The Billionaire’s Secret Bride

Nathaniel Fu picked up his phone and sent Sylvia a message:"Why didn't you come back?"

At the Su residence, Sylvia's expression froze as she read the text. Celia had promised she'd return—why hadn't she shown up?

Panic rising, Sylvia dialed Celia's number, but the line didn't go through. A cold, robotic voice answered:"The number you have dialed is currently switched off."

She turned off her phone?Why now? What about Nathaniel?

Frantically, Sylvia replied:"I got held up. I'll head back as soon as I can!"

But half an hour passed. Then another. Celia's phone remained off. Sylvia was like a cat on a hot tin roof, pacing anxiously. Just when her nerves were about to snap, Celia finally turned her phone back on, and the call connected.

"Celia, what the hell are you doing?" Sylvia's voice cracked with anxiety. "Why did you turn off your phone? Do you know how long you've left my husband waiting?"

Celia's voice came calmly from the other end."Sylvia, where's my jade pendant? Return it to me."

"The pendant…"

"I thought I made it clear. I'm the one in control of this little game now. No pendant, no pretending to be you. I won't go near Nathaniel again unless you give it back."

Sylvia froze, seething.

"Where is it, Sylvia?" Celia's voice sharpened. "I can wait—but I doubt Nathaniel has that kind of patience."

Sylvia nearly screamed in frustration."Fine! I'll give you the pendant tomorrow—but you'd better show up tonight. If you don't, we both go down together!"

Celia knew she should refuse. After last night—after the humiliation Nathaniel had thrown at her—she swore she'd never lower herself again. But right now, she had no choice.

"Alright," she said. "I'll go. But Sylvia, this is the last time."

Tonight would be her final night as a stand-in.

The Fu Residence

Nathaniel had just finished his shower. He stood near the window, waiting for her. For Sylvia.

Eventually, Mrs. Fu's cheerful voice echoed from downstairs."Sylvia, you're back! Have you eaten yet? I had the staff warm up dinner for you."

Nathaniel stepped out of his room and looked down the stairs.

Celia had returned, and Mrs. Fu was holding her arm affectionately. Celia had lost her own mother young. Though she hadn't been here long, Mrs. Fu's kindness gave her a warmth she hadn't felt in years.

"Thank you, Mom, but I already ate," Celia replied softly.

Mrs. Fu beamed and pulled out a delicate emerald-green jade bracelet. She slipped it gently onto Celia's wrist.

"Here," she said, "this is a gift from me."

Celia was startled. The bracelet was clearly a treasured heirloom, passed down through generations."Mom, I… I can't accept this," she said, guilt welling in her chest.

She felt like a fraud—deceiving this kind woman's affection. She wasn't truly her daughter-in-law. Not yet.

"Take it, sweet girl," Mrs. Fu insisted with a kind smile. "This is a family piece, given to the daughter-in-law. From now on, this is your home. If anyone dares to hurt you, tell Nathaniel. If that's not enough, tell me. I promise, no one in this world will lay a hand on you."

Celia's heart warmed and a strange ache settled in her chest. She'd never known what it felt like to be truly cherished by a mother figure. For a brief moment, she was envious of Sylvia.

This bracelet should've gone to her.

Soon, Sylvia would take her rightful place. And Celia… she would leave this house, unknown, unrecognized.

Celia swallowed her guilt and accepted the bracelet. She took out a small sachet and offered it with both hands.

"Mom, I made this myself," she said softly. "There are some calming herbs inside. It's not worth much, but I hope you'll keep it with you."

Mrs. Fu opened the pouch and inhaled a subtle, soothing fragrance. Her face lit up.

"It's lovely," she said, already tying it to her wrist. "I adore it. Thank you, Sylvia."

Just then, footsteps echoed across the floor.

Nathaniel appeared.

His deep voice broke the stillness."You're back."