The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 44

She was about to ascend the staircase when he grabbed her hand, halting her. She must have thought he was going to stop her from pursuing her education, the silly girl.

"I promise you, and I will make it happen. But for now, you need to stay put, given the circumstances." Magnus' deep, dark gazes stared intensely at her.

"I know, Magnus, thank you." She raised her hand to touch his chiseled handsome face, smiling as she looked at him. His heart fluttered like a feather in the breeze as he looked into her blue eyes.

The shareholders' meeting of Andersen Corporation was three days away.

James and Chase unexpectedly arrived on the island that day. After greeting Natalia, they retreated to the study where they remained the entire afternoon. They stayed for dinner that evening.

James sat at the table, grinning at Natalia, "Nat, has Magnus been treating you well?" He flashed his pearly white teeth.

"Yes," Natalia replied, smiling.

"If he ever mistreats you, you can come with me." he winked at her, with a playful smile on his face.

Chase, from behind, kicked him in the butt, "Stop flirting with our sister-in-law. Be careful or Magnus will send you to the Death Valley."

James yelped and pretended to be injured, collapsing on the couch. Natalia couldn't help but giggle at their antics. Her laughter was like a cloud floating in the sky, and it caught the attention of Magnus who had just stepped out of the elevator. His heart ached a little. It had been so long since he had seen her genuinely laugh. She was truly beautiful when she smiled.

Chase turned and glanced at Natalia, shock evident on his face.

After dinner, James and Chase left. Magnus pulled Natalia into the bedroom and sat her on his lap, "Tired, darling?"

"No." She sat on his lap as if it was the most natural thing to do.

He lowered his head and kissed her, their lips meeting in a tender embrace. The fatigue from the day seemed to melt away. "Just a few more days, darling. I have a surprise for you."

"What kind of surprise?" Natalia stared at his handsome face, her heart slowly succumbing to the man who was constantly showering her with surprises.

"You'll find out soon," he paused, "darling, if I were to walk again someday, would you leave me?" His dark eyes seemed like whirlpools, threatening to draw her in.

"Yes." If he could walk again, he wouldn't need her anymore. They weren't legally married, so she should leave.

His expression darkened instantly, displeased with her answer. "Why? Don't you enjoy staying with me?" His eyes instantly turned cold.

"No, it's not that, Magnus. Once you can walk again, you won't need my care anymore." She was at a loss of what to do.

"Don't forget, you're my woman. You can't leave without my permission." He scooped her up and carried her to the bed.

Natalia was stunned. He hadn't lost his temper like this in a while. He was acting strange again. She sat up, touching her sore nose, "Magnus, don't you know what our relationship is? You and Kendra are the ones who are married." Her heart ached at the thought of Kendra being his legal wife.