The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 56

He gently swept the strands of hair from her face, tucking them behind her ear, and affectionately leaned down to kiss her forehead.

Natalia was at a loss for words. She wasn't his daughter, so why was he treating her like a child?

“Tell me, darling, can you keep up with the schoolwork? It’s been a few months since you’ve been at it.” Magnus had intended to kiss her, but seeing her apparently wanting to say something, he casually asked instead.

“Of course, I can. I’m smart, remember?” Natalia responded with a laugh. Her radiant face lit up with her sparkling blue eyes.

Magnus adored her like this. He lifted her into his lap. “Is that so? You’re that smart?” He chuckled before leaning in for a kiss.

He spent the whole day at the office thinking about her, wondering how she was managing in school. He came home before five, not finding her in their quiet villa. He immediately had Linden, their driver, pick her up from school.

Now she was back, in his arms, and he couldn't resist her, leaning in for another kiss. Her scent intoxicated him, making his blood rush. His desire was palpable every time he was near her, a feeling he had never experienced with his first love.

After they broke off the kiss, Natalia melted into his embrace, her blushing face as red as an apple. She gently pushed him away. “Magnus… I need to talk to you. Please… not like this.”

With his lips trailing down her neck, inhaling her unique scent, he closed his eyes. “Tell me, what is it?” His voice was laced with desire.

“I can go to and from school by myself. I don’t want to be picked up and dropped off anymore. If my classmates see…” She pushed him away and sat down on the sofa.

“See what?”

“They might think I’m your… sugar baby!” As soon as Natalia said this, Magnus broke out in a low chuckle. “Then tell them you’re my wife. That should clear things up.”

“No matter what, I don’t want to be chauffeured.” Her pouting face was adorable, which made Magnus' heart flutter.

“Alright, you can go to school by yourself,” he said, running his fingers through her hair.

“I'm going to France tomorrow. You’ll be fine here. Linden will take care of you at home, so you don’t have to come with me this time,” Magnus spoke casually.

“Let Linden go with you. I can take care of myself. You need Linden more than I do.”

“I’ll be fine with just Paul. Remember, after school, come straight home. Don’t wander around, okay?” He had important business to handle. Having just taken over the company, there were many things he needed to deal with personally. He wanted to bring over a team of professionals from France. Facing hostility from his peers, he needed to cultivate his own team. Lucius was hell-bent on dethroning him, so he couldn't let his guard down.

“You’ll be gone for a week?” Natalia didn't say more. She knew he would arrange everything for her. It was pointless to worry.

“Yeah, I’ll try to get back as soon as possible, a week at the most. Darling, are you going to miss me?” He teased, leaning his handsome face close to hers.

“…No, just take care of yourself. You should let Linden go with you.” Natalia was always concerned, as Linden had become habitual in taking care of him.

“No worries, darling, let's have dinner. After that, help me pack. My flight is at seven tomorrow morning.”

“Alright.”