The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 68

"What's this?" Natalia, holding a file, bent down with curiosity to pick up a piece of paper.

But before her hand could touch the paper, Magnus, seated in his wheelchair, had already picked it up.

However, the moment Magnus' gaze fell on the paper, his expression changed visibly. Almost

instinctively, he flipped the paper over, hiding its content. His voice took on an icy edge as he spoke,

"Nothing important, just some old stuff. It's late, you must be tired. Go rest, I still have some paperwork

to do."

His demeanor was a stark contrast to the gentle manner he had shown her earlier. Even Natalia, who

was usually slow to pick up on such subtleties, could tell something was off.

Just like that, Magnus' sudden shift brought her spirits crashing down. She could only muster a weak

smile and say, "Alright, I'll head back." Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

It was he who had asked her to join him in going through the files, and now it was he who was shooing

her away, not wanting her to see something.

Unfortunately, she had already seen what was on the paper. It was a stunningly beautiful girl. Magnus

had hidden her portrait on his bookshelf. Their relationship must have been quite special.

As she had said before, how could Magnus ever be interested in her? Whoever he was interested in, it

certainly wouldn't be her.

"Nat..." In truth, Magnus had wanted Natalia to leave because he didn't want her to see something in

his past.

When he abruptly sent her away, and she agreed to leave, he watched her lonely figure retreating and

couldn't help but feel like he had been too harsh. So instinctively, he called out to Natalia, wanting to

explain and prevent any misunderstanding. But it was too late. Natalia had already left, turned the

corner, and disappeared from sight.

Watching this, Magnus muttered to himself, "She shouldn't be angry. She probably doesn't know what

was on that paper..."

With that thought, Magnus, who had been a bit harsh to Natalia, felt a pang of guilt.

He looked down at the picture he had drawn many years ago, where the girl was still as beautiful and

vibrant as she had been. Yet, his heart no longer ached like it did when she first left. After all, she had

taken good care of him back then.

Without wasting any more time, Magnus returned the portrait to the bookshelf. He finished off the

remaining paperwork and returned to his bedroom.

As Magnus' wheelchair entered the room, Natalia, who had already showered, was sitting on the sofa

reading a book. Hearing Magnus enter, she looked up to see him, her face expressionless.

Magnus was always like this, unpredictable. Until he spoke, Natalia wouldn't dare say anything. After

all, upsetting him would do her no good.

"Well, I've finished my paperwork," said Magnus, his voice filled with a hint of guilt from the earlier

incident in the study, as he saw Natalia watching him. Recently, Natalia had been very well-behaved.

He didn't want any other issues to upset her. Furthermore, he believed that Kyler would soon be

pressuring Kendra to finalize the divorce. Then, he could make Natalia his rightful wife.

Noticing Magnus' changed demeanor, Natalia put down her book, trying to suppress the discomfort in

her heart. She turned to Magnus and suggested, "Oh, would you like me to give you a massage? I've

learned some techniques recently. It might help with your legs."

These past few days, Magnus had been busy with company matters, leaving early and returning late.

So, despite not going out, Natalia hadn't had the chance to massage his legs. Seeing that it was still

early and Magnus had finished his work, Natalia naturally wanted to seize the opportunity to help him.

After all, she had promised that once Magnus' legs had healed, she would leave his side.

With Magnus' capabilities and influence, any woman he wanted was within his reach. Even Kendra

wanted to reclaim her status as Mrs. Andersen, didn't she?

And if he wasn't interested in Kendra but the girl in the portrait, he could probably find her and fulfill his

desire, right?

"No need, I've been quite tired recently and would like to rest," Magnus replied, wheeling himself to

Natalia. He looked at her intently with his voice low. "What's wrong, my dear? Are you upset? I was a

bit rude in the study earlier. I was just frustrated with some company issues, not angry at you. Please

don't take it to heart."

In his life, Magnus had never bowed or apologized to anyone. But seeing Natalia's furrowed brows and

pouting lips, he would’ve rather swallowed his pride and explained himself than let her sulk.

As for the real content of the paper, he felt it was unnecessary to tell Natalia. After all, it was in the past,

and telling her might’ve only upset her more.

"I'm not upset," Natalia countered, hearing Magnus' explanation. However, knowing he wasn't telling

the truth, she felt even more upset.

Suddenly, she stood up, forcing a strained smile. "Since you're tired, you should rest. I'll head to the

guest room, so I don't disturb you."

The paper contained a portrait of a girl. He had been angry because she had accidentally found the

portrait. But he was using the company's issues as an excuse.

She had known for a while that Magnus didn't truly fancy her. His affections lay elsewhere. So why was

he making such a lame excuse, attempting to pull the wool over her eyes?

Was Natalia actually suggesting she would sleep in the guest room? Upon hearing her words, Magnus'

brow furrowed considerably. He stared at Natalia, so directly, "You..."

But Natalia, feeling choked up inside, could no longer bear to remain in Magnus' presence. So, as

Magnus began to speak, she immediately rose to her feet, striding towards the exit of the bedroom.

Inwardly, she was consumed by a sense of hurt. She had never imagined, being a stand-in, she would

be worthy of Magnus' true affections. But his kindness towards her over this period had left her unsure

of what was real.

Looking back, she was indeed dreaming too much.