Celia already knew her condition. The stomach discomfort she had been experiencing these past few days wasn't an illness at all—it was because a new life had quietly taken root inside her.
Thinking back on the last few days with him, her hand instinctively covered her lower abdomen. She almost hurt the child without realizing it.
"By the way, where's your husband?" the doctor asked softly.
Celia lowered her eyes. "I don't have a husband."
The doctor was already accustomed to such answers. "Then… do you plan to keep the child?"
Celia didn't respond. She simply collected the report, thanked the doctor, and left the hospital.
Walking aimlessly down the bustling street, she couldn't stop replaying the question in her mind. Keep it—or not?
She hadn't expected this. She was only twenty. She and Nathaniel Fu weren't even in a real relationship, yet now she was carrying his child.
What should she do?
After a long hesitation, Celia decided he had the right to know. Whatever choice was made, it should not be hers alone. She pulled out her phone and dialed Nathaniel's number.
The melodious ringtone rang twice before his deep voice came through."Mr. Fu, are you free tonight? There's something I need to tell you.""Alright.""Then… let's meet at the Yipinlan Villa.""Okay."
That evening, Celia returned home early. Nathaniel didn't arrive until ten.
He was dressed in black, his sharp aura even colder than usual. They sat across from each other on the sofa. Celia clutched the hospital report tightly in her palm, her knuckles white.
"Mr. Fu," she began, her voice steady despite the storm in her chest, "I have something to tell you."
Nathaniel's gaze was unreadable. "That's good. I also have something to tell you."
Her heart skipped. "Then please, go ahead."
His thin lips moved, his voice calm and firm."Celia, let's end this."
The words struck like ice water. Her grip on the paper trembled, then loosened. Slowly, she lifted her clear eyes to him. She didn't cry, didn't beg. She only nodded quietly. "Alright."
Nathaniel rose, then suddenly knelt down on one knee before her. His eyes softened. "If there's anything you want, tell me. I'll give it to you."
Even breaking up, he remained gentle.
Celia's lips curved faintly. "Are you returning to the imperial capital?"
He nodded. "Yes."
So, a single call from his white moonlight was enough to summon him back.
"And… Madam Fu? Will she be going with you?"
"Yes. I'll take care of her condition. From now on, don't contact her. She'll forget you in time. Do you understand?"
Celia lowered her gaze and whispered, "I understand."
"I don't want anything. You've already given me enough. Even the villa you promised—how could I ask for more?"
Nathaniel studied her quiet obedience, then took out a gold-stamped black card and handed it to her. "This is for you."
Celia let out a soft laugh. "Mr. Fu is truly generous. Even after we've broken up, you still want to support me?"
He leaned closer, his breath brushing against her ear. "Take it."
For a fleeting second, their faces nearly touched. The warmth of last night's closeness still lingered, yet now it was all erased by a single phone call.
She was so insignificant.
Celia finally accepted the black card. "Thank you, Mr. Fu. Don't worry, I know the rules. Even if we meet again, I'll pretend I don't know you. I won't cause you any trouble."
"Good." Nathaniel nodded lightly. "By the way, what was it you wanted to tell me just now?"
Celia's lashes quivered. The envelope in her hand felt unbearably heavy. She hesitated, her lips parting, but in the end she only shook her head and smiled faintly.
"It doesn't matter anymore. It's nothing important."
Nathaniel studied her, puzzled, but didn't press further. His phone buzzed, and when he glanced at the screen, his expression softened in a way Celia had never seen directed at her.
Her chest tightened.
"Rest well, Celia." His voice was gentle, almost tender, but to her, it sounded like the final blade.
She forced a smile. "You too, Mr. Fu. I wish you happiness."
Nathaniel lingered a moment longer, as if memorizing her face, before finally leaving. The door closed with a heavy thud, and silence fell over the villa.
Celia sat motionless on the sofa. After a long while, she pulled out the envelope from her sleeve.
The pregnancy report lay quietly beside the glossy black card he had given her.
Two pieces of paper. Two completely different futures.
Her vision blurred, but her voice remained steady as she whispered into the empty room:
"This secret… I'll carry it alone, at least for now."
Her fingers unconsciously brushed her abdomen, the faintest trace of warmth passing through her palm.