Nathaniel Fu caught her slender finger just before it poked his chest.
"Mr. Fu, have you ever imagined what your bride might look like? Is she beautiful or plain? Slender or plump?" Celia asked with genuine curiosity.
Nathaniel arched a brow, his voice calm yet teasing. "The only thing I've ever wondered is whether my bride is male or female."
Celia: "..."
Well, that ended the conversation.
"Mr. Fu, talking to you is so boring. I'm sleepy. I want to rest." She wriggled, trying to slip out of his embrace.
But Nathaniel's strong hand pressed gently on her shoulders, keeping her where she was. His lips curved in that lazy, dangerous smile. "If chatting with me is boring, then why don't we do something more... entertaining?"
Celia's heart skipped. Her clear eyes turned hazy, her lashes trembling. "Mr. Fu, since we reconciled, you've been out every night without pause. Aren't you tired?"
"I don't want to rest," Nathaniel murmured, the corner of his mouth curling upward.
"Careful, or you'll go bald," she countered quickly.
"Then make me bald. If I don't lose my hair, you won't be able to escape me." With a sudden move, he rolled over and pinned her beneath him, stealing a kiss from her flushed lips. Celia laughed softly, turning her face away to dodge him. The two tussled playfully until her hand instinctively pressed against her lower abdomen.
Nathaniel immediately froze, his expression sharpening. "What's wrong? Are you in pain again?"
Celia hesitated for a moment, then nodded pitifully, her voice delicate. "Mm, it aches a little... Mr. Fu, can I take a night off?"
His large palm came to rest against her flat belly, drawing slow, gentle circles. He massaged her patiently, his touch unexpectedly tender.
For the past two days, Celia had felt unusually weak—no appetite, constantly drowsy, and now a subtle ache in her lower belly. Nathaniel's soothing hand made her eyelids grow heavy, and before she knew it, she had dozed off in his arms.
Somewhere between sleep and waking, she heard his low murmur. "Feeling better now?"
Her lashes fluttered open, and she nodded groggily. "I'm fine."
Nathaniel's gaze burned into hers. Withdrawing his hand, he leaned closer, his voice deep. "If you're fine... does that mean it's my turn now?"
Her cheeks flushed crimson. "...I'm still not feeling well."
Nathaniel's calloused thumb brushed across her soft lips, rubbing back and forth with deliberate slowness. Celia shivered, her legs tense with panic. She smacked his hand away and buried her face in the pillow.
But the man only chuckled, rolling to her side, his fingers once again tracing her lips.
This time Celia opened her mouth and bit down.
Nathaniel's laugh was low and hoarse. "I didn't keep you here to be treated like a spoiled little princess, you know."
Later, dinner from the six-star chef was delivered again. Nathaniel carried her to the dining room. This time, instead of letting her sit by herself, he settled her on his lap.
"Drink some water," he said, holding a glass to her lips.
Celia turned her head and pushed the glass away. Her stomach fluttered uneasily, a faint nausea rising again.
Unruffled, he reached for a small bowl of chicken soup and lifted a spoon to her mouth. "If not water, then have some soup."
The aroma hit her stomach, and Celia pressed a hand against her chest, feeling a little queasy. The subtle heaviness in her belly made her eyes flicker with worry—was this just fatigue, or something more?
Nathaniel immediately rubbed her back, his other hand gently tipping up her chin. His handsome face curved with a smile that was both amused and indulgent. "You poor little thing."
Irritated, Celia raised her palm and smacked him across the face.
Nathaniel didn't dodge. Her small hand landed crisply on his perfect features.
It wasn't a hard slap—the force was light—but it was a slap nonetheless. And Nathaniel Fu had never allowed anyone, let alone a woman, to strike him before.
"I've already let you hit me, and you're still upset?" His voice softened, coaxing her. He caught her tiny hand, guiding it to his other cheek. "Go on, hit this side too... vent your anger properly."