Chapter 28
The Imposter Bride
11-40 Natalia released Magnusâs hand, nodded, and got out of the car to assist him onto his wheelchair. A servant began to push the wheelchair towards the villa.
âNo need,â Natalia interjected, taking over from the servant. She pushed Magnus into the courtyard, where a line of smiling servants greeted her, âWelcome home, Ms. Natalia, weâre delighted to see you.â
Magnus remained expressionless, while Natalia blushed at the greeting, replying, âHello, everyoneâ
The servants were surprised at Nataliaâs appearance so young and beautiful. No wonder both of Magnus and Lucius were smitten with her Entering the living room. Natalia immediately saw the old man with gray hair sitting in the adjacent armchair. He appeared to be in good spirits, despite his hair being gray, and his eyes still shone with a wise light.
Growing up in the Clarkson family, Natalia was familiar with the formalities. She pushed the wheelchair towards the old man Morgan, Magnus grandfather âGrandpa, Iâm sorry for not coming sooner,â she said, her voice soft and gentle Morgan looked at Natalia, dressed in a blue dress and matching cardigan, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes, a clear blue. mirrored the calm and tranquility of a peaceful lake.
Suddenly, Morgan realized she was of mixed heritage. But both Kyler and Addison were local.
Nevertheless, he smiled warmly and extended his hand, âCome, Kendra, let me get a good look at you.
Howâs life on the island? When you married my grandson, I didnât throw a wedding for you. Iâm sorry for that. But donât worry, whatâs meant to be yours wonât be taken awayâ
Natalia smiled and walked over to Morgan as she reached out to take his hand in both of hers, âItâs fine, Grandpa. The wedding ceremony is just a formality. Iâm doing well and Iâve grown accustomed to living on the islandâ
Morgan chuckled heartily, âGood. Just like a true Clarkson sensible and smartâ
Morgan then pointed to a man and woman seated nearby, âThese are your inâlaws. You should recognize them. Do visit more often with Magnus.â
Natalia turned and was startled to see Magnusâ parents. Lillian, Magnusâ mother, had met Kendra before. She certainly would recognize Kendra.
Upon making eye contact with Lillian, Natalia could feel her blood run cold. Lillianâs smirk and contemptuous gaze said it all she knew Natalia wasnât Kendra Anthony, Magnus father, smiled, âKendra, thank you for looking after Magnus.â
Natalia straightened up. âHello.â
Lillian responded with a barely concealed sneer, âWe appreciate your help. From now on, weâll depend on you to take care of Magnus.â
All this time, Magnus sat silently, watching Nataliaâs reactions. When she saw Lillian, her panicked expression confirmed his suspicion â Lillian knew Natalia wasnât Kendra.
He looked at Morgan, âGrandpa, I think itâs time for dinner. Kendra is going to help me change.â
Morgan responded with a hearty laugh, âGo on, then.â
Magnus signaled for Natalia to come over. She walked over and began to push his wheelchair towards the elevator, heading to the third floor.
Once they were gone, Morganâs smile faded. Lillian stepped forward, as if to say something, but was stopped by Anthony. Morgan turned away without a word and headed to the second floor.
In his study on the second floor, Morgan pulled out Magnus and Kendraâs marriage certificate from a drawer. The girl in the photo wasnât the Clarksonâs daughter. Who was she?
On the third floor, Natalia pushed Magnus into his bedroom, her heart still pounding Magnus watched as Natalia stood in the middle of the room, her face pale. So she was scared now. He wanted to see how long she could keep up the act, knowing that even his grandpa was starting to suspect something.
Yet, she still wanted to deceive him. This girl had never been honest with him. Fine, let her continue the charade.
Natalia suddenly turned around, her eyes welling up with tears, âMagnus.â
The man remained expressionless, âGo change your clothes. Itâs time for dinner, and my brother Lucius will be joining us.â
Natalia clenched her fists, realizing that Lucius was also coming. Of course, how could she have forgotten? This was the Andersen Family Estate, Lucius would definitely be here. But by now, she had nothing to fear. What worried her was that the Andersen family might take their anger out on her father.
She pulled out a change of clothes for Magnus. As she helped him change, he looked up at her, his eyes full of anticipation. Was he waiting for her to tell the truth? Could it be that he already knew she wasnât Kendra?
âIf you have nothing to say, letâs go down for dinner, Magnus said, maneuvering his wheelchair towards the door.
âMagnus!â Natalia chased after him, her hands gripping the handles of the wheelchair, her eyes filled with tears, âIâm not your wife. Iâm not Kendra â The words slipped out uncontrollably.
She regretted not confessing this to him when they were on the island. Maybe then, he would have help helpless She realized that the first person she should have confessed to was Magnus But now, she alone and Magnus chuckled softly. âWhat are you talking about? If youâre not my wife, then who is? Why are you acting so strange after meeting Grandpa Donât worry, you have meâ
He reached for her hand, saying, âLetâs go, itâs all rightâ
Nataliaâs delicate hand was led by him towards the elevator Just as she was about to press the elevator button, the doors slid open with a soft hum Lucius stood inside eyes landing on the couple outside. Upon making eye contact with Natalia, he was taken aback So, this was Kendraâs little sister. She was indeed very beautiful, her delicate face and large ocean blue eyes filled with confusion. Her vulnerability was heart trembling She was stunningly beautiful He had seen countless women in his life, but if he wasnât mistaken, this girl was even more beautiful than Kendra She radiated an aura of innocence and purity Natalia, on the other hand, was taken aback. This was Lucius His eyes were sharp and cunning, a stark contrast to Magnus deep and calm gaze âLucius, youâre back,â Magnus interrupted their eye contact He took Nataliaâs hand. âMy dear, this is Lucius. You should know each other He gave a small smile, a smile that sent a shiver down Lucius spine Lucius quickly regained his composure, looking at Magnus with a mocking smile, Magnus Finally willing to return, huh? | thought youâd keep your wife hidden away on Sapphire Island for the rest of your life Who wouldâve thought youâd actually bring her home. Ha, ha, ha