. Deep down, he felt like Celia was hiding more secrets than she let on.
Back in her room, Celia immediately sent Julia Lin a message on WeChat.
Celia:Julia! Nathaniel found out about the condom thing. You're seriously trying to get me killed!
Seeing Celia's accusatory tone, Julia quickly replied:
Julia:Celia! That's so harsh!
Julia:You've changed. We swore "sisters before misters," remember? And now you're turning on me for a guy?
Celia groaned and pulled the blanket over her head, trying to force herself to sleep.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel returned to his room. His phone buzzed—it was his mother calling.
"Hello, son? Are you and Xuexue that busy lately? Why haven't you come home to visit your mother? If you can't make it, at least let Xuexue come. I miss her."
Nathaniel pressed his lips together, suddenly remembering—his mother adored Celia.
But the game was over. Celia wouldn't be playing the role of his wife anymore.
His mother's voice grew suspicious. "Why aren't you saying anything? Don't tell me you lost my daughter-in-law! Oh no—my heart hurts!"
From the other end came a maid's shocked voice. "Madam! Are you all right? Why did you fall?!"
Nathaniel pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "She's fine. Your daughter-in-law hasn't gone anywhere."
Mrs. Fu's voice perked up. "Really? Then why am I fine now? Huh? That's strange! Oh well, just don't be afraid. You'll get used to it—Mom loves her daughter-in-law more than her own life."
Nathaniel: "…"
His mother sighed dramatically. "So when are you bringing Xuexue home to see me?"
"We'll talk about it later," Nathaniel said. "Everyone's busy these days."
The next morning.
When Celia went downstairs, Nathaniel had already left—which was a relief. Less awkwardness.
She was heading to CC today, so she didn't waste any time and walked out quickly.
But just as she stepped onto the lawn, a familiar voice called out behind her.
"Xue... Xue."