The Billionaire’s Secret Bride

Celia looked up and met the man's handsome face.

But unlike the cold, almost cruel expression he had worn the night before, his eyes were now warm—gentle, even.Warmth, of course, meant for Sylvia.

Not for her.

"Yes," Celia replied simply.

"Then go get some rest," Mrs. Fu said with a smile.

Nathaniel took Celia's hand and led her upstairs.

Inside the Room

Nathaniel noticed her hand felt like ice."Why are your hands so cold?" he asked.

Before he could finish, Celia quietly pulled her hand back. Then she removed the jade bracelet from her wrist and held it out to him.

"Here. I'm giving this back to you."

Nathaniel glanced at the bracelet, then studied her small, expressionless face. His voice lowered."Why? You don't like it?"

"No. I don't."

Seeing he didn't reach out for it, Celia placed the bracelet gently on the nightstand.It didn't belong to her—she had no right to keep it.

Last night had made her painfully aware of her role in this arrangement. This was all a game, and she had no place getting emotionally involved.

"I'm going to take a shower." With that, she turned and went into the bathroom.

Nathaniel sat down on the edge of the bed, frowning. Something was definitely off. She was distant, closed off. He couldn't understand why.

A few minutes later, Celia emerged from the bathroom. She lifted the quilt and got into bed—but kept a noticeable distance between them.

Nathaniel extended a strong arm toward her."Come here. Sleep with me."

Without a word, she shifted into his embrace.

Her eyes closed, long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. She was soft, quiet, and carried the scent he liked.She fit into his arms like she belonged there.

Nathaniel reached out to brush her cheek."What's wrong with you tonight?"

Celia turned her head away, avoiding his touch."Nothing. Just tired. I want to sleep."

His hand froze midair.

Not only was she cold, but she was also rejecting even the slightest touch.

Nathaniel lay back down. After a pause, he looked over at her again. His gaze fell on her slightly parted lips, still rosy from the steam of her shower.

He leaned in and kissed her.

She didn't resist, but she didn't respond either—simply letting him kiss her passively, like it didn't matter.

Nathaniel shifted his weight onto one arm, holding her gently but firmly. His voice dropped into a coaxing murmur.

"Mrs. Fu, open your mouth."

"No." Celia opened her eyes and refused him outright.

Nathaniel's eyes darkened like molten lava. He gave a low, incredulous laugh.

"If you don't want me touching you, then why did you accept the diamond I gave you? Why send me those flirtatious messages?"

Celia stared at him. She hadn't done any of that.

Sylvia was the one who accepted the diamond.

Sylvia was the one who sent those messages.

She had no obligation to bear this burden.

Celia blinked and said calmly,"Oh... I was just teasing you. Is that a problem?"

Nathaniel froze.

"I'm really tired tonight," she added, turning over and presenting him with her back. "I'm going to sleep."

Nathaniel lay still for a moment, then silently got up and went to the bathroom to take a cold shower.

By the time he returned, Celia was already asleep.

This heartless little creature.

He pulled her into his arms, tucking her close to him once again.

Then his movements stopped—abruptly.

Through the neckline of her pajama top, his eyes caught a glimpse of her delicate collarbone.Just beneath it, on the lower right side, bloomed a soft pink birthmark in the shape of a three-petal peach blossom.

A vivid, beautiful little flower against her flawless porcelain skin.

Stunning. Strangely familiar.

He'd never noticed it before.

The mark sat low enough on her body—far too private to be seen casually.

And then it struck him.

He had seen this mark before.The night he returned to the country... the woman who appeared in his bed...

It was her.It had always been her.