The Billionaire’s Secret Bride

"I didn't!" Celia said stubbornly.

Nathaniel Fu arched one brow with a hint of mischief. "Then let me help you remember. That night, you climbed on top of me and started unbuckling my belt…"

"Enough! Stop talking!" Celia quickly reached out with both hands to cover his mouth.

Her hands were soft and scented faintly of floral soap. Nathaniel looked at her, then leaned in and kissed her palm.

What was he doing?

Why would he kiss her hand?

Startled, Celia jerked her hand back. But the next second, Nathaniel sat up and kissed her lips.

Her mind went blank. She couldn't think. Her small hands pressed against his firm chest, trying to push him away—but he didn't budge. She had no choice but to grit her teeth and resist.

Nathaniel opened his eyes and stared at her, his gaze dark and intense, tinged with frustration.

"You're my wife, Mrs. Fu. This is part of our… marital duties."

Celia hadn't imagined things would turn out like this when she first agreed to be a stand-in. Nathaniel, who was always cold and restrained in public, had started claiming his 'husbandly rights' every night with an unexpected intensity.

Being a stand-in was turning into a full-time, high-risk occupation.

Just when she didn't know how to respond, the bedroom door burst open—and Mrs. Lin fell right through it.

She'd been eavesdropping outside the entire time.

"Ah!" Celia gasped.

Nathaniel quickly pulled Celia close, shielding her with the blanket, and glared at his mother. "Mom!"

Mrs. Lin scrambled up from the floor in a panic. "Sorry, sorry! I just got a little too excited and lost my balance."

She beamed at the two of them. "Son, daughter-in-law, don't be shy. I just wanted to see when I can finally hold my grandchild!"

"You two go on. I didn't see a thing!"

"And don't worry, I won't tell anyone what kind of, uh, positions you prefer—"

"Mom!" Nathaniel growled. "Out!"

Mrs. Lin backed out, chuckling, and gently closed the door behind her.

Celia: "…"

Nathaniel: "…"

Whatever mood had been there was completely ruined. Celia sprang out of bed and bolted toward the bathroom. "I still value my life—I'm going to hide in here for a bit!"

Watching her flee, Nathaniel sighed, then lay back on the bed, covering his eyes with one arm. His Adam's apple moved with a deep swallow.

The Next Morning

Nathaniel finally relented and granted Celia permission to leave. She turned to Mrs. Lin with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Mom. I won't be able to keep you company today. I need to go home for a bit."

Mrs. Lin waved it off kindly. "It's alright, sweetheart. If you've got something to do, go ahead. Let Nancheng drive you."

"…Alright."

Celia hadn't wanted Nathaniel to take her home, but she didn't dare make him suspicious. So, she got into his Bentley.

Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of the Su residence. Celia unbuckled her seatbelt. "Thanks, darling. I'll get going now."

"Mrs. Fu," Nathaniel suddenly said, his voice low.

Celia looked up. "What is it?"

His tall figure leaned toward her, dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you coming home tonight?"

Her heart skipped. He… wanted her back tonight?

"Home… for what?"

"To finish what you ran away from last night," he murmured, voice dropping to a tone only she could hear. "You didn't even open your mouth…"

Celia's cheeks burned as images from the night before flashed in her mind. She quickly opened the passenger door and jumped out. "We'll talk later. Bye-bye!"

She fled.

Watching her go, Nathaniel chuckled softly and lifted his phone. "Secretary Song," he said smoothly, "have the Emperor Star necklace delivered to the Su residence."