Celia still didn't speak.
At that moment, Nathaniel withdrew his hand, leaned back slightly, and said, "Forget it, then."
Unexpectedly, two small hands reached out and wrapped tightly around his neck, stopping him from leaving. Celia looked up at him and asked, "Forget what?"
Nathaniel paused, his dark, narrow eyes locked onto hers. "If you're scared, we can stop. You're not obligated."
Celia gazed at his sharp, handsome features and whispered, "Why would I be afraid of your mom? She's not a tiger. She won't bite. I didn't say anything because I was thinking… she wouldn't hurt me. But what about you?"
Nathaniel froze.
She continued, softly, "Would she hurt you?"
The next second, Nathaniel dipped his head and captured her lips in a hard kiss.
Celia's arms remained draped around his neck. Maybe she'd forgotten to resist, allowing him to deepen the kiss, stealing her breath with the force of it.
"One kiss," he murmured hoarsely against her lips. "But there's no time limit on it, right?"
Her mind still foggy, Celia hadn't even caught the full meaning before Nathaniel pulled the covers over them. Her soft body sank into the mattress as he kissed her again.
"Celia," he said, voice low and possessive, "this marks our first month together."
The next morning.
Celia awoke naturally in Nathaniel's arms. When he went to the bathroom to freshen up, she quietly slipped out of bed and began searching through the drawers, looking for the jade pendant.
She looked everywhere she could—but still, nothing.
It seemed the pendant wasn't kept in the Fu family's old house.
They headed downstairs together.
"Good morning, Young Master, Young Madam," Uncle Fu greeted warmly.
"Morning, Uncle Fu. Where's Mom?" Nathaniel asked, his tone filled with concern.
"She's not in her room," Celia added, frowning slightly.
Just then, Mrs. Fu peeked her head out of the kitchen and smiled brightly. "Looking for me?"
Seeing her energetic and loving expression, both Nathaniel and Celia were visibly relieved.
"Mom, what are you doing? Let me help," Celia offered, heading toward the kitchen.
"Oh no, sweetheart, sit down. You've had a long night—I'm sure you're tired."
Celia: "…"
They sat at the table, and Mrs. Fu came over with a plate, placing it in front of Celia. "Here, try these fried eggs. I made them just for you."
"Thank you, Mom."
Celia picked up her chopsticks and tried to pick up an egg, but immediately noticed—it was still raw in the middle.
Mrs. Fu beamed. "Celia, are you expecting?"
Celia blinked. "Yes."
"How many?"
She glanced at the plate. There were three fried eggs.
"…Three," she said instinctively.
Pfft—
Uncle Fu and Aunt Zhou, who were standing nearby, couldn't help but chuckle.
Mrs. Fu's smile widened. "You said it yourself! Three babies—don't go back on it!"
Celia: "…"
She turned and gave Nathaniel a desperate look.
He took a slow sip of his milk, his gaze drifting to her blushing face. His lips curled in amusement, clearly enjoying the situation.
Celia's face turned crimson. This whole family… they were ganging up on her!
But in her heart, she felt warm. The Mrs. Fu she knew—the one she cared about—was truly back.
Later that morning, Celia arrived at the CC offices. As she stepped into the lobby, Rosalie blocked her path.
"Celia, why didn't you come home last night? You're in serious trouble—Mom and Dad are furious!"
Celia gave her a faint smile. "That mad? Then tell them to come find me—at the Fu residence."
Rosalie's expression twisted.
She clenched her teeth in frustration. Look at Celia, all smug just because she's got Mrs. Fu's favor. Hmph. Does she really think she can win Nathaniel Fu's heart just by playing the 'daughter-in-law' card?