Chapter 53
The Imposter Bride
A single, dismissive phrase from Kendra saw her off, implying that her role as a standâin was no longer required. How laughable.
âSorry to disappoint you Kendra, but Magnus didnât send me away, and Iâm not going anywhere. He requires my care,â she responded calmly, despite the storm brewing within her.
Kendraâs audacity was baffling. Who did she think she was to dictate Nataliaâs life?
âAre you planning on sticking around?â Kendraâs anger flared at her words. âDonât forget, Iâm Magnus legal wife. Itâs about time you resumed your original place Natalia laughed coldly, and her eyes were staring straight at Kendra. âYou think Iâll marry and leave as you command? Kendra, Iâd already told you on the day I left the Clarkson family that Iâve repaid my debt for the fifteen years of upbringing. I owe you nothing now! As for Magnus, you can talk to him. If he asks me to leave, I will Kendra suddenly realized that the young woman before her was no longer the pushover she once was.
She dared to confront her directly Kendra strode forward and grabbed Nataliaâs arm. What did you just say? You dare to defy me?â
Natalia pulled her arm away. Youâve always disliked me, Kendra. Iâve kept my distance from you, yet youâre still not satisfied. We agreed that our lives would be separate!â
Just as Natalia finished her sentence, Kendra slapped her across her pale face, leaving a distinct handprint. Natalia tilted her head slightly. Her calm eyes were now flashing coldly at Kendra. âDonât push your luck, Kendra I wonât obey you anymore.â
Kendra stared venomously at Natalia before her. âYouâre just like your mother, shameless. Youâre busy with my man, do you understand? I did you a favor by letting you marry him Get the hell out of here before I lose my patience!â
âWho are you telling to leave? A deep voice echoed from the villaâs doorway, followed by the sound of a wheelchair sliding into the living room. Magnus dressed in a suit, sat in the wheelchair His icy demeanor was like the chilling wind of October, and his black eyes were piercing Kendra like a sword Both women turned to look at the man sitting in the wheelchair. Despite his seated position, he exuded an aura of superiority.
Kendra trembled as she saw the wrath in Magnusâ face. His gaze was lethal. âMr. Magnus.
Magnus retracted his icy gaze and slid his wheelchair next to Natalia, looking at her with concern.
âCome here, let me see He took her hand and guided her onto his lap, touching the handprint on her face gently âDoes it hurt?â
Natalia didnât respond, shaking her head slightly, but as she tried to stand, Magnus held her tightly, and spoke softly, Till get you some ointment later. If anyone ever hits you again, hit them back, no matter who they areâ
Touched by his words. Natalia fought back tears. No one had ever shown her such concern before. Her eyes welled up as she smiled faintly. Tim okay, it doesnât hurt.
âYou silly girl Magnus tightened his hold on her hands.
Kendra watched, seething with jealousy as Magnus treated Natalia with such tenderness. She was his.
Seeing Natalia in his lap felt like a thousand arrows piercing her heart. It was unbearable. She clenched her fists, and her nails dug into her palms until they bled But before she could approach them, Magnus icy gaze stopped her in her tracks. His look was one of utter disgust.
âGuardsâ
Two men in black entered. âSir?â
âDrag this mad woman out of here!â
âYes, sirâ The security guards immediately approached Kendra.
Before she could even understand what was happening, she found herself being manhandled. âWhat are you doing? Iâm the mistress of this house, let me gol Natalia, you shameless wretch, youâve stolen my man.
âHold on Magnus cold voice cut her off The security guards turned back âSir?â
âStuff her mouth up so she canât spew any more nonsense. And remember, sheâs not to set foot in this villa ever again Magnus aura was terrifying âYes, sir The sound of slaps and Kendraâs screams echoed through the villa, while Natalia stared at Magnus, her emotions churning Magnus held ber as he slid to a cabinet, retrieving a first aid kit He took out some ointment and began to apply it to her face Natalia heard the screams from outside and furrowed her brow grabbing Magnus hand He knew she wanted to plead for Kendra. This girl was too kind for her own good After years of being bullied, she had the chance to fight back with his help but she was still pleading for mercy Magnus sighed. âRemember, from now on, youâre my woman, Natalia No one can bully you except me âNataka looked into hys dark eyes, at bes dominant demeanor, and couldnât help but smile So itâs the same if Iâm bullied by others or bullied by youâ
He leaned down to kiss her sucking gently on her lips before pressing a soft kisa to her cheek, tenderly licking the handprint âSilly girl, the only time Iâll take advantage of you is in bed Nataliaâs body tingled as he kissed her, her face flushing at his words Once the guards had thrown Kendra out of Maplewood Manor, the villa fell silent again, and the two of them sitting close on the couch âWhy are you back so early? Werenât you supposed to be at the office?â Natalia recalled that he usually returned late from the office, but he was home by noon today.
As a matter of fact, as soon as Kendra entered the manor, he was informed of a woman visiting his house. He figured it was Kendra, coming to harass his beloved wife. He immediately had Paul drive him home. No one was allowed to lay a finger on his woman. Anyone who dared to would pay a price.
âOf course, Iâve missed you. I came back to see you, only to find out my sweet lady was being bullied.â
He was toying with her hand, raising it to his lips and gently biting on her fingertips.
Natalia stiffened, this man was becoming more and more flirtatious. He knew she was shy, yet he always liked to tease her âMy lady, I came back to see you Donât I get a little treat?â His voice was low and husky in her ear.
âWhat kind of treat?â Natalia looked at him blankly âHmm. something to make me feel goodâ The man was as thickâskinned as a fortress wall.
Natalia immediately stood up Her face was flushed and her heart was racing as she said, âDidnât you feel good enough last night? Iâm going to check on dinner. Are you going back to the office after eating?ââ