Chapter 87
The Imposter Bride
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Injured as he was, Magnus was still in the mood to tease Natalia. He yearned for her affection, her attention, and her love.
Before, Natalia threatened to leave him once he was up on his feet. Now, with his back scarred from a blast, he wondered if she would turn her nose up at him. But she couldnât He wouldnât allow that. He didnât know what heâd do if she did.
âWhat are you babbling about, Magnus? She retorted. âIf it werenât for you, I wouldnât be sitting here today. How much do you want me to owe you before youâre satisfied?â He had been injured protecting her, she had seen it with her own eyes. He shielded her from danger with his own body.
Tears streamed down Nataliaâs face, her agony growing. She clenched her fists, fighting the urge to lash out at him. âWhat do you think I am to you, Magnus?â She questioned internally. âNow that youâre awake, why are you still worried that I might not like you?â
âSo, are you admitting that you like me? Magnus asked, despite the searing pain on his back. His heart soared at Nataliaâs words. He stared directly at Natalia, his eyes full of surprise Natalia was taken aback by his question, realizing she had walked straight into his trap. Her face turned crimson as she quickly replied, âYouâre seriously hurt now, Magnus Focus on getting better.
Donât worry about such things. Youâre in my heartâ
Truth be told, Magnus had risked his life twice to save hers. Even if Natalia was coldâhearted, she couldnât deny her feelings for him, especially when they had shared passionate time in bed together.
However, Natalia knew she couldnât fall for Magnus charms. She knew that one day she would have to leave him. To be with a man like Magnus, she would need his heart. Although she felt that Magnus cared for her, she wasnât confident about herself. She was afraid it was because he only liked her body.
She didnât dare to dream of being his wife.
But seeing Natalia denying it, Magnus ignored her and just turned back to lie on the bed. Then, in a low voice, he said, âYour denial wonât work. I already know that youlike me You owe me two lives now, and Iâll strive to make you owe me more. That way, youâll never be able to repay me, and youâll have to stay with me for the rest of your life.â
âYouâre just talking nonsense,â Natalia snapped at Magnus. âFirst, you took a bullet for me, then a bomb. Whatâs next, Magnus? Do you think youâre invincible? Youâre a human being, and you could die.
I donât want a next time.â
At thus, Nataliaâs heart shattered even more She had never experienced such fear for someoneâs life before. Although she had lived a hard life, she had never faced a lifeâthreatening situation. Despite the years of hardship in the Clarkson family, Kendra wouldnât actually take her life. But that one time, she genuinely wanted her dead, even considered throwing her into the sea Natalias eyes welled up with tears, and she broke down, crying her heart out. She didnât want to experience that heartâwrenching feeling again, of seeing Magnus on the brink of death.
Nataliaâs tears made Magnus feel a pang of regret. With a gentle voice, he consoled her, âAlright, donât cry. I promise that I wonât let you worry or get hurt anymore, okay? Be good.â
At this moment, Dr. Frankie, who came to check on Magnus every day at regular intervals, and Carter, who rushed back from France upon hearing about Magnus accident, as well as Chase and James, all entered the room.
Natalia had red, swollen eyes made James chuckle. âCheer up, he told Natalia. âYour tears are breaking my heart, not Magnusâ
Magnus face darkened considerably at Jamesâ words. âBack off,â he snapped âLooks like youâre feeling sorry for the wrong person, James. Your heart- seems fragile. Maybe you need more exercise to toughen up, huh?â
James let out a nervous laugh, âMagnus, youâre awake? I thought you were still unconscious. I was just kidding with Natalia. Donât take it to heart. You know we were just trying to lighten the mood. After all, Natalia has been crying a lot these past few days. Dr. Frankie even said that if she keeps crying. she might damage her eyesâ
James was taken aback by Magnus harsh words. He had been earnestly hoping for Magnus to wake up, never expecting such a cold reception.
Forget about even thinking of teasing Natalia, he didnât even let the ladies around him keep him company. He just felt anxious and gloomy watching Magnus in his wounded state, uncertain of when he would regain consciousness.
Suddenly, he felt that all the sacrifices he made for Magnus were totally wasted by the conversation they just had. Moreover, it could possibly bring him some trouble He definitely got the short end of the stick.
Hearing James speak with such audacity, Magnus really wanted to settle scores with him. However, when he heard that Natalia had been crying these past few days, has focus wasnât on James anymore.
Turning his head to look at Natalia, Magnus asked, âHave you been crying these past few days?