Chapter 420

“She was a spitting image of you – petite and stunning. When that jerk got bored and dumped her, she came crying back to me. I actually forgave her, but a year later, she was back at it, with some other guy, in our bed. I caught them red-handed. Can you believe that? Tell me, aren’t all women just the same?”

He took a menacing step towards Natalia, pinching her chin. “You look just as delicate and charming. But that doesn’t mean you’re any good.”

“Today, you’ll meet the same fate as her!” He snarled, tightening his grip.

“Stop! I’m not like her. I’ve only been with my husband my entire life. Don’t take out her mistakes on all women. There are good people in this world!”

Natalia’s heart pounded against her chest.

“Well, I’ll have my way with you first. Then you won’t just belong to your husband, ha!”

With a rip, her coat was torn from her shoulders, and he forcefully grabbed her wrist. Natalia gasped in shock and screamed, “Help!”

He clamped a hand over her mouth, tearing at her blouse. Cornered in darkness, with no one to witness the horror unfolding, Natalia bit down hard on his hand.

“Ah!” He howled in pain. “You stupid bitch! How dare you bite me!”

A heavy slap landed on Natalia’s face, causing stars to explode before her eyes. Ignoring the pain, she tried to run but was swiftly caught. “Not so fast!”

He throttled her, and in desperation, Natalia's fingers found a knife at his waist. She struggled to draw it as her strength waned. Looking up at the night sky, she closed her eyes in despair.

Thud! Just as Natalia was on the brink of asphyxiation, the man was suddenly struck from behind, his grip loosening. Before he could recover, a pair of iron-like hands grabbed and hit him square in the face, sending blood spurting from his mouth. He wiped away the blood and drew a dagger, lunging at his assailant.

It was Hector. He had lost sight of Natalia on their way back to her place and had been searching frantically ever since. The sight of this man choking her filled him with a cold rage.

Hector didn't flinch as the dagger neared. In a swift move, he grabbed the attacker’s arm and countered. The blade found its way into the man’s gut.

With a kick, Hector sent the man flying into a pile of trash. He then rushed to Natalia, cradling her in his arms, his heart aching at the sight of her disheveled appearance.

“Nat, I’m so sorry I was late,” he murmured, holding her gently.

“Hector...” Natalia mumbled, feeling the familiarity in his embrace.

“Yes, let’s get you home,” Hector said, carrying her away from the dark alley and the lifeless eyes of her attacker.

Back at the villa, Hector laid Natalia on the sofa. His fists clenched in fury at the sight of her bruises. After instructing the staff to care for her, he stayed by her side through the night. The doctor confirmed the trauma and severe damage to her windpipe.

“Magnus, is this how you protect her?” he seethed, holding Natalia’s hand.

*

Across town, Magnus was pacing in his bedroom, realizing only then that Natalia wasn’t there. A sudden pang of fear gripped him; it felt just like when Natalia had fallen into the sea.

He dialed her number, his heart pounding with a mix of longing and anxiety. No answer. His concern grew as he called the villa’s landline, only to learn from the shaken housekeeper that Natalia had not returned home.

Panic took hold of him. Where could she be? He called Hector, hoping she might be with him.

“Yeah?” Hector’s voice was cold, detached.

“Is my wife with you?” Magnus was frantic, his mind racing with worry.

“She’s here, asleep in my bed,” Hector replied, his tone flat.

Magnus felt as if his world had shattered. “What did you say? You bastard!” The thought of Natalia in Hector’s bed at that hour was too much to bear.

His blood ran cold with rage. “If you've touched her, I'll tear you apart!” He vowed, rushing to prepare for his immediate return.

Hector’s mocking laughter echoed through the line, adding fuel to Magnus’ fury. “You have no idea what happened tonight,” Hector said, his voice icy.

“If you’ve harmed her in any way, Hector, I’ll make you wish you were dead!” Magnus was past the point of reason.

“All you do is rant without knowing a damn thing,” Hector roared, the sound reverberating through the phone. “Natalia had a brush with death tonight.

Do you even realize that? If I hadn't shown up in the nick of time, you'd be a widower now, Magnus. I've told you time and again—if you can't keep her safe, I'll take her off your hands!" Hector's lips curled into a smirk as he gazed out into the night.

"What did you just say? She ran into a mugger? How is she now?" Magnus' heart plummeted like a rollercoaster hurtling down the track.

The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 419 Forgive Us, My Dear Sister Chatper 494 Flirting With My Ex-husband Chapter 1463 "She was nearly strangled, Magnus, and where were you? You can't even defend your own wife. How could you call yourself a man? I think it's time you faced facts and let go. Natalia's only safe when she's with me!" Hector announced, ready to end the call.