The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 573

Jonas furrowed his brow and stood up from the antique armchair, descending the grand staircase only to find Madeline in tears at the bottom. “What’s wrong, Maddie?”

Upon seeing Jonas, Madeline rushed into his arms, clutching his lean waist, “Jonas, why did you postpone the wedding? Do you dislike me? Don't you want to marry me anymore?”

Jonas led her to the plush sofa, soothing her as he patted her shoulder. “Maddie, listen, we’ve only pushed back the engagement, that's all. I haven’t called off marrying you. Come on, don’t cry like a little kid.”

Through her swollen, tearful eyes, Madeline looked up. “But Jonas, I’m always scared you’re putting off the wedding because you don’t like me.”

“Oh, silly girl,” he said, gently combing through Madeline’s soft hair, a look of helpless affection on his face. “I’ve just been feeling under the weather lately. I’m worried about not being able to throw you the dream engagement party you deserve. You’re overthinking things.”

“Really? Jonas, is that really why?” Madeline’s mood instantly brightened as she gazed up at him, seeking reassurance.

She had grown stronger with time, but ever since Jonas returned from Country C with a child in tow, she couldn’t hold back any longer. She had the child’s DNA tested, confirming it was indeed Jonas’ flesh and blood, and she was devastated.

From that moment on, she was as fragile as a house of cards, resorting to threats of self-harm to manipulate her parents.

Jonas knew her too well; she was beyond help. For the sake of his mentor, Jonas reluctantly nodded. “Yes, I’ve promised to marry you and will give you the perfect wedding. Trust me, okay?”

“Okay, I trust you!” Madeline exclaimed, grabbing Jonas’ pinky with childlike glee. “Pinky swear, a hundred years, never to change, breakers are rotten eggs!”

Jonas couldn’t help but laugh at her antics as they linked fingers.

Once satisfied, Madeline stood up. “Alright, Jonas, you’ve made a pinky promise, no backsies! I’m on shift today, gotta rush to the clinic. Oh, and let me check on that pain of yours later.”

“Sure, you head to work. I’ll swing by when I can.”

Jonas intended to see Madeline off, his thoughts lingering on another silhouette. If Elisea hadn’t appeared, he might have been indifferent about whom to marry. But now that Elisea had re-entered his life, he wanted clarity before blindly committing to Madeline.

Despite her petulance, Madeline was not only the cherished daughter of his mentor but also someone he didn't wish to hurt, regardless of who she was.

Engrossed in their discussion about the postponed engagement party, neither noticed a small figure lurking at the top of the stairs.

Max had been eavesdropping from the staircase when Madeline arrived at the Andersen estate. Her loud sobs had startled him. Though young, Max was shrewd beyond his years. He had sensed something amiss from Madeline’s cries and cleverly hidden to listen in.