Chapter 12 Bathtub

The moment unfolded with a sudden chill. Nathaniel said coldly as he walked away, leaving everyone too shocked to react. "Wife?" Chloe was absolutely gobsmacked, replaying his words over and over. "Wife? Did Nathaniel just say that woman is his wife?" "That's ridiculous! He isn't even married. How can he suddenly have a wife?" "He must be married," Isaac interjected, struggling with the words. He pulled out his phone to show a chat with a friend. From the moment Nathaniel had rushed in, Isaac knew something was off. It wasn't like someone to get so worked up over a mere fling. He had reached out to a mutual friend and found out the truth, "He got married a few days ago. No big ceremony, but yes, he's definitely married." Chloe's eyes widened in disbelief. "This can't be—" …… Later that night, as a cold wind swept through the wide street, Celeste found comfort in his arms, her eyes resting on his strong jawline, filling her with an unfamiliar sense of security. This feeling was more profound than just the happiness of a plan well executed; it felt like genuine care, something she had never really experienced before. "Where does it hurt?" he asked softly, concern lacing his voice. Automatically, Celeste shook her head. Only then did she realize that Nathaniel had carried her to their car and taken her back to their place. Now, she was submerged in a warm bath. The hot water enveloped her, fog steaming up the bathroom. She could barely see his face through the mist as he began to undo her dress, his rough fingertips brushing her back, waist, and even lower... "Mr. Ford, I'm fine," Celeste managed, her cheeks flushed. She stopped him with one hand while the other guarded her chest. Her full, elastic breasts were partially visible above the water, her hair cascading to one side, her face a picture of innocent shyness. "You clearly have a bruise there." Nathaniel's voice tightened, forcing himself to look away as his hands continued their careful inspection. There were bruises on her porcelain skin, across her back, lower back, and arms. "Just some minor bumps," Celeste said, growing increasingly uncomfortable under his intense gaze. She was desperate to escape those burning eyes. He looked down, his eyes scanning the bruises on her pale skin, his expression growing colder. "Why didn't you call me?" "When you use the bank card, you could just tell them you're Mrs. Ford," he suggested. Celeste's eyes sparkled with thought. Revealing her status could complicate things. She lowered her head, murmuring, "They wouldn't believe me anyway. After all, Mr. Ford, there's a whole world between your status and mine." Status? Nathaniel's expression clouded over with irritation. He abruptly took hold of Celeste's chin, compelling her to look him in the eyes. "Are we really going to talk about status now, after everything that's happened?" he said with a tone full of displeasure. Celeste felt confused by his sudden anger. Why was he so upset out of the blue? "Do you think I can't protect you?" His frustration intensified when he noticed Celeste avoiding his gaze. He had been frantic when he heard she had been mistakenly taken to the police station earlier. "Um..." Celeste began, but her words were cut off by his kiss. Suddenly, Nathaniel had removed his shirt and stepped into the bathtub, his face stern. "Mr. Ford, what are you—" His kiss was dominating, overwhelming her senses. His hands, strong and warm, traveled down her back. Celeste realized what was pressing against her legs and blushed, instinctively pushing against his chest. "Mr. Ford, this is the bathtub!" "Is that a problem?" His voice was cool, detached, resonating above her before he swiftly turned her around in his arms. "It's not exactly a problem, it's just... " she managed to say. It's quite bold of you! In the water, the situation escalated quickly. Nathaniel's resolve was evident as he positioned her, his arms securing her waist, gently pressing her down. "This position..." she gasped. Nathaniel was a mix of emotions—relieved from his earlier worry and frustrated that Celeste had hesitated to seek his help because of their different social standings. Half-teasing and half-serious, he whispered in her ear, nibbling slightly, "Do you still think our statuses are worlds apart?" "Mm..." "Now, we are one," he declared. Celeste's cheeks turned a deep red, and she was left breathless, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment. "Lean against the wall." He instructed her. "Lift a bit higher, else I might slip." What? Celeste glanced back, only to catch Nathaniel's intense gaze and determined efforts as he supported her. The white tiles of the bathroom faintly mirrored their forms. There he stood behind her, like a valiant knight, taking command...