The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 149

Isabella's words ended with a heavy stream of tears. Her broken image was heart-wrenching. But Magnus was as cold as ever, his gaze indifferent. Hearing her speak of the past, of the lonely and painful times she spent with him, he retorted, “I didn't say we couldn't be friends. I'm married now. And for years, I've loathed women. Only my wife is the one I love.” He then pulled out a check from his drawer.

“Take this, as a token of gratitude for your kindness, Isabella. Don't harbor any unrealistic hopes.” He handed her the check.

Isabella stared at him, feeling as if her blood was running in reverse. He was giving her a check, buying off the past where she had been his companion for six months. From now on, they would be strangers. No, she couldn't accept this. She took a step back, tears welling in her eyes.

“Magnus, can you really be this cruel? I loved you back then. My companionship can't be measured by a check. If I accept this, it would be an insult to my dignity. How can you be so heartless, Magnus?”

Isabella's cries grew louder. Magnus frowned when she refused the check. “Alright, if you don't want the check, then you don’t have to take it. Sit down, stop crying. Did you need something from me today?” He couldn't stand a woman's cry. It was annoying from this woman; it would only hurt him when his wife cried.

“Thank you.” Isabella knew when to fold. She wiped her tears, thanked him and sat down. In an offhand manner, she asked, “Magnus, have you been busy lately? I really came just to see you.”

“I'm not busy. Everything is as usual.” Magnus replied nonchalantly, flipping through some documents in his hand. He was wondering whether this woman was here just for a chat. The thought of the lipstick mark he saw that day made him feel disgusted.

Seeing Magnus being distant and formal, Isabella didn't want to overstay her welcome. She stood up ready to leave, “I was just passing by and thought I would check on you. You go ahead with your work. I'll take my leave.” With that, she hurried to her feet.

“Oops!”

The sound of fabric tearing, along with Isabella’s gasp echoed in the room. Magnus instinctively looked up, only to find that Isabella's skirt had somehow gotten caught on something.

“Magnus, my skirt got torn by a nail. What am I going to do?” Isabella said, her face drained of color, looking extremely anxious.

Magnus was taken aback by this sudden mishap. How could there be a nail on his office chair? He got up to inspect and found that Isabella's skirt was indeed snagged by a small nail protruding from the chair, and it was stuck.

Magnus' handsome face darkened. He was puzzled. Where did this nail come from?

Magnus was confused, but he didn’t dwell on it. He bent down to free Isabella’s skirt from the nail. The moment Magnus bent down, Isabella quickly pulled out her phone which she had already set to silent, and snapped a quick picture. She was clever about her shot, making it look as if Magnus was about to embrace her waist.

After taking the picture, Isabella quickly put away her phone. By this time, Magnus had managed to free her torn skirt. But he had noticed her movement. He shot a cold glance at Isabella, his eyes filled with a destructive fury.

Then he smirked.

“Alright, but you can’t go out like this.” Magnus thought for a moment, then took off his jacket, “Wrap this around you. It’ll save you the embarrassment.”

Isabella’s face lit up at his gesture. She felt a surge of joy in her heart, “Your jacket for me? I’ll wash it and return it to you tomorrow. Thank you, Magnus.” Her heart was pounding.