The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 434

The secretary led Gabby through the streamlined onboarding process, then took her on a quick tour to get familiar with the various tasks she'd need to handle as an executive assistant.

Magnus had been picky but finally found the perfect assistant. He felt a wave of contentment wash over him. At last, he could spend quality time with his wife without the constant nagging.

*

Meanwhile, at Hector's place...

Ever since Bianca's harrowing near-drowning incident, coupled with that awkward scene the other night, their relationship had become delicately complex.

These days, Hector left at the crack of dawn and didn't return until late at night, all to avoid Bianca and the embarrassment of that night. But seeing less of Bianca wasn't the same as not seeing her at all. Every morning, she was there by the door, sweetly warning him to take care on his way out.

And each night, no matter how late he returned, he'd find Bianca asleep at the table, having waited up for him, surrounded by a spread of food she'd prepared.

Seeing her curled up on the sofa, Hector felt a peculiar stir in his heart – a mix of pity and pain he couldn't quite name. Every time, he'd gently carry her to her room without waking her. She was light as a feather, and fragile like a kitten he'd taken in.

What Hector didn't count on was that even a lazy kitten had claws.

This morning, just as he was about to leave, Bianca blocked his path at the door.

Tiny Bianca, tears brimming in her eyes, propped herself against the doorframe and asked, “Hector, do you dislike me? Are you trying to get rid of me but too polite to say so?”

Hector was baffled – where was this coming from?

Before he could speak, an agitated Bianca continued, “I know I'm not in your league, but you saved my life. I've given myself to you completely, my whole being, my heart. But do you find me too forward, is that why you can't bear to look at me?”

Overwhelmed, Bianca sobbed quietly. She couldn't fathom how she had been so brazen the other day. Shouldn't a girl be more reserved? But at that moment, she couldn't help but want Hector to know how much she admired and longed for him.

Now, she faced his indifference. Perhaps he found her lack of modesty distasteful?

She was from a humble background, with a father who wanted to sell her to settle his debts. She wondered where she'd found the courage to express her feelings to Hector, a man so far above her station.