The Billionaire’s Secret Bride

Nathaniel Fu held her hand and led her into the house.

Celia followed behind him, her soft, delicate hand completely wrapped in his large, warm palm. She had thought her days as a stand-in were over—but clearly, she was wrong.

As soon as they stepped into the living room, a sharp voice echoed through the hall.

"Why hasn't my son brought his wife back yet? Leave the door open, but if he comes back alone, lock it behind him and tell him not to bother showing his face!"

"Mom..." Nathaniel sighed.

Mrs. Lin's sharp eyes immediately caught sight of the slender figure behind her son. She rushed forward in excitement."Finally! You're back. I've been waiting forever. This must be my lovely daughter-in-law—Sylvia, right?"

"Mom." Celia greeted her gently, playing along with the false identity.

"Good! Very good!" Mrs. Lin beamed. "Xuexue, I've heard so much about you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you're the little minx who stole my son's heart!"

Celia's cheeks flushed a deep pink, and the memory she had tried so hard to bury suddenly surged back into her mind.

"Tell me, Xuexue," Mrs. Lin leaned in with a mischievous wink, "what was my son like that night? Wasn't he still... innocent?"

Celia had long suspected that night was his first time. Now hearing it confirmed, she instinctively turned her gaze toward Nathaniel.

He stood tall, legs slightly apart, and those deep, unreadable eyes of his were fixed on her.For a moment, their eyes locked—and in that second, the heat and clarity of that night came flooding back like an electric jolt.

Celia quickly looked away.

"I... I don't remember anything from that night," she mumbled.

Mrs. Lin chuckled, clearly unconvinced. "Come help me make dumplings, dear. We're eating as a family tonight."

"Okay."

Celia followed Mrs. Lin into the kitchen. When she tried to get the dumpling wrappers from atop the fridge, she found they were out of reach—even on tiptoes.

Just then, a tall figure stepped up behind her. A strong arm reached over her effortlessly and retrieved the wrappers.

She didn't have to turn around to know it was Nathaniel—the faint, clean scent of his cologne gave him away.

"Thank you," she said quietly, turning to him.

But instead of handing her the wrappers, Nathaniel stepped closer, backing her into the corner. He braced his hands on either side, caging her in with his arms. Lowering his head, he leaned in, his voice deep and teasing.

"Do you really not remember anything from that night?"

Celia's blush spread quickly, even her pale earlobes flushed pink. Her wide eyes shimmered like startled deer caught in headlights."I-I really don't."

Nathaniel chuckled low in his throat.

He hadn't realized Sylvia could be this soft and shy during the day. It was... unexpectedly charming.

He'd held her in his arms two nights in a row. Now, standing this close, her sweet, clean fragrance wrapped around him, stirring something in his chest.

He couldn't help himself.

"Then... want me to help you remember tonight?"

The atmosphere between them thickened with tension. Celia's heartbeat thundered in her ears.

"Xuexue, why is it taking so long to get the wrappers? Too high? I'll grab them for you," Mrs. Lin's voice rang out just as she entered the kitchen.

She stopped abruptly at the doorway, catching sight of her son practically pinning her daughter-in-law against the fridge.

"Oh—never mind! I'm too old for this. Let the young people handle it," she laughed, turning on her heel and walking out.

Celia wanted to disappear into the floor.

She snatched the dumpling wrappers and tried to slip out. But when she moved left, Nathaniel moved left. When she shifted right, he followed right. His tall frame shadowed hers, teasing and blocking her escape.

Flustered and red-faced, she grabbed a bit of flour and smeared it straight onto his handsome face."That's what you get for blocking me!"

Nathaniel stepped back in surprise, and Celia bolted from the kitchen.

Wiping the flour from his cheek with the back of his hand, he stared after her retreating figure—then broke into a rare, genuine laugh.

Later, the three of them sat around the table enjoying dumplings. Mrs. Lin beamed at them like a satisfied matchmaker.

"Son, Xuexue, your new room upstairs is all ready. You should turn in early."

What?

Stay here?

Celia froze.

Was she going to end up sharing a bed with Nathaniel Fu... again?