The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 23

On the third day, Magnus couldn't restrain his curiosity any longer. He just had to find out what this young woman was up to. Since she had agreed to be his bride, she had to understand the consequences.

Especially if she was going to make such a fuss over a simple one night stand.

The sharp knock at the door interrupted Natalia's thoughts. She rose from her chair and opened the door to find one of the housekeepers standing there.

"Ma’am," the housekeeper said, looking at her with a hint of surprise. "Mr. Magnus requests your presence in his study."

Natalia nodded, "Alright, I'm on my way."

After taking a quick shower and getting dressed, Natalia headed towards the study. As she pushed the door open, she saw Magnus sitting in his wheelchair by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the ocean, deep in thought.

Natalia walked in quietly. He turned his wheelchair around as soon as he felt her presence. As their eyes met, a wave of emotion passed over his face before quickly settling back into a stoic expression. She had got quite thinner.

Without another word, Magnus directed his wheelchair towards her. His gazes were as deep as the ocean, but his body radiated an inexplicable exhaustion. Natalia's heart clenched as she remembered the night before. Was it him that night? Why did he do that to her?

"Magnus," Natalia started, "I haven't been well these past few days. I apologize for not helping with your physical therapy."

Before she could finish, Magnus cut her off. "I had a bad night. If you're feeling better, we can start the therapy."

He passed by her and wheeled his chair out of the study. Natalia followed him, pushing his wheelchair.

"Magnus, are there any other people on this island besides Linden and you? Well, I mean, other men?" Natalia had so much resentment in her heart, and she had to find out who the man was that violated her that night.

"No," the man said expressionlessly as he pressed the elevator button. It was indeed 'no,' because on this island, apart from Magnus and Linden, there were only female maids.

"Let's go downstairs for dinner, and then you can start your work," he said in a matter-of-fact tone with no warmth, like giving orders to a subordinate.

Natalia swallowed back her words.

They had their dinner in silence, Magnus elegantly eating his sandwich while Natalia, still feeling uneasy, could only eat a little. "I'll get things ready, wait for me in the study," she remarked, her brow furrowing as she headed to the elevator.

Watching her retreating, somewhat downcast figure, a pang of sympathy hit Magnus. Leaving his dinner untouched, he wheeled himself swiftly to follow her.

No sooner had Natalia entered her bedroom to retrieve her physiotherapy mat and a wooden hammer, the door gently opened behind her. Startled, she pivoted to face him. "Didn't I ask you to wait in the study? Or you could’ve headed to the gym."

He wheeled up close, dark eyes gazing intently at her. "If you're not feeling up to it, we can always postpone this session. No rush."

She stared at him, taken aback. Wasn't it him who insisted they start? Why the sudden change of heart? "I'm fine, let's just get started," she replied, pushing his wheelchair toward the study. All the while, a nagging thought persisted. Even though she wasn't truly his wife, she had, in all appearance, married him. If that stranger from the other night wasn't Magnus, then what would happen if this man discovered another had been with her in his own home? Despite her just being a 'wife' in name, she knew his temper all too well.

Once in the expansive study with its grand balcony, Natalia began laying out the mat. As she went to fetch the massage equipment, Magnus beckoned her over. "Come here. We'll skip today."

She looked at him, puzzled. Why the sudden change?

Magnus seemed different today. Gone was the cold demeanor she'd grown accustomed to. Reluctantly, she set down the massage tools and approached him. With a gentle tug, he pulled her into an embrace, her face buried against his firm chest. Frozen, she felt her heartbeat skyrocket, his familiar, pleasant scent filling her senses. In their previous sessions, he'd occasionally draw her onto his lap. Now, she simply let him hold her close.

His hands moved gracefully, tightening around her slender waist. He felt her thinness and lightly touched her forehead, memories of that fateful night flooding back. Gazing at her quivering lashes, he leaned in without a second thought.

Caught off guard, Natalia turned her head, his lips grazing her cheek. "What are you..." She began, thoughts of that recent evening rushing back, prompting her to push him away.

"What's wrong? Don't you want to?" he asked, his dark eyes full of questions.

Natalia was hesitant, remembering the humiliation she had felt that night. She was worried that Magnus would only hurt her again. More importantly, she still had no idea who that mystery man was.

"People are gonna see this." Natalia said, trying to stand up. But Magnus held onto her, refusing to let go.

"We're husband and wife, Natalia. Starting today, let's work on building our relationship, living our lives together as best we can. For now, just sit with me."

Natalia was stunned. Was this the same man who had shown her nothing but contempt before? What would happen if he found out about her deception? The thought filled her with dread. "Magnus, I..." Natalia began, but before she could finish, Magnus pulled her closer, silencing her with a kiss.

For a moment, Natalia was lost. He was really kissing her. She stared wide-eyed at his handsome face, a mix of fear, confusion, and shyness in her gaze.

Without warning, he gently captured her lips with his, memories of that night rushing back. Lifting a hand to her chin while the other tightened around her waist, he began to fervently kiss the lips he had yearned for over the past few days. As he prepared to deepen the kiss further, he noticed her eyes remained open, fixed intently on his. "Close your eyes," he murmured, the command evident in his voice.

Obediently, Natalia closed her eyes, and he kissed her once more, drinking in her sweetness as he had that night. Holding her close, Magnus tangled his tongue with hers, the passion of the kiss escalating to a point where it felt as if he wanted to consume her entirely. It was only when he felt her go limp in his arms, almost gasping for breath, that he gently pulled away.

Catching her breath, Natalia took in lungfuls of air, akin to a fish finding water. Giving her a moment to recover, he leaned in once again. This time, the kiss was gentle yet firm, a testament to his possessive tenderness. Her sweetness and her alluring scent drew him in, making the moment addictive and irresistible.