The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 420

“She was a spitting image of you – petite and stunning. When that jerk got bored and dumped her, she came crying back to me. I actually forgave her, but a year later, she was back at it, with some other guy, in our bed. I caught them red-handed. Can you believe that? Tell me, aren’t all women just the same?”

He took a menacing step towards Natalia, pinching her chin. “You look just as delicate and charming. But that doesn’t mean you’re any good.”

“Today, you’ll meet the same fate as her!” He snarled, tightening his grip.

“Stop! I’m not like her. I’ve only been with my husband my entire life. Don’t take out her mistakes on all women. There are good people in this world!” Natalia’s heart pounded against her chest.

“Well, I’ll have my way with you first. Then you won’t just belong to your husband, ha!”

With a rip, her coat was torn from her shoulders, and he forcefully grabbed her wrist. Natalia gasped in shock and screamed, “Help!”

He clamped a hand over her mouth, tearing at her blouse. Cornered in darkness, with no one to witness the horror unfolding, Natalia bit down hard on his hand.

“Ah!” He howled in pain. “You stupid bitch! How dare you bite me!”

A heavy slap landed on Natalia’s face, causing stars to explode before her eyes. Ignoring the pain, she tried to run but was swiftly caught. “Not so fast!”

He throttled her, and in desperation, Natalia's fingers found a knife at his waist. She struggled to draw it as her strength waned. Looking up at the night sky, she closed her eyes in despair.

Thud! Just as Natalia was on the brink of asphyxiation, the man was suddenly struck from behind, his grip loosening. Before he could recover, a pair of iron-like hands grabbed and hit him square in the face, sending blood spurting from his mouth. He wiped away the blood and drew a dagger, lunging at his assailant.

It was Hector. He had lost sight of Natalia on their way back to her place and had been searching frantically ever since. The sight of this man choking her filled him with a cold rage.

Hector didn't flinch as the dagger neared. In a swift move, he grabbed the attacker’s arm and countered. The blade found its way into the man’s gut.

With a kick, Hector sent the man flying into a pile of trash. He then rushed to Natalia, cradling her in his arms, his heart aching at the sight of her disheveled appearance.

“Nat, I’m so sorry I was late,” he murmured, holding her gently.

“Hector…” Natalia mumbled, feeling the familiarity in his embrace.