Nathaniel Fu was stunned. He had taken his mother abroad for treatment for years. Although her condition had stabilized over the last two, any emotional stress from the capital could easily trigger a relapse. And once that happened, there was no controlling it.
But tonight, when she was on the verge of breaking down again… Celia had somehow pulled her back.
Zhou Ma couldn't stop praising Celia as the "young madam." Nathaniel's lips curved slightly. There was something about her—a quiet, irresistible pull. Like a spell.
After a quick meal, Nathaniel took a cold shower. He then stepped out onto the balcony, cigarette in hand. The man was dressed in black silk pajamas, his tall figure melting into the shadows, the glow of the cigarette tip illuminating the sharp lines of his face. There was something about him—an air of depth, of solitude, the kind that only comes from experience.
When Celia walked in, she saw him from the doorway. She stood frozen for a second. The way he stood there, calm yet distant, was oddly captivating. It felt like she'd been wandering alone in darkness for a long time, and suddenly, someone had drawn near.
Then he turned, sensing her gaze. "You showered?"
Celia nodded. "Yeah."
Nathaniel flicked his cigarette into the ashtray and walked back inside. "Come to bed."
"I'll sleep on the couch tonight. That way, there are no surprises," Celia said, already heading that way.
Before she could sit, Nathaniel moved. He reached her in two strides and scooped her into his arms.
"Ah!" The sudden lift startled her.
He arched a brow. "The soundproofing here isn't great. Keep your voice down."
"..."
When they reached the bed, he dropped her onto the mattress effortlessly. Celia barely had time to get her bearings before his tall frame leaned over her. She quickly pressed a hand to his chest. "Nathaniel!"
He didn't reply—just took her hand and placed something in her palm.
Celia looked down to see a glowing pearl.
Nathaniel turned off the lights, and the night pearl radiated a soft, luminous glow that lit up the entire room.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
Another gift?
Celia had already figured out his trick—he always gave her a gift before taking her to bed.
The man lowered his head, and a flurry of kisses followed.
Celia gripped the pearl tightly, her fingers curled against his firm shoulder. His kisses were passionate at first, then grew gentler, tender, as if he was coaxing her rather than claiming her.
She was dazed. Their temporary arrangement was supposed to be over. And yet, because of his mother, they were bound together again.
She truly cared for Madam Fu—she couldn't just walk away. But that didn't explain why she was back in this man's arms.
His long fingers found the button of her pajamas.
In an instant, Celia snapped out of it and caught his wrist. "Nathaniel, no."
He lifted his hand, letting her go. His eyes settled on her kiss-swollen lips, and he let out a low, husky laugh. "A single kiss for a night pearl? Celia, you really are expensive."
Celia met his eyes, hers sparkling with a hint of mischief. "As long as someone's willing to pay."
Nathaniel's smile faded slightly. It felt like she was mocking him—calling him a fool.
Celia looked at him, her voice quiet. "Nathaniel… was that really your first time taking a girl on a date?"