Chapter 241
The Imposter Bride
11:58 The staff of the villa were all topânotch professionals, trained to a T When they received orders from their employer, they ensured their tasks were accomplished to perfection Thus, the moment Magnus stepped out, Natalia found herself in a state of absolute freedom.
Finally free from Magnus relentless attention, Natalia heaved a sigh of relief. She grabbed a moment to dial Callumâs number The phone rang for a long time, but no one picked up. Natalia was surprised, and thought perhaps Callum was avoiding her calls because she was in France, so she decided to dial the landline in the castle.
âBeep Beep Beep After a long time, someone finally answered.
âGood afternoon Whoâs speaking, please?â
The familiar accent from the other side of the line made Natalia realize it was Rita on the other end.
Rita, could you please get Callum on the line? Itâs Natalia.â
Recognizing Nataliaâs voice, Ritaâs tone was filled with an unmistakable excitement. Thank heavens, Ms. Clarkson! Weâve finally heard from you! Mr. Callum needs you!
Natalia felt a sudden chill, and she quickly asked, âRita, what are you talking about? Saved from what?
What happened to Callum?â
âMs Clarkson, ever since you left, Mr Callum fell terribly ill. Heâs still bedridden, and according to our private physician, heâs barely hanging on. Heâs been calling for you even in his unconscious state Rita sobbed over the phone Ritaâs crying stabbed Nataliaâs heart. She couldnât fathom how Callum could have fallen critically ill in just three days since she left. The thought was inconceivable. She had promised him that she would return! What on earth had she done? Callum was the only family she had in this world.
âRita, calm down. Tell me everything. What happened to Callum?â Natalia was extremely anxious, wishing she could teleport to England night away.
âMs Clarkson, I have to attend to Mr. Callum. I canât talk much. Please, come back as soon as you can.
If you delay you might not see him againâ Rita hurriedly hung up after saying this Listening to the busy tone from the receiver, Nataliaâs heart sank to the bottom of her chest. She had no idea what had happened to Callum, but she knew Rita wouldnât joke about such matters.
Rita had said, if Natalia delayed, she might never see Callum again.
Natalia was in a state of panic. She needed to fly back to England immediately. Prompted by her thoughts, Natalia quickly grabbed her passport from upstairs. ready to leave Magnus French villa.
As she descended the stairs, she noticed someone in the living room. It was Lexi âLexi, what brings you here?â Natalia asked in a hurry Lexi shrugged. Talk about being heartless! Iâm leaving France and came here to say goodbye If youâre too busy. Iâll just go.â
âAlright, ainght, Lexi, my bad Youâre leaving France? Why?â Natalia asked Lexi pointed to her small bag Tonginally came to hang out with Sabrina. Iâve seen everything I needed to, and even ran into you. Donât see a reason to stick around. Iâm thinking of packing up and heading back to Melfort.â
Then, noticing the passport in Nataliaâs hand, Lexi asked, âNatalia, are you planning to travel?â
Natalia nodded, without any attempt to hide her intentions. Yes, and I must leave right now. Callum is sick.â
âCallumâ The Duke from England?â Lexiâs eyes lit up. âNatalia, can I come with you? I want to experience living in a medieval English castle and rejuvenate my soulâ Natalia knew Lexis artistic tendencies were acting up again, but she didnât bother arguing. Instead, she agreed right away. âSure, you were leaving France anyway You might as well come with me to England for a while âMommy. I want to go too!â
Little Jonas ran down from upstairs, his eyes filled with determination, âMommy, I heard your conversation with Auntie Lexi Wherever you go, I want to go too. I donât want to be apart from youâ
Seeing Jonas on the verge of tears, Nataliaâs heart ached. She had just reunited with her son. How could she possibly leave him behind?
âBut, should we tell your daddy? In case he doesnât agree with you coming with me?â Natalia pondered, thinking she should seek Magnus permission before taking Jonas with her Jonas quickly shook his head âMommy, Daddy always said that a man should be adventurous. And I am leaving with you. If you ask him and he doesnât allow us to leave, what then?â
Natalia was speechless Indeed, given Magnus stubborn nature, if he knew she was going back to England to see Callum, he would certainly not let her go Under such circumstances, acting first and explaining later would be better So, Natalia impulsively decided to take Jonas with her to England Of course, the staff asked about their sudden departure. However Natalia deflected their quenes by saying they were going out for some fresh air Soon, a plane was carrying the trio to England Throughout the journey, Jonas kept asking questions excitedly. He had always been well cared for by Magnus and had never experienced the novelty of traveling alone with Natalia Upon landing. Natalia hailed a cab and headed straight to her apartment in England in no time, the taxi pulled up in front of the apartment building. Natalia, cradling Jonas, paid the fare and stepped out of the vehicle Lexi couldnât help but marvel at the quintessential British architecture in front of them. âWhat a gorgeous place. I love itâ
âI love it too, Jonas chimed in, not wanting to be left out.
Natalia fished out her keys and unlocked the door, gesturing for Lexi and Jonas to enter âThis is my momâs place. Iâm staying here for now?
âWow, this place is really nice. I love the layout too. Your mom must have been an artsy type, just my kind of woman, Lexi said, looking around the place with batisfied gaze before sinking into the plush comfort of the sofa.