The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 470

Natalia nestled into his embrace, the familiar scent bringing her a sense of peace. She lifted her eyes to Magnus' haggard face, and she knew without asking that they hadn't found their daughter. Yet, she whispered the question anyway, "Did we find our little girl?"

"I'm sorry, honey." Magnus' voice was tinged with defeat.

"But we found this." He took a package from their bodyguard—an assortment of items that belonged to Anna: a piece of her clothing, a small pillow, and photographs.

Natalia clutched the tiny photo, her shock quickly giving way to tears once again.

The couple sat on the couch, cradling their heads in their hands, engulfed in sorrow. Natalia kept looking at Anna's picture, feeling her heart sink to the depths of despair. "My darling, where in the world are you?"

From that day on, Natalia and Magnus fell back into the dark days that followed their initial loss. Magnus was wracked with guilt and grief, while Natalia was consumed by sadness. Even their son Jonas couldn't help but feel the gloom that had settled over his parents.

Magnus stood by the ocean's edge, watching the fierce waves crash against the shore, a hollow laugh escaping his lips. "Lucius, you've done it again. You've driven my wife and me mad with grief. Our family has plunged into despair."

As he looked at the waning sun, casting a pale glow over the snowy beach, and then at Natalia, who spent her days staring blankly at Anna's little pillow, he felt like his heart was being pierced by a thousand arrows. He clutched at his aching chest but continued the search for his daughter.

Natalia's heart, however, grew as cold as the frost of winter, unable to be warmed again.

With the new year's arrival, Jonas brought a spark of life back into the household with his sunny smile. For the holiday, Jonas held up sparklers to Natalia and said, "Mom, let's light these together. They say if you light sparklers on New Year's, you'll have good luck. I believe we'll find my sister soon."

Looking at Jonas' earnest, hopeful face, Natalia finally smiled. Together, they walked to the beach and lit the sparklers, their brilliant light illuminating the entire shore, warming Natalia's softening face.

Watching his wife and son from afar, Magnus couldn't help but join them, adding more sparklers to the festive display.

All night long, the sky above the Hawaiian beach was ablaze with light. After the celebrations, Magnus looked at Jonas and pulled him aside. Jonas was now as tall as Magnus’ chest. "Jonas, I want you to go to the States for some training. Would you like that?"

Jonas nodded eagerly. "I would, Dad. I've been wanting to go. I want to learn more, and I'll find my sister and protect her. Don't worry, Mom and Dad—I'll bring her back."

Magnus nodded, patting his son's head. It was time to let him stand on his own. A few days later, Jonas was sent off to a secret organization in the States for training.

*

Since Hector and Bianca tied the knot, their days were filled with bliss.

Hector came home from work to find Bianca bustling in the kitchen, her slim figure moving gracefully. Her long hair was tied back in a ponytail. This home brought Hector a sense of tranquility. Approaching her, he watched as she cooked. "We should hire a cook, Bee. Have you ever thought about taking some classes?" Hector whispered to her.

She looked up, her dark eyes shining. "Do you want me to go to school?"

For a moment, Hector was lost in her gaze. He stroked her hair. "I want you to do what you love. We'll get a cook to take care of this. My wife is meant to be cherished."