The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 535

"Alright," Dr. Harper nodded reassuringly. "We take responsibility for every patient. Try not to worry too much, Natalia. At this stage, it's only a suspicion. As for a definitive diagnosis, we need to run a comprehensive set of tests, which can take about a month to process. Please, come with me."

Finishing his words, Dr. Harper guided Natalia through a series of more intricate examinations. She followed him like a ghost, feeling as if her world had crumbled.

"Ms. Clarkson, I'm prescribing you some medication to help calm your nerves and temporarily manage the symptoms of muscle weakness. It's unfortunate that you might have this condition, but I urge you to stay cooperative and patient until we get the results..."

The doctor's voice buzzed in Natalia's head, but she hardly listened, clinging to the last shred of sanity as she bid him goodbye and left the hospital.

The sunshine outside was perfect, yet Natalia felt a bone-deep chill. She wrapped her arms around her slender frame and walked slowly towards her car. Reaching it, her hands shook as she pulled the door open and slumped into the driver's seat, burying her face in her hands as she began to sob uncontrollably.

In this confined space, her emotions shattered, and tears streamed down her face. How could this be happening? She was facing a condition as dreadful as cancer. No, it was worse than cancer because she'd have to watch herself gradually lose the ability to move, even to breathe.

She thought of her loving husband, Magnus, her sweet son Jonas, and her daughter Anna, whom she had yet to find. Natalia felt trapped in a nightmare. She couldn't bear to become the person the doctor described, nor could she burden her family.

Suddenly, the phone rang, piercing her moment of despair. Wiping her tears, she answered, "Hello?"

"Honey," came the warm voice of Magnus, "What are you up to? I tried calling earlier. I've been missing you, darling." As he spoke, Magnus pictured Natalia's blushing face, wishing he could sprout wings and fly straight home.

"I... I..." Natalia choked back a sob, pinching herself to suppress the sadness. "Oh, I'm painting, just painting."

"Ha, are you secretly painting me again?" Magnus chuckled softly. "Don't miss me too much, I'll be home by evening. Love you, darling."

"Love you too," Natalia replied, her voice strained from her previous tears. She quickly changed the subject. "I need to get back to my painting. Let's talk when you get home, okay?"

"Alright, take care, bye."

"Bye."

As soon as the call ended, Natalia's tears fell like rain once more. Perhaps Magnus had sensed her need, calling her in her most vulnerable moment. His affectionate words warmed her, yet she couldn't reveal her plight.