The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

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Chapter 238
Natalia’s cheeks flushed, a tinge of embarrassment coloring her features “...I just forgot about the past, I’ve only recently started
to remember everything again.”
“Well, aren’t you something” Lexi huffed, hands on her hips in an exaggerated show of indignation. “We’ve been worried sick and
lost our appetites and sleep over you. And you just forgot about us? That’s simply outrageous‘
Sabrina quickly intervened, playing the peacemaker “Alright, alright. As long as Natalia is safe and sound now, let’s not tease her
anymore.”
Natalia glanced at her two best friends, and a whirl of thoughts and words begging to be spoken were swirling in her mind. But
with Magnus still present, and she refrained from voicing them instead, she got up and ushered them upstairs “Come on, let me
show you my room”
Both Lexi and Sabrina understood Natalia’s need for privacy and followed suit. “Sure, let’s see what your new room looks like
“Absolutely, let’s go and check it out
“Mummy, I want to come too Jonas, who was finally filled after stuffing down a few pancakes, ran over from the dining table,
eager to join the excitement.
Lexi looked surprised ‘Oh my gosh, Natalia, is he your son? Magnus had hidden Jonas so well that they didn’t even know about
his existence.
Natalia nodded “Yes, we were all deceived by Morgan. He hid Jonas and lied to me, telling me my baby was dead”
Lexi shook her head in disbelief, disregarding Magnus presence. “What a despicable man! How could he be so cruel?”
Sabrina tugged at Lexi, signaling her to be more cautious with her words After all, Magnus was still in their presence
Lexi, however, was undeterred What? We can’t criticize him for his wrongdoings? If it hadn’t been for his actions, would Natalia
have been so heartbroken to have
driven her car off a cliff?”

Sabrina pursed her lips, exasperated Lexi, always one to speak her mind, didn’t seem to understand the need for tact,
regardless of who was present
Magnus, having heard Lexi’s words, didn’t retaliate. Instead, he admitted candidly, “Yes, my grandfather was wrong in this
matter. He has since secluded himself and no longer interferes with family affairs”
“Indeed, as if seclusion is a punishment Who’s going to make up for Natalia’s lost years?” Lexi asked boldly, unafraid of Maghus
potential backlash
Magnus lowered his gaze remorse etched on his face. “All of this was my fault, and I will make it up to her I hope she can give
me a chance to start over.”
He vowed to make up for his mistakes for the rest of his life. Please forgive me, my love Magnus pleaded silently
“That’s not for us to decide. You have to ask Natalia, Lexi said, turning to Natalia “Right, Natalia?”
Natalia didn’t respond, unsure of what to say. She urged Lexi to follow her upstairs ‘Let’s go, we can talk in my room!
Lexi wanted to press on, but Sabrina nudged her, and the three women finally made their way upstairs.
Jonas wanted to follow, but was stopped by Magnus. Jonas, don’t”
“Why?” Jonas paused at the foot of the stairs, confused.
Magnus, wanting to spare Jonas from the adult conversations, made an excuse. “Because they’re girls, and it’s not polite for
boys to eavesdrop on girls‘ whispers.”
“Oh, really” Jonas, still too young to question, found Magnus explanation plausible.
He cast a longing look upstairs, then hung his head, resigned. “Alright, I’ll just wait for Mommy downstairs.”
Upstairs, Natalia led Lexi and Sabrina into her room.
Lexi glanced around the room, then out at the sea from the balcony Scratching her head, she remarked, “Huh, why does this
room look so familiar?”
Natalia handed them some water There’s nothing surprising about it. This place is set up to look exactly like my old place in
Melfort. Everything is the same

Lexi clicked her tongue in realization Natalia, Magnus really put thought into this. Back when he thought you were gone he
invited us over to help sort out your things. He looked so sickly then like he was on his last breath”
Sabnna nodded in agreement “Yes, he was in a wheelchair when we visited, apparently from trying to save you from the sea.
Rumor has it he hasn’t been with any woman since and was focusing solely on his work and appearing cold and ruthless.”
“Natalia, how have you been getting by these past years? How did Magnus find you?”
“And I never knew about you and his child Magnus kept this matter a secret. Now that you three are reunited, what’s your plan?”
Lexi and Sabrina fired questions at Natalia, leaving her unsure of which to answer first With a deep sigh, she began to recount
her experiences over the past years, including how Callum rescued her from the sea and nursed her back to health She even
revealed her own family background to her two best friends.
Lexi and Sabrina were moved to tears after hearing Natalia’s harrowing experiences and complicated lineage. They had no idea
that Natalia had not only suffered so much but also garried such a complex hentage.
Sabrina wrapped an arm around Natalia’s slender shoulders. “Natalia, you’ve really suffered over the years. I’m sorry for your
loss. But what’s done is done, and I hope you can find the strength to move forward”
Lexi swept Natalia into a fierce embrace “Why does it seem like you always get the short end of the stick, Nat?”
Wrapped in their warm consolations, Natalia patted their hands reassuringly I’m okay, really Ive come through”
“So, what’s your next move?” Lexi asked. “Your little one is growing fast, Nat. He needs a stable home. I know I’ve had my
issues with Magnus, but he does love you. He’s been a wreck without you‘
Sabrina didn’t share Lexi’s opinion. She thought Callum, who had been looking after Natalia all these years, was quite a catch.
“Natalia, marriage isn’t about settling You need to listen to your heart. Who’s the one you can’t stop thinking about? Who’s the
one you can’t bear to let go? That’s the one you should choose. Not out of obligation or to keep the peace. That’s just a recipe
for disaster”