The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 179

That day, Kyler and Addison suddenly appeared in the hospital room and were shocked to see Magnus, who had become haggard and almost unrecognizable over the past month.

"Mr. Andersen, death is irreversible. Please accept my condolences." Addison couldn't help but feel a twinge of glee. Now that Natalia was out of the picture, Kendra would surely step into the role of the CEO's wife soon.

Kyler shot Addison a severe look. "Leave us, I would like to speak with Mr. Andersen alone."

Addison glanced at Magnus before exiting the room, leaving the two men in their somber silence.

Magnus continued to gaze blankly at the ceiling.

Kyler sat by his bedside. Guilt was welling up in his chest as he looked at the shell of the man he once knew. "Mr. Andersen, there is something I think you should know about Natalia's background," Kyler began, watching as Magnus slowly shifted his gaze toward him.

He continued, "Natalia wasn't my biological daughter. Her mother was a college sweetheart of mine. My parents disapproved of our relationship, which caused her to leave for England in a fit of anger. There, she worked as a secretary for a Duke, who took advantage of her in a drunken state, resulting in Natalia's conception. She was diagnosed with a thin uterine wall, and terminating the pregnancy would have meant she could never bear children again. So, she gave birth to Natalia in secret.

"Fearing the Duke would discover Natalia, she placed her in a British orphanage. When Natalia was five, her mother entrusted her to me, fearing the Duke's family feud might have put her in danger. To help Natalia forget her past, a hypnotist was hired to erase her memories prior to the age of five.

"When Natalia had her accident, her mother was devastated. I, too, feel regret for failing to protect her." Kyler finished with a teardrop rolling down his cheek.

Magnus sat in stunned silence. His mind was reeling from the revelation. So, Natalia was the daughter of a British Duke. No wonder her demeanor was so different from Kendra's.

Could Natalia still love her mother knowing all this? She wiped away Natalia’s memories before the age of five, how cruel.

Natalia’s mother brought her into this world only to abandon her. What good was her mother? All these years, why didn't Natalia’s mother come to see her? She was only expressing grief over Natalia when tragedy struck.

Magnus glared at Kyler. "And what about you? How have you taken care of Natalia all these years? Her departure suits you just fine, doesn't it? Don't pretend to feel guilty!"

Magnus was also partly to blame. He had imprisoned Natalia on Sapphire Island, leading to her depression and premature labor. Natalia couldn't bear the loss of their child and jumped into the sea. Magnus was the true executioner.

Magnus felt as if his heart was bleeding. If he could, he would give up his own life to bring Natalia back, even if she no longer belonged to him.

Kyler lowered his head without uttering a word, feeling regret for failing Natalia's mother.

...

A few days later, Magnus was unable to bear the cold isolation of the special care ward, checked out of the hospital, and returned to Sapphire Island.

As the car slowly pulled up to Sapphire Island, Carter helped Magnus out. Looking at the wheelchair he was bound to once again, Magnus let out a bitter laugh. This wheelchair seemed to be more of a companion for him.