The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 475

Natalia thought Richard has said something, so she asked again with patience, "Mr. Richard, what did you just say? Sorry, I didn't quite catch that."

"Oh," Richard chuckled awkwardly. He didn't mean to be abrupt with the beauty before him and said softly, "Your drawing is absolutely stunning. Would you mind sketching a portrait of me?"

Natalia initially wanted to decline, but remembering he was her son’s mentor, she replied diplomatically, "Mr. Richard, I'm afraid my skills are not quite up to par."

"NO, NO, NO," Richard blurted out excitedly, waving his hands. "You are the most skilled artist I've ever come across. I sincerely ask you to do me the honor of drawing my portrait, and I hope you won't refuse."

"Well, alright then," Natalia conceded. "As long as you don’t mind too much. I hope you'll be forgiving if there's anything not quite right."

Natalia turned a fresh page of her sketch pad. "Please, Mr. Richard, just strike any pose you like. I'll do a quick sketch for you."

Since Natalia had agreed, Richard's eyes lit up with joy. He crossed his arms and struck what he thought was his most dashing pose, giving Natalia a twinkling look. "OK, I'm ready. Please begin."

Natalia nodded and began to sketch Richard with great care. She was so focused on her work that Richard couldn't help but be mesmerized, wishing that time could stand still and allow them a few more moments together.

Since it was a quick sketch, Natalia finished in no time. She handed the portrait to Richard. "Mr. Richard, please have a look. It's not perfect, but I hope you'll excuse my shortcomings."

Richard took the portrait with trembling hands, and his excitement was palpable as he praised her, "No, no, no, it's incredibly lifelike. Good heavens, you truly are the most beautiful and talented woman I've ever met. This portrait is the best gift I've ever received in my life."

Seeing Richard's exaggerated excitement, Natalia smiled modestly. "As long as you like it, Mr. Richard. And please, look after Jonas for me, will you?"

Richard folded the sketch carefully and placed it close to his heart, then looked at Natalia with a pleading gaze. "Thank you so much for this drawing. Might I be so bold as to ask for a hug?"

Instinctively, Natalia wanted to decline, but then she remembered that Richard was Jonas’ mentor, so she smiled broadly and agreed. "Sure."

Richard was over the moon. He opened his arms wide and embraced Natalia warmly.

Just then, Richard saw Magnus jogging toward them. A mischievous grin spread across Richard’s face, and he tightened his hug.

Magnus rushed over, his fist heading straight for Richard. "Richard, you bastard! She's my wife!"

As the punch whistled towards the back of Richard's head, he seemed to have eyes in the back of his head and caught Magnus' hand quickly, countering with a jab towards Magnus' face.