After his spiel, Magnus nonchalantly added, "By the way, these designs really hit my sweet spot. I'm quite intrigued by the creator behind them. Could you introduce me to your brilliant designer, Mr. Williams?"
Williams nodded in agreement. "Of course, of course. Mr. Andersen, this is our chief designer at Stitches Fashion, Ms. Diana. All the creative inspiration in our company stems from her."
With those words, Williams pushed forward a woman who stood behind him. She was a blonde beauty with emerald eyes and a curvaceous body. But alas, she was not Natalia.
Magnus' hopeful gaze dimmed instantly. He could hardly believe that the one who could create such familiar designs was a woman like that.
No, he must've been deceived. How could this woman understand the magnolia?! Magnus frowned, his displeasure evident. "Williams, are you sure she's your chief designer?"
Williams' expression froze for a moment before he smoothly responded, "Mr. Andersen, why would I ever deceive you? She is indeed our company's chief designer. Diana is actually my little sister. She's 25 and a graduate of a design academy. All the products in our company are designed by her."
As Williams finished speaking, Diana approached with enthusiasm. "Mr. Andersen, I'm Diana. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Hello, it's nice to meet you, too," Magnus responded politely, disappointment spreading within him, evident in his eyes.
He felt distressed. These designs were so familiar, yet they were not done by his wife. Looking out of the clear glass window at the blue sky, Magnus felt a sense of desolation. “Natalia, where are you? Why do I feel you are so near, yet so far?”
"Mr. Andersen, you've come a long way. We've prepared a meal for you. We hope you'd do us the honor." Williams gestured invitingly, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
Magnus had come a long way to find Natalia. He had no appetite for any work lunch. As he was about to politely decline, James tugged at him.
James found Diana's makeup too excessive and her taste in jewelry too extravagant. He found her far from displaying the unique taste of a designer.
James, who was always observant, saw the dissatisfaction in Magnus' eyes and the rejection on the tip of his tongue. He knew Magnus was disheartened by the reality presented before him and was about to excuse himself. Therefore, he stepped in to stop him.
"It's rude to decline such kindness. Since you've gone to such lengths, we won't decline. Could we find a room for Mr. Andersen to rest in first? We can enjoy a meal later," James proposed.
"Of course," Williams agreed, turning to Diana. "Diana, you take care of Mr. Andersen's accommodation. Don't neglect any detail, understood?"
Delighted by the opportunity to get closer to the handsome Magnus, Diana could barely contain her excitement. "Sure, I will take care of it."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)