The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 454

Once upon a time, she thought she had stumbled upon a down-on-his-luck prince, forgetting she was no princess herself. Now, the elaborate dream she had woven was torn apart by the hands of the one she loved. Gabby's heart shattered, beyond repair.

From that day on, Lucius was almost never home, and Gabby's heart had turned to stone. Day after day, she waited at the doorstep, hope brimming in her eyes for a glimpse of Lucius, only to be met with the cold night air.

When loneliness crept in, she'd clutch Anna and weep bitterly. Little Anna, wise beyond her years, would pat Gabby's back gently and whisper, "Mommy, don't cry. If Daddy doesn't want us, you still have me. I'll always be here."

Gabby, tears streaming even more fiercely, would pull Anna into a tight embrace, filled with guilt. For a fleeting moment, she even considered returning Anna to Natalia and turning herself in. Jail didn't scare her, but the thought of Lucius behind bars did. Despite his coldness, she couldn't harden her heart against him.

Her love was meager and pitiful, yet she relished it.

*

In Hawaii.

With encouragement from Magnus and Jonas, Natalia Clarkson was slowly emerging from the depths of her depression. She began to paint again, setting up her easel in front of the vast ocean. Each day, she captured the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, pouring her soul into the canvases. At the bottom of each painting, she'd include the figure of a little girl. Always with her back turned, the girl was like a star in the night sky, illuminating Natalia's every day.

Gazing at the silhouette in her painting, tears would glisten in Natalia's eyes as she gently traced the image of the girl. It was like feeling the tender hand of her missing daughter.

"My darling, wherever you are, Mommy loves you always," Natalia would murmur, taking a deep breath to dispel the sadness that threatened to engulf her again.

On a particularly fine day, Natalia set up her easel by the sea. The fresh ocean breeze cleared her mind, and she smiled softly, her brush dancing over the canvas, capturing the frothy waves.

Hector happened to drive by and caught sight of the familiar figure by the shore. Without a second thought, he stopped the car and walked toward Natalia. She was engrossed in her painting, oblivious to Hector's approach. Her bodyguards, recognizing Hector, exchanged glances and retreated discreetly, knowing he meant no harm.

As Hector drew closer, he watched Natalia's careful strokes and patiently waited for her to finish. He noticed the small girl in the corner of the canvas and said softly, "Natalia, your art is beautiful. Could you spare one for me?"

Surprised, Natalia turned and, with a faint smile, pointed to the little girl in the painting, "Hector, that's my lost daughter. I'm sure she's out there somewhere, living a good life."