The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)
Chapter 397

Callum was getting an earful from Lexi, but he patted her back with patience instead of getting mad. "Lexi, take it easy. There's no need to get all worked up."

"How can I not be worked up, Callum?!" Tears streamed down Lexi's face as she wiped them haphazardly. Anger colored her tone. "You can stop loving me, and try to erase all the memories we've shared, but how could you ever doubt Mason? You're such a jerk!"

With that, Lexi pointed to Mason, who was sleeping peacefully, and questioned Callum through gritted teeth, "Just look at him! His eyes, his eyebrows, and his little face - what part of him doesn't look like you?! Do you even have a conscience?!"

Callum pulled Lexi into his arms, settling her on his lap. "I know, I know it all. Can you just calm down for a second and let me explain?"

Lexi pushed Callum away, sitting at a distance, her tears unending. "Fine, you talk! I want to hear this. I'm not going to live in the dark, so spill your guts!"

Callum knew Lexi was extremely upset and resistant towards him, so all he could do was to give her a wry smile. "Lexi, do you really believe I'd lock you in a basement? I love you too much to even think about it, let alone let Rita do such a thing."

"Hmph!" Lexi scoffed. "Oh, Callum, didn't you lock me up before? Ask your conscience - is this something you're not capable of?"

Callum nodded in admission. "Yes, I locked you up once. But, Lexi, even then, I only put you in the most comfortable room and restricted your freedom. If I could provide you with the best even before I fell for you, how could I possibly lock you away in a dark basement now?"

As he spoke, Callum's gaze softened with concern. "Lexi, come here. Let me hold you properly."

Lexi took two cautious steps back. "Cut it out. We have things to discuss, so keep your hands to yourself! And let's not talk about the past - let's talk about your upcoming wedding. I got your invitation. It has your name on it, and some princess named Angela!"

Callum shook his head helplessly. "Lexi, think about it. If Rita dared to lock you up, she could also forge a fake wedding invitation, right? Besides, if I were to marry a princess, wouldn't I need to divorce you first? How else would a princess agree to marry me?"

"So, you're here to discuss a divorce?" Lexi stepped back. "Fine, Callum, I'll give you a divorce. I don't want your property or any of that junk. I only want our son, Mason."

Callum almost laughed at the absurdity. "Lexi, are you even listening? When did I say I wanted a divorce?"

"Just now, you said it. Do I need to repeat your words?" Lexi's tone turned icy.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, I'm getting nowhere here." Callum was exasperated, stomping his foot in frustration. "Lexi, I was making a hypothetical point, okay? I was saying that if I decided to marry a princess one day, the first thing I'd have to do is divorce you."

Lexi snorted, "There you go, not admitting it, but you still want a divorce."

Callum, who prided himself on his wit and intellect, was at his wit's end with this woman who had him completely outmatched. "Lexi, I am not asking for a divorce." Callum was on the verge of pulling his hair out, sighing in defeat. "Forget it, let's change the subject. Do you really think I'd put you on a boat and leave you to your fate without a second thought?"

Lexi pondered for a moment. "I'm not sure."

"Well, that's on me for making you feel insecure." Callum took a moment for self-reflection, then looked earnestly at Lexi. "Do you trust my heart? That my heart belongs to you?"

Lexi was scorched by the intensity in Callum's eyes, hesitating for a split second before murmuring, "If it were the old days, I'd believe you without question, but now... you're about to marry that beautiful princess Angela. She's royalty, and I'm... nothing."

"Enough!" Callum cut her off, whipping out his phone and dialing a number. "Angela, I'm in Hawaii, and you need to get here now! Yes, I've found my wife, and she thinks I'm marrying you, damn it! You were right! If you don't come, I'll... no, you'll come because I finally remember who your first love is, and he's right here, and it's killing me! Believe it or not, I don't care!"

After bellowing into the phone, Callum hung up with confidence and turned his softened gaze back to Lexi. "I think it's necessary for that princess to come here and clear my name and prove my love for you." Lexi, who had witnessed Callum's fury, shrank a bit beneath the weight of his dominating presence - the man she couldn't bear to part with.

"Mummy, Mummy?" Mason was finally awakened by Callum's shouts, sitting up groggily and reaching out for his mother.

Lexi decided to put the matter aside until the princess arrived, giving both herself and Callum a chance. She got up, picked up Mason, and headed for the door, only to be surprised by the sight of Natalia and Magnus, who had been eavesdropping at the doorway.

Natalia sheepishly stuck out her tongue, whispering in support of Callum, "Lexi, I think you should trust Cal."

Magnus couldn't resist stirring the pot. "Lexi, men are fickle creatures. Don't let him charm his way back in too easily."

Natalia pinched Magnus' arm fiercely. "By that logic, you're no exception!"

Magnus winced, gripping his arm and howling in mock agony. "Easy there, sweetheart, how could I possibly be just any guy? I'm the man among men, the alpha of the pack!"

Completely unimpressed, Lexi sauntered past with Mason in her arms, disregarding the playful banter between Natalia and Magnus.

Their affectionate exchange, however, was rubbing Callum the wrong way. Magnus' smug, taunting grin- was like a red flag to a bull, stoking a fiery urge in Callum to throw a punch. Scowling, Callum followed them out of the bedroom, trailing behind Lexi as they moved into the living room.