Chapter 202
The Imposter Bride
She put all her strength into that slap, with the intention to leave a mark on Nataliaâs face. This pretty face was prettier than hers and was the one that had seduced Cal. If that wasnât the case, how could Callum have treated Natalia like this!
However, just as Aliceâs hand was about to hit Natalia, it was caught in midâair. Natalia firmly clutched Aliceâs wrist, and her icy gaze bore into Alice. âWhat did you just say? Say it again.â
Alice tried to pry her wrist free, but to no avail. Nataliaâs grip was too strong, she couldnât break free.
Alice gave up and was confident that Natalia wouldnât dare do anything to her. She lifted her chin in a haughty manner. âWhat, you want to hear it again? I said youâre a cheap little tramp, just like your mother. Both of you are good for nothing!â
Alice rolled her eyes disdainfully. What could Natalia do to her anyway? The swift and sharp slap that Natalia delivered as a response echoed through the mansion, startling Rita. She had never expected Natalia to be this assertive. That slap was wellâdeserved!
Shocked, Alice covered her stinging cheek in disbelief, pointing at Natalia. âYou, you dare to hit me?â
Being the daughter of an earl, she had always been treated with the utmost respect. When had she ever been humiliated like this? Without thinking, Alice raised her hand, intending to return two slaps to Natalia. This bastard, not only did she steal Aliceâs father, but she also had the audacity to hit her!
However, before Alice could do anything, her arm was caught by Callum, who had come over. Callumâs face darkened, and his grip was tightening around Aliceâs arm. âAlice, if you wish to leave this place alive, I suggest you behave yourself. Not even your father would dare to act recklessly in my house.â
Alice felt as if Callum was about to crush her wrist. The humiliation and pain brought tears to her eyes.
She was sniffling, and she complained, âCal, she hit me first, and yet, youâre siding with her. Thatâs not fair!â
Callum snorted. âFairness is subjective. Also, donât ever call me Cal again. Youâve lost that privilege.
The continuous humillation overwhelmed Alice. She directed all her anger towards Natalia. âNatalia, I swear on my life, I will not rest until Iâve avenged this humiliation!
Really? Callum intervened. âIf you wish for death, I can arrange it for you.
the threat in Callumâs voice, and wisely chose to hold her tongue. She looked dingly Cal, 1 âStop! Iâve told you not to call me that. Donât make me remind you again. People who test my patience usually end up six feet under.â
Fearing another beating, Alice regretted coming here. If Callum were to kill her, her family wouldnât even know what happened. For the sake of her life, Alice decided to swallow her pride.
Taking a deep breath, she hid her anger behind a pitiful facade, staring at Callum pleadingly. âDuke Callum, I am deeply sorry for my earlier rudeness. However, please understand my feelings. I have just found out about my fatherâs infidelity. That homewrecker may be dead, but I still despise her.â
âWhat did you say?â Natalia stumbled over to Alice, shaking her by the shoulders. âWhat did you say?
What happened to her?â
Alice gave Natalia a disgusted look, wanting to unleash her fury but fearing Callumâs wrath. She reluctantly said, âYouâre asking about your mother, arenât you? Well, after causing a ruckus in our home, she killed herself by jumping into the sea. Sheâs currently lying cold and wet in our mansion.â
The news hit Natalia like a bolt of lightning, leaving her trembling. She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the air around her turn ice cold. Even breathing became difficult.
âThatâs not possible. She canât be dead. She was just talking to me. She canât be dead,â Natalia muttered in disbelief, shaking her head vehemently.
Aliceâs triumphant smile emerged as she watched Nataliaâs despair. âYou think Iâm lying? That horrible woman is lying soaked and lifeless in our mansion. My mother even argued with my father because he wanted to bury her in our family cemetery. Over my dead body!â
Nataliaâs tears fell once more. At this point, she finally believed Aliceâs words. But why? Why had the woman who had just wanted to hear her call her Mother passed away so suddenly?
She hadnât even had the chance to call her Mom. She regretted it so much!
Nataliaâs strength drained away as she collapsed onto the floor. âShe came here earlier, and hoped I could call her âMom, but I rejected her. I didnât even get the chance to call her Mom. How could sheâ¦
how could she just leave like this?â
Natallaâs words were filled with grief, breaking Callumâs heart. He wished Natalia didnât have to go through this, Regret was a bitter pill to swallow, Natalla and Lena had parted ways before they could even acknowledge each other. âDo you⦠want to see her one last fegret not seeing Lena one last time. To save Natalia from a life of quilt, he still asked.
e nodded woodenly, and a determined glint glimmered in her eyes. âYes,t want to Would death mean liberation for Lena? She had been a mistress for years and was nevertruly free.
Now, she could finally breathe.
Tears poured down Nataliaâs face like a breached dam. Slowly, she rose from her seat and began to walk away.