The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)
Chapter 389

"Darling, I remember you once asked me what mattered most in this lifetime. I must have forgotten to tell you, but you and Jonas are the most precious things to me. Honey, I'd give up the world just to stay by your side. Would you let me?"

Since he couldn't bring her back to his side, the only choice he had was to go to hers. Magnus murmured these words into the quiet room, waiting for an answer that never came. He glanced down at Natalia, who was resting against his chest, and realized she had fallen asleep.

Gazing at her peaceful face, he whispered affectionately, "My love, what am I to do with you? They say Magnus in the boardroom is like a warrior god, but only I know how utterly small and humble I am before you. All my efforts and toil are just to win a smile and a laugh from you."

He chuckled softly, holding her close.

The night grew quiet, and the hospital room with it. Magnus maintained an awkward position, one hand held high, the other cradling Natalia to his chest. It was uncomfortable, but he cherished it, unwilling to disturb her sweet dreams. For with Natalia in his arms, his life felt complete and his dreams all the sweeter.

The next morning, Natalia woke from her dreams. She yawned lazily, only then realizing she had fallen asleep on Magnus' chest.

Heavens, when was the last time she had fallen asleep so quickly? Shaking her head slightly, she tried to convince herself it was just exhaustion, not because it was Magnus who held her.

Carefully, she extracted her blouse from under him and slowly got out of the hospital bed. Just as she reached for the door, it burst open, and Jonas bounded in full of energy. "Daddy, Mommy, the sun's high up! Time to get up!"

Jonas stopped mid-sentence when Natalia gestured for silence. Sheepishly, he whispered, "Good morning, Mommy."

"Good morning, sweetheart. Where did you sleep last night?" Natalia suddenly remembered Jonas hadn't come back the night before and felt like she had failed as a mother.

Sticking his tongue out again, Jonas replied, "Uncle James took me out for dinner last night, and when we got back, you and Daddy were already asleep. Uncle James told me not to wake you and took me to my room."

Relieved, Natalia said, "That's good. Remember the lesson from last time. Don't go wandering off alone."

"Okay, Mommy. Uncle James said I might have a little sister or brother soon. Can I have a little sister?" Jonas asked seriously.

Natalia's cheeks burned, but she was puzzled, "Why a sister?"

"Because I want to be a big brother and protect her. Little brothers are too mischievous. I'd prefer a little sister." Jonas negotiated with a hug. "Please, Mommy, can you plant a little sister for me?" "Plant?" Natalia was bewildered by the word.

Jonas' eyes sparkled, "Uncle James explained it to me. He said a little sister is something you and Daddy made together. Daddy plants the seed in mommy's field, and after a while, it sprouts and grows into fruit, and then you get a little sister."

Embarrassed, Natalia instructed, "From now on, stay away from James, okay?"

"Why?"

"Indeed, why is that, Natalia?"

Both Jonas and James' voices rose at once, and Natalia inwardly groaned. Oh dear, she had been caught gossiping!

She was too clever to admit it though. With her most charming smile, she pretended not to hear James' question and redirected, "James, what brings you here so early?"

James lifted the breakfast he brought, "I was worried you'd be hungry, so I brought some love-packed breakfast. And then I overheard the saddest thing. Someone's mommy is telling someone to stay away from me. It broke my heart, really!"

"James, that's not what I meant, I..." Natalia, not good at lying, struggled for words.

Magnus woke up and looked sternly at James. "James, no teasing my wife. What's gotten into you?"

James swiftly raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, I can't mess with any of you. Here's your breakfast. C'mon, Jonas, Uncle James is taking you out to play."

Jonas had already eaten but was thrilled at the prospect of playtime, cheering as he ran out. "Oh, that's great! Mommy, I'm off to play!"

He followed James, completely forgetting Natalia's warning to keep her distance.

After several weeks, Magnus' arm healed completely. His relationship with Natalia began to soften, much to the delight of Jonas, who reveled in the happiness of having both parents close by. Natalia gradually grew accustomed to Magnus' suggestive hints and went from shy to indifferent and finally to ignoring them altogether. Thankfully, Jonas' constant presence kept Magnus' advances at bay. But still, there was no word from Hector. The company's affairs were left in the hands of the deputy CEO. Natalia continued her design work, telling everyone Hector was on a business trip.

No news might've been good news, was how she comforted herself. She waited quietly, daring not to think too much, patiently hoping for Hector's return.

The day had finally come for Magnus to be discharged from the hospital, and Natalia, with her usual efficiency, had helped him pack his few belongings. James had taken care of all the paperwork needed for Magnus to leave the sterile white walls behind.

"Magnus, you're back on your feet now, and I think it's about time you head back to Melfort, don't you?" Natalia said, not mincing her words as she issued what was unmistakably an eviction notice.

No sooner had Magnus stepped out into the fresh air than he heard Natalia's blunt suggestion. He promptly plopped himself onto the hood of her car, refusing to budge. "Come on, Wifey, we're a married couple, and now you're giving me the boot?"

Natalia rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "For the umpteenth time, Magnus, I am not your wife! Can you please stop calling me that, OK?"

"Sure thing," Magnus replied, surprisingly compliant for a change. "Tell me, beautiful Ms. Clarkson, how can you bear to see a fellow soul cast adrift on foreign tides? Especially one saddled with such an adorable little tagalong."

With that, he gave Jonas, the little tyke who had somehow become his sidekick, a playful pinch.