The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 556

Natalia shot her husband, Magnus, a reproachful glance, annoyed that he had revealed too much to their son. But now that Jonas knew, she felt it wouldn't be right to keep hiding the truth. "Well, this is what happened," she confessed. "Henry came looking for Alice and then got into a scuffle with your dad. I ended up getting hit by a stray bullet."

"It wasn't a stray bullet at all, dear," Magnus interjected with unsettling frankness, ignoring the pleading looks Natalia was giving him. "Henry fired that shot on purpose. If it wasn't for your timely intervention, I'd have a bullet in my chest right now."

Magnus' blunt honesty was terrifying in its own way, and Natalia internally sighed, knowing that his words would only invite ridiculing from Jonas.

Sure enough, as soon as Magnus finished, Jonas rolled his eyes dramatically. "Dad, you're something else! Mom always ends up in trouble because of you. I'm worried sick over here. Maybe Mom should come and stay with me while I study, so I don't have to be on edge and scared she'll get hurt again."

Magnus, undeterred by the cheek, playfully thumped Jonas on the head. "You little rascal, I can take care of my wife. You don't need to fret over her."

"Honey!" Natalia chided Magnus with a glance, then tenderly rubbed Jonas' head. "It's alright. I'm not in pain anymore. No worries, darling. Come on, let me treat you to something scrumptious."

With that, she took Jonas' hand, and the three of them walked toward the school gates, a picture of familial warmth.

They had barely taken a few steps when a clumsy little girl bumped into Natalia, causing her to stagger. Magnus quickly steadied Natalia, shaking his head in mock despair. "My dear, what would you do without me? You can't even walk without nearly taking a tumble."

Before Natalia could respond, the little girl who caused the mishap was mortified and bowed deeply in apology. "I'm so sorry. I was in a rush to get home. Please forgive me for bumping into you."

"It's okay, sweetheart. You head on home now, and be careful," Natalia said with a gentle smile, putting the little girl's mind at ease. With a beaming smile, the girl hopped away.

Watching the girl disappear, Natalia stood frozen for a moment, lost in thought. A twinge of pain hit her heart as she remembered her daughter, whom Gabby snatched away. She would be about that little girl's age now.

Noticing Natalia's faraway look, Magnus guessed she was thinking about their missing daughter. With a silent sigh, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Let's go, love."