Nathaniel Fu turned around, his narrow eyes locking onto her."I know."
Celia exhaled quietly, relieved. For a moment she had thought he was going to accuse her of deliberately stirring up trouble in front of his fiancée."Mr. Fu, do you need anything else?" she asked calmly.
Nathaniel stepped forward, closing the distance between them. His deep voice dropped low."Did you go to the hospital today?"
Celia's heart skipped. So he knew? Was he suspecting something?She forced herself to remain steady and nodded. "Yes."
"What for?" His gaze was unwavering.
"I wasn't feeling well," she answered lightly.
Nathaniel studied her bright, unflinching eyes, then pressed further."What kind of discomfort takes you to a gynecologist?"
Her breath caught. "…."
Why was he pushing so much?
Straightening her slender figure, Celia furrowed her delicate brows. "Mr. Fu, this is my personal matter. I don't wish to answer."
The corners of Nathaniel's lips lifted faintly, though his eyes remained sharp."Are you with another man?"
Her pupils constricted. She instantly caught the meaning behind his words. Anger surged, and she turned to leave—but he caught her slender arm, pulling her back against him.
His voice lowered to a husky murmur."It wasn't another man who sent you to the gynecology department, Celia. It was me… wasn't it?"
Her face flushed hot with shame. Yes, it had been him. He was the reason. She was pregnant with his child. But could she ever say that out loud?
"Why aren't you answering?" Nathaniel's eyes darkened, scrutinizing every detail of her expression. "Celia, what are you hiding from me?"
Her pulse raced. He was far too perceptive—any small flaw, and he would uncover the truth. But surely he hadn't considered pregnancy. Surely he hadn't thought she might be carrying his child.
She steadied herself and forced a calm explanation."You know I've had some stomach discomfort. I went in for a full checkup, and while I was there, I also stopped by the gynecology department. That's when someone took that photo."
Nathaniel lowered his gaze, letting it fall deliberately to her flat stomach. "And what did they find?"
"Nothing. I'm healthy," she replied quickly.
"Really?" He reached out suddenly, his large hand aiming for her waist.
Startled, Celia pushed his hand away. "Don't."
Nathaniel's brows furrowed. He seized her wrist, holding her in place."You did this last time too. I can't even touch your stomach, is that it?"
In one swift move, he drew her into his arms. One strong hand held her tightly, the other resting possessively over her belly, rubbing back and forth with deliberate pressure.
Celia's breath hitched in fear. She was barely a month along—her stomach hadn't changed yet. He couldn't feel anything now. But soon… soon her secret would no longer be hidden.
And what then? Before his so-called reconciliation with Yara Lu, Nathaniel hadn't wanted children. Now, with an engagement looming, he definitely wouldn't tolerate an unexpected one.
Her teeth pressed into her lip as she looked up, her eyes glassy with unspoken panic.
Nathaniel lowered his gaze, taking in the fragile face beneath him. His throat worked, a rough sound escaping before he gave a low, teasing smile."I only touched your stomach, not anywhere else. Why do you look so guilty?"
"…" Celia turned her face away, her small hands pushing against his wrist where his luxury watch gleamed. "You don't need to touch me there."
His voice softened, carrying a dangerous warmth."Yes, I do. At least a few times. After all… I was the one who hurt you."
The words slid into her ears, deep and tender, leaving her no room to breathe.
Celia looked up at him, her voice faint but steady."Mr. Fu, you're very compassionate toward the woman who once gave herself to you. But tell me—what happens if your fiancée finds out?"
Celia looked up at him, her voice faint but steady."Mr. Fu, you're very compassionate toward the woman who once gave herself to you. But tell me—what happens if your fiancée finds out?"
Nathaniel's gaze darkened. The faint smile at his lips froze for a moment.
He released her slowly, but his eyes lingered on her flat stomach. A strange thought, unbidden, slipped into his mind.
Pregnant?
The word hit him like a spark in the dark. It was absurd—he hadn't even considered it before. But the way she avoided his touch, the way her eyes flickered with panic…
His throat tightened, a dangerous heat rising in his chest.
No. Impossible.
And yet, once the thought took root, it refused to leave.
Nathaniel lowered his lashes, masking the sudden storm in his expression. His voice was calm, almost casual, but there was a weight to it."Celia… you'd better not be hiding anything from me."