The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 1

June in Melfort wasn't as sweltering as one might have imagined, given its proximity to the sea. But the unpredictable weather was enough to cause a fair share of frustration, and the sea breeze provided little relief.

Natalia sat on the balcony of her second-story study at dusk, gently stroking her heavily pregnant belly. “Just a few more weeks, my darling, and you'll be part of the world. Mommy will give you all her love.”

Perhaps this child was the only warmth in her life. She closed her eyes, letting her mind wander.

Her phone rang, breaking her reverie. It was a video call from Kendra, her sister. Natalia picked up the phone, instinctively opening the video. What she saw was a man and woman entwined in a passionate embrace.

"Magnus, be gentle!" the woman moaned, blushing.

The video lasted for three minutes, filled with the sounds of heavy breathing, soft cries, and laughter.

Her husband and sister were having an affair. Natalia laughed, a bitter sound that ended in a sob. She turned around, her hands instinctively going to her belly. She was trembling, and her legs were weak. As she tried to stand, her foot caught on the carpet, sending her tumbling to the floor.

The pain in her abdomen was sharp, making it hard to breathe. She tried to get up, but her vision was blurred with tears. Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open. "Ms. Natalia, what happened?" her maid cried.

Natalia's last memory before passing out was the sound of the butler's voice. "Call Mr. Magnus! Ms. Natalia is going into labor!"

When she woke up, the sterile white surroundings told her she was in a hospital. Where was her baby? She tried to sit up, but saw a nurse there, adjusting an IV drip.

"Ms. Natalia, you're awake," the nurse said, smiling.

Natalia tried to speak, but her throat was dry. The nurse held a cup of water to her lips. "What do you need, Ms. Natalia?"

"My baby..." Natalia's voice was barely a whisper.

The nurse hesitated, her eyes soft with sympathy. After adjusting the IV for Natalia, she said, "Get some rest, okay? If you need anything, just press the call button."

As she turned to leave, Natalia, with a voice raspy and strained, grabbed her arm. "Where's my baby? Bring him to me!"

"Mrs. Natalia... your baby... he didn't make it," the nurse replied, her eyes downcast.

"What did you just say?" Natalia felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her.