The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 511

"Don't worry, folks. Just let him rest up a bit, and he'll be waking up before you know it."

But the doctor's "before you know it" turned out to be slower than expected, as Jonas didn't open his eyes until the sun had risen again the next day.

After a night of recuperation, Jonas' strength gradually returned. Recognizing the faces of those who had likely pulled him from the brink, he propped himself up and expressed his thanks, "Thank you for saving me. Where am I?"

The group exchanged glances before the eldest among them, a white-bearded gentleman, stepped forward. Instead of answering Jonas' question, the gentleman asked, "Where do you hail from?"

"The States," Jonas replied succinctly, continuing his inquiry, "Where is this place? How far is it from the States?"

The old man shook his head. "Can't say. This is Oakwood Manor. We're all just the help around these parts. You weren't saved by us, though. It was Mr. Johanson who found you washed up on the shore."

"Alright now, let's not bombard the man with questions," interjected a plump lady, approaching with a bowl of steaming broth in her hands. "Honey, you must be famished. Have some of the fish stew I just whipped up. It'll help you regain your strength."

"Thank you, ma'am," Jonas said graciously, taking the bowl with both hands. He blew on the steaming broth gently before taking small sips. After two days with nothing to eat at sea, the fish stew tasted a thousand times better than anything he'd ever eaten.

Once he finished his meal, Jonas changed into the clothes provided by the kind woman and cleaned himself up in a makeshift shelter, revealing his handsome features.

His demeanor and eloquence didn't go unnoticed by the servants, who could tell Jonas was no ordinary man.

Having made himself presentable, and with nightfall upon them, Jonas had no choice but to stay in the makeshift accommodation, planning to depart at first light.

Lying on the rickety wooden bed, he stared into the still night outside, his mind fraught with worry. He wondered if his comrades would inform his mom and dad of his disappearance. That would be disastrous. His mother would be devastated. She couldn't bear more sorrow, not after his sister's disappearance.

No, he had to leave first thing in the morning!

With these thoughts tumbling through his mind, Jonas soon drifted off to sleep.

As dawn broke, Jonas awoke, refreshed and clear-headed, to find the white-bearded gentleman from the day before sharing the humble room. He spoke earnestly, "Sir, I'm feeling much better. Could I possibly borrow a fishing boat to leave this place? I assure you I'll repay your kindness."

The old man looked at Jonas with a sad shake of his head. "Son, once you enter Oakwood Manor, there's no leaving."

"What do you mean by that, sir? I don't understand," Jonas asked, puzzled.