The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)
Chapter 393

A few of them rode the elevator up to the hotel room Lexi had rented. With a swift swipe of her keycard, she hurried through the door.

She strode inside, quickly glanced at the bed in the bedroom to make sure everything was okay, and let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness Mason hasn't woken up yet. That's a relief."

Natalia followed her in and, seeing Mason sound asleep, couldn't help but smile as she sat down on the edge of the bed. "Oh my, Lexi, he's got your features the long lashes, the sweet little smile, his tiny hands, and feet. He's just adorable."

Natalia had suffered from amnesia due to an accident and had spent five years in a haze with Callum. Those five years had been crucial, as they were the years her son, Jonas, had grown from a baby into a little boy. Missing out on Jonas' early years had left a void in Natalia's heart, but now, as she watched Mason sleep, it felt as if that tender gap was filled with the radiance of maternal love.

"Mummy, is this Auntie Lexi's little angel? He's so cute! Can I touch him?" Jonas whispered, seeking Natalia's approval.

Natalia nodded. "Sure, but be gentle, he's still asleep. We don't want to wake him up; he might cry if we do."

"Okay, don't worry, Mummy, I'll be super careful," Jonas said, and delicately brushed Mason's tiny hand with his fingers.

As Mason continued to slumber sweetly, Lexi carefully picked him up and whispered, "Let's head out."

Natalia stood up. "Aren't you going to pack?"

"What luggage?" Lexi chuckled, nodding toward a lone suitcase by the bed. "No time to waste, we need to get going before he wakes up mid-trip. That'll be a scene." With that, Lexi led the way out the door.

Natalia, pushing the suitcase and holding Jonas' hand, followed. Magnus and James trailed behind, confused by the unfolding situation, but seeing Natalia leave, they quickly followed suit. Lexi and Natalia briskly walked ahead. Lexi was cradling the slumbering Mason and holding Jonas' obedient hand.

Magnus whispered to James, "Didn't Lexi marry that Callum guy? Why's she running off with a kid now?"

James nodded knowingly. "Mr. Magnus, in my experience, a woman running off with a child like this is either looking for a divorce or... well, perhaps an affair."

Magnus squinted thoughtfully at Lexi's retreating figure. "And which do you reckon she's up for?"

"Well, that's hard to say," James replied, his eyes darting about. "But I'd bet on divorce, given there's no other man in sight."

Magnus cracked his knuckles and spoke with resolve, "That won't do. James, call Callum and tell him to handle his woman. My wife doesn't have time to deal with her."

James grimaced, surprised at how jealous the usually stoic Mr. Andersen could be. But orders were orders, "Right away, sir."

Satisfied, Magnus nodded and then paused, "Actually, hold off on that call. Let him search high and low for his wife and kid! He did keep Natalia's whereabouts from me for five years, after all!" James internally vowed to steer clear of love-a vengeful man was a fearsome thing.

Natalia and Lexi quickly made it back to their apartment. Not long after they arrived, Mason woke up. Unlike other toddlers, he didn't cry but instead gazed around with big, curious eyes at the unfamiliar faces. Jonas was overjoyed and gently touched Mason's curly hair and chubby hands, unable to contain his excitement.

Mason, who was not yet two, toddled around the apartment, fascinated by the new environment. Watching Mason's unsteady steps, Natalia's heart melted as she thought of Jonas at that age. She beckoned to Mason, "Come here, sweetheart, let me give you a hug."

Mason reached out and waddled towards her, tumbling into her embrace and giggling sweetly. Lexi sat nearby, watching her son snuggle with Natalia with pride written all over her face. Magnus, however, grumbled from his corner of the couch, "Darling, if you want, we could have another one right away."

Lost in Mason's endearing smile, Natalia paid no mind to Magnus' muttering. Lexi, sitting beside her, caught every word. Turning to Magnus with a teasing smile, she said, "Mr. Andersen, still haven't won back my friend's heart? You need to step up your game."

Magnus' face soured at the jab. If not for Lexi being Natalia's close friend, he might have shown her the door right then and there.

But given her strong connections, Magnus resisted the urge to lash out, rolling his eyes instead. "What can I do? I've been trying, but she won't budge."

Lexi chuckled softly, covering her mouth as she offered advice, "Mr. Andersen, sometimes a woman prefers a man who's a bit more... assertive, you know?"

Magnus raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Me, assertive? Ha! If I were any more assertive, I reckon I wouldn't even be allowed through the front door."

"You gotta step up your game." Lexi said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Without giving Magnus another glance, she reached out to scoop up Mason into her arms. "Come here, my little munchkin! If you tire out Aunt Natalia, some folks might hold a grudge against us."

Natalia reluctantly released her hold on the child, gazing fondly at Mason, who was a hundred times cuter than any cherub. "Lexi, your son is just too adorable."

"Well, of course, he is-look at whose genes he's got!" Lexi boasted, tipping her chin up in pride. But then, remembering Magnus was right beside her, she quickly added a diplomatic statement to avoid any petty comebacks. "And, of course, your son is no slouch either. Just look at how well-behaved Jonas is. He is like a little prince."