The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 205

Rowell reeled a bit under Natalia's accusations and was unable to formulate a defense. Lena's death had not been his intention. He had been fond of her, but he hadn't loved her. Not yet.

He was an count- with power, wealth, and women aplenty. Yet he was also the most impoverished, for he had never understood what love truly was.

As Natalia and Callum began to walk away, Rowell called after them. His voice was tinged with desperation. "Natalia, I... I can make amends."

He had no shortage of women, but he had sincere intentions toward this child, who bore his bloodline. She was his daughter, a part of him, and deserved nothing but the best. She should never have been left to fend for herself. If other earls or dukes found out, he'd get so embarrassed. So when Natalia left with Callum, Rowell begged her to stay. He couldn't bear the thought of a scandal.

Natalia, however, had no interest in understanding Rowell's thoughts. She just wanted to get as far away from these people as possible.

"Cal, let's go," Natalia said, ignoring Rowell's pleas and briskly heading for the car.

Seeing Natalia's aversion to Rowell, Callum didn't bother with niceties. He slipped into the car and drove off without a backward glance.

As Rowell watched the car disappear into the distance, he felt a hollow pang. This daughter he had just met was so much like him in his younger years.

"Why do you bother with such riffraff from the slums, Father?" Alice, who had been watching from the sidelines, finally spoke up. "Father, do you not love me anymore? Why else would you invite that horrid person back?"

Rowell glared at Alice, and she quickly released his hand, fearing a slap.

"Shut up, Alice! You've been spoiled to the core by your mother. You're an embarrassment!" With that, Rowell stormed off, leaving Alice fuming but afraid to speak up. She hurriedly ran after Rowell, afraid that she would be left behind.

Meanwhile, Callum was driving Natalia away. The atmosphere inside the car was heavy. Natalia looked downcast, her face a picture of melancholy.

"Natalia, cheer up. We can't bring the dead back to life. It breaks my heart to see you like this," Callum said, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.