The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 342

With a sweat-drenched brow, William followed urgently behind Magnus and James, trying to explain himself, "Mr. Andersen, Mr. James, I didn't mean it that way. You've got it all wrong. Please, just hear me out..."

Ignoring his pleas, Magnus and James continued to stride ahead, their faces as cold as stone.

William was left in a panic after their abrupt departure from the dinner party. He was worried sick about his sister, Diana, following Magnus to Melfort. If Magnus discovered his deception, their potential partnership would be off the table.

Desperate, William decided to ring Natalia, hoping she could help him navigate the crisis.

Meanwhile, Natalia was sitting in her rented courtyard, surrounded by the faint scent of blooming magnolias. Staring at the moonlit vegetation, she felt a knot of melancholy in her stomach.

Magnus was here, wasn't he? Had he really traveled all the way to Rome just because he saw her designs?

“But Magnus,” she thought, “I'm sorry. I was forced to make a vow to Belle, a heavy one that I couldn't break. I can't go back with you.”

And Jonas, she wondered. Had he grown taller in the year she'd been away? Was he behaving himself? Did he miss his mommy?

As Natalia brooded over these thoughts, Hector returned home, carrying a box of delicate pastries and two cups of fresh milk. "You haven't eaten dinner, have you?" He asked gently. "I passed by the bakery and picked these up for you on my way back. Take a look and see if you like them."

Putting her thoughts aside, Natalia sat up and accepted the milk Hector offered, thanking him softly.

Hector placed the box of pastries on the table next to Natalia's chair and then began to unwrap it. "Silly girl, what's there to thank between us? Don't you remember how I used to bring you food like this?"

Natalia took a sip of milk, but it didn't taste like it did back in the day. Those were the days, she thought. The carefree days of youth when they didn't have to worry about anything and could just be happy. Now, everything had changed.

Hector cut a small piece of matcha cake and handed it to Natalia. "You never eat on time, look at how thin you've become. You're all grown up, but you still don't know how to take care of yourself."

Natalia took the cake, instinctively wanting to say thanks, but she didn't want Hector to complain. So she swallowed her words and took a small bite of the cake instead. The cake was delicious, the sweetness and the aroma immediately lifted her spirits. "Mmm, it's really good," she said with a smile.

"Of course, who do you think picked it out?" Hector replied. Then, noticing a bit of cream on her lips, he reached out to wipe it off.

Hector's fingers lingered on Natalia's skin, savoring the soft, delicate touch. His hand was reluctant to leave. Natalia froze, staring at Hector as he stood before her, his face blank, his gaze fixed on her. The air between them suddenly became awkward. For a moment, Hector was lost in thought. This was his girl, the one he had protected since they were kids. Six years had passed, yet she was still here, as beautiful as ever.

He raised his hand, wanting to touch her skin again.