The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 374

Natalia's face was as pale as a ghost, but to get rid of Magnus, she steeled herself and, playing along with Hector, said, "Yes, Mr. Anderson, it's getting quite late. You should head home. I've long since ended things with you. Now, I'm engaged to Hector, and soon, we'll have our wedding bells ringing."

"No! That can't be!" Magnus staggered back, nearly falling if not for the steadying hand of James.

James was known for his hot temper. Supporting a swaying Magnus, he pointed an accusing finger at Natalia, his voice raised in anger. "Natalia, how could you do this? Do you have any idea how much Magnus has been through this past year trying to find you? How can you just replace him like that?"

Natalia hung her head silently, quickly hiding the tears welling up in her eyes.

Magnus shook his head at James. His breath was unsteady from the pain in his heart. "Don't, don't speak to my wife like that, I won't allow it."

"But Magnus, they…" James tried to protest, but Magnus cut him off, "James, this is a private matter between the three of us. Stay out of it."

Since Magnus had put it that way, James backed off. After all, it was their tangled mess to sort out.

Magnus stopped James' interrogation, and his gaze was now burning into Natalia. His voice was filled with deep emotion. "Nat, whether you admit it or not, you're my wife for life. We parted over a misunderstanding, but now that I've found you, I won't let you slip away again."

Natalia's eyes brimmed with tears at Magnus' fervent words, but she couldn't just go back with him. Not just because of the harsh vow she had once been forced to make, but also for Hector's selfless devotion over the years. She couldn't just abandon Hector after accepting his proposal. She couldn't be that selfish.

So, Natalia coldly rebuffed him, "There's been no misunderstanding. The past is in the past. Mr. Anderson, we're adults capable of owning our actions. Since we've parted ways, please stop pursuing this any further."

Magnus reeled as if he'd been struck, unable to believe that Natalia saw his relentless search as mere pestering.

"Nat, do you really see me as a nuisance now?" Magnus' voice was a raspy whisper, heavy with loss and heartache. "But my wife, I can't let you go, not in this lifetime. Don't even think about marrying someone else."

Magnus' impassioned plea sent Natalia into an endless ache, which spread through her heart. With misty eyes, she looked at Magnus and shook her head gently. "Mr. Anderson, there's no going back. It's late, I'm tired, and I need to rest. Goodbye."

With that, Natalia gathered all her strength to steady her emotions and walked toward her room.

Magnus moved to follow her but was blocked by Hector. "Magnus, it's late, and we're all turning in. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for you to come any further?" Hector deliberately left his words ambiguous, hoping to mislead Magnus into giving up.

Magnus took the bait. Agitated, he grabbed Hector's bathrobe and said icily, "Hector, I warn you, if you dare lay a finger on her, I'll make you regret ever being born!"