The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 6

Natalia closed her eyes. Hadn’t Morgan claimed to adore Mr. Magnus? Yet here she was, being shipped off to Sapphire Island

No wedding and no ceremony. But then again, she was merely a stand–in, A ceremony would be meaningless anyway.

Was she going to take care of Mr. Magnus? As if he lacked caretakers.

She opened her eyes and glanced at the man in the sult next to her. “Where are we going?”

The suited man replied respectfully. “Ma’am, we’re headed to Sapphire Island. Mr. Magnus requested to skip the wedding and honeymoon, so you’ll be moving directly onto the island.*

Natalia merely nodded. It wasn’t her wedding to begin with Why would she be bothered about the ceremony?

After about an hour, the car finally came to a halt. Natalia opened her eyes to see an endless beach, an island, and a three story mansion surrounded by the sea on three sides, with a forest in the back. The only access was a single road leading to the mansion

The suited chauffeur opened the door for her, and Natalia stepped out, inhaling the fresh, salty air. She looked up to see a lush garden, plants bursting with vibrant colors. She stared blankly at the endless blue sea, the waves lapping at the sand

Her mind suddenly went blank. She was going to live here, in this strange place, for six months!

As she looked up, she saw a line of servants standing at the entrance of the mansion. Five men and five women, standing respectfully, all greeting in unison, “Welcome, Ma’am! We wish you and Mr. Magnus a happy marriage and a lifetime of happiness!”

This display startled Natalia. It felt like a welcoming fit for a king.

was luxuriously decorated with neat furniture On the wall opposite the living room was a

banner!

servant approached her, “Ma’am, dinner

elevator nearby opened. A middle–aged man pushing a

you must be tired I am Linden, the butler.”

aloofness, his dark eyes as cold as ice. This

unfair it was that such a handsome man was forced to

the petite girl in a pink dress with deep blue eyes as pure and beautiful

at his own pace, ignoring Natalia as if she didn’t exist!

to the dining table. She watched as he gracefully scooped soup into his bowl and

watched him quietly, not eating. She didn’t know

He frowned slightly but didn’t look up at her. “What, the food doesn’t suit your

flinch. Then she heard his tone of mild anger, “This is all I have. If you don’t want to eat, you’ll have to stay

wiping his mouth with a napkin, he left the room, moving straight into the

behind, still trying to process what had just happened. The servants began clearing the table. “Wait… I haven’t finished eating yet,” she murmured.

stomach growling in protest She had been busy all day

his guest, no, she was his wife! He didn’t even talk

I’ll eat!” She might as well make the best of it. She couldn’t starve to death, could

not to laugh, she grabbed

balcony, his face expressionless. “Did she eat?” His

she didn’t make a fuss. Sir, I think Ma’am is quite nice. She’s pretty and not picky about food. After

meal he had prepared. He had intentionally arranged for a simple meal to see how she would react.

freedom. She should have thrown a tantrum or gotten angry. She must be putting on a show for him, just like Lucius. She must