The girl's fury was evident—her alluring eyes blazed with a wild, untamed sharpness as she glared at him.
Nathaniel Fu stepped forward, leaning in so close that his warm breath brushed against her delicate skin. His low voice carried a teasing edge."Why should I pretend I didn't see? You're in my room, taking off your clothes right in front of me. Why shouldn't I look? Am I supposed to close my eyes?"
What?Why shouldn't he look?
Celia's first instinct was to slap that maddeningly handsome face, but she restrained herself. Instead, she turned abruptly, intending to retreat to her own room.
Before she could take a step, Nathaniel's firm hand caught her arm, pulling her back.
"What are you doing? Let go!" Celia struggled against his grip.
Nathaniel's dark gaze locked onto her. "You were talking in your sleep."
Her movements faltered. Talking… in her sleep?Had she really said something?
"What… what did I say?" she asked cautiously.
"You said… 'baby.'"
Celia froze. Her entire body stiffened as though struck by lightning. She had actually muttered that word in her dream? God, kill her now."Did I… say anything else besides 'baby'?"
Nathaniel arched an eyebrow, a hint of wicked amusement glinting in his eyes. His voice dripped with charm and provocation."You also said… the baby was mine. Celia, don't you think you owe me an explanation?"
"..."
Celia wished she could bury her face in her hands—or better yet, bury herself six feet under. How could she possibly talk nonsense like that while asleep? It was like she was handing her secret over to him on a silver platter.
"What's there to explain?" she muttered defensively.
"I fathered a child with you, even in your dreams," he said with a devilish smirk. "And you think that needs no explanation?"
Her lips pressed together, cheeks flushed. "It was just a dream. Nothing more."
Nathaniel tugged her closer, effortlessly pulling her into his arms. His deep voice rumbled against her ear."You dream about having my child… Celia, you really are a dreamer."
Her heart pounded wildly. Guilt pressed heavily on her chest, and a secret fear gnawed at her. Still, this was the perfect chance to test him—to see how he truly felt.
Lifting her clear, watery eyes to his striking face, she asked softly, "What if it wasn't just a dream? If I really had your baby… would you send me straight to the hospital?"
Nathaniel's lips tightened. His reply came in a cool, clipped tone."I don't like children."
Her breath caught.
Those four words cut sharper than a knife. The implication was clear: if he ever found out she was pregnant, he would never allow the child to exist.
Yet even as he stood before her—sharp-featured, powerful, exuding the effortless dominance of a man born to command—he was still so impossibly captivating. Even knowing his heart might be cold, she couldn't help but be drawn to him.
"I like children," Celia said quietly, her voice steady despite the tremor inside her.
A dark fire flickered in Nathaniel's eyes, smoldering with something dangerous. He leaned closer, his voice husky, almost a growl."Are you sure you want to bring up children… here, with me?"
His large hand cupped her delicate earlobe, his breath sending shivers down her spine."Celia," he whispered hoarsely, "do you… miss me?"
She froze, then suddenly understood his meaning. Her red lips curved into a mischievous smile."Oh, I see. Mr. Fu claims he doesn't like children, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to make them."
Nathaniel's hand slipped to her slender waist, his touch firm yet cautious, as though afraid she might break beneath his strength."So tell me," he murmured, eyes burning into hers, "do you really want a child?"
Her lashes fluttered, and she drew in a slow breath. "Mr. Fu, I'm a little confused. Weren't you about to get engaged to Yara Lu?"
At the mention of Yara Lu, Nathaniel's gaze deepened, shadows passing through his eyes. Yet this time, he did not release her.
Celia tilted her chin, her eyes bright with defiance."So what is it, Mr. Fu? Do you want to play the part of a man who keeps one woman at home… and another on the side?"
Celia tilted her chin, her eyes bright with defiance."So what is it, Mr. Fu? Do you want to play the part of a man who keeps one woman at home… and another on the side?"
Nathaniel's lips curved slowly, but his smile held no warmth—only a dangerous charm."You think too little of me," he said, his voice low and edged like steel. "If I wanted to, I wouldn't settle for just two."
Her breath hitched. For a moment, she couldn't tell whether he was joking or deadly serious.
Then he leaned in, so close his breath brushed against her cheek."But don't flatter yourself, Celia. You're not someone I'd ever treat as 'on the side.'"
Her heart trembled violently, and for a second, she lost her words.
Nathaniel straightened, his tall figure looming, his gaze burning into hers with unsettling intensity."Get some rest," he said finally, his tone calm but his eyes anything but. "Tomorrow, you'll need all your strength."
Without waiting for her reply, he released her waist and walked past her, his long strides carrying him toward the balcony. The faint scent of tobacco lingered in the air, though he didn't light another cigarette.
Celia stood frozen, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her cheeks burned, and her heart still echoed with the words she'd whispered moments ago.
She wrapped her arms around herself, torn between anger and something dangerously close to longing.