The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 448

Just as she was about to pull open the door of the hospital room, Magnus suddenly said, “Wait a sec.”

Gabby paused mid-step and stiffly turned around. “What is it, Mr. Andersen?”

Magnus looked back at Gabby with gratitude. “Gabby, you’re a good gal. I can’t thank you enough for all your help these past few days. I won’t forget what you’ve done for me.”

A flicker of panic crossed Gabby’s eyes as she waved her hands dismissively. “Oh, it’s nothing, Mr. Andersen. I was just doing my job. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way.”

“Sure thing. Once Natalia is discharged, I’ll make sure to reward you handsomely for your troubles,” Magnus said, waving goodbye to Gabby to let her know she could leave.

After exiting the room, Gabby closed the door gently behind her. Shecouldn’t resist glancing back at the securely shut door, a troubled look on her face. Her expression showed hesitation and inner turmoil, as if she was struggling with a fierce battle inside her mind. It took a while before she bit her lip, and her face was set with determination. She hurried toward the nursery.

The nursery was tucked away at the far end of the ward. Gabby stopped at the door, pulled a hat out of her bag, and let her hair down before she slowly walked in.

A nurse was busy bathing the newborns inside. Gabby had sharp eyes, and she quickly spotted the little one with a wristband labeled ‘Natalia.’ Her eyes sparkled as she watched the tiny legs kicking, and she gently picked up the baby, kissing her tender cheek and cooing, “Hey there, princess. Can you give me a smile?”

The nurse, seeing Gabby so affectionately holding the baby, asked, “And who are you with, dear?”

“Oh, I’m Natalia’s sister. She is still out cold after giving birth, so I came to check on this little cutie. Isn’t she adorable?” Gabby’s response was smooth and convincing.

Thinking Gabby was indeed Natalia’s sister, the nurse smiled kindly. “So you’re Mrs. Andersen’s sister? Well, that’s wonderful. I’m a bit swamped at the moment. Would you mind watching the princess while I bathe another little one? I really appreciate it.”

Gabby smiled agreeably, cradling the baby and waving the nurse off to tend to her tasks. “You folks are working so hard; it’s no trouble at all. I’ll hold her while you get on with your work.”

“Thank you, dear,” the nurse said gratefully. “We’re a bit short-staffed today. I’ll be right back.”

“It’s really no problem. Take your time. I’d love to cuddle her a bit more,” Gabby said, kissing Natalia’s daughter once more.

Once the nurse had taken another baby into the bathing room, the smile on Gabby’s face vanished without a trace. Holding the infant tight, she quickly left the nursery.

Suddenly, the sky erupted with deafening thunder, vicious streaks of lightning were tearing through the heavens, and torrential rain began to pour down.

Gabby, clutching Natalia's daughter, hurried out of the hospital into the relentless night rain, hesitating for a moment before looking back at the hospital and whispering, "I'm sorry." Then she dashed into the downpour, got into her car parked at the hospital entrance, and drove straight to the docks.