Celia truly felt unwell, the discomfort only hitting her now.
Nathaniel Fu saw her clutching her stomach and placed his large hand over it, easily covering her flat belly.Her waist was slender, her stomach barely the size of his palm, and he rubbed it gently in slow circles.
Celia shivered at the touch, her voice soft after a pause."My period should be coming soon… that's why I don't feel well."
She had always been accurate with her cycle—this time was no exception.
Nathaniel held her quietly for a while, massaging her abdomen, then lifted her effortlessly into his arms and carried her to the dining table."Eat a little, then go to bed early," he instructed.
Celia glanced at the table filled with dishes, but exhaustion dulled her appetite."I don't want to eat."
Nathaniel scooped half a bowl of rice, adding fresh seasonal vegetables to her plate."Eat," he said firmly.
Celia didn't move.
His brow arched slightly."Do you want me to feed you?"
She quickly picked up her chopsticks."No need."
The next morning, Celia finally opened her eyes—it was already nine o'clock. Nathaniel was gone.
She sat up in surprise. Nine? She never slept this late. The sunlight was already pouring brightly into the room.
Throwing off the covers, she padded toward the lounge door.
The moment she opened it, a familiar voice reached her.Rosalie.
Rosalie was already in the office, gazing at Nathaniel with desperate affection."Mr. Fu, I know I shouldn't intrude, but we are engaged. I've come to ask you to honor that promise and marry me."
Nathaniel sat behind his desk, calm and composed. He noticed the lounge door cracked open, like a lazy little cat peeking out.
Lifting his cool gaze, he met Rosalie's eyes. His voice was clipped and distant."Miss Su, I have other matters to attend to. We can discuss the engagement another time."
Rosalie's hands curled tightly. Her reputation was already in ruins—Nathaniel was her last and only lifeline.She needed to marry him, to secure her place as Mrs. Fu.
But yesterday, he had been completely indifferent. Today, his attitude was still evasive—not a refusal, but certainly not agreement.
Her anxiety burned."Mr. Fu, I am King. Don't you want to marry King?"
Behind the door, Celia froze.Nathaniel wanted to marry King?
Her heart jolted, and she quietly shut the door.
Watching the narrow gap close, Nathaniel's lips curved faintly."Secretary Song, please see our guest out."
Secretary Song entered promptly."Miss Su, this way, please."
Rosalie bit her lip, reluctant but helpless."Mr. Fu, I'll await your answer."
With that, she turned and left.
Nathaniel rose from his chair and strode into the lounge.
Inside, Celia stood at the sink, brushing her teeth. He walked over, slipping his arms around her waist from behind."Awake already?"
Dressed in a tailored black suit, Nathaniel looked every bit the refined, commanding businessman—handsome, confident, with an aura that made the air feel charged.
He held the slender, dark-haired woman close, the intimacy of the scene almost scandalous.
Celia rinsed her mouth and spat into the sink."Yeah."
His hand pressed lightly against her stomach."Does it still hurt?"
It was still a little uncomfortable, but bearable now."Not anymore," she replied, setting her toothbrush aside.
She glanced up at him, her tone cautious."Mr. Fu, I overheard your conversation with Rosalie just now…"