The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 9

She flicked on the light and walked in, towel in hand. Approaching the bedside table, she gazed at the Immaculate furniture, unsure where to start cleaning

This man was peculiar. His bedroom was so spotless, it seemed as if it had never been lived in. What was there to clean?

She gingerly opened the wardrobe, revealing an array of dark shirts, black trousers, and suits. This man was cold and eccentric, even his clothing reflected a chilling aura, but she still arranged his belongings neatly and tidied up.

When she finished and descended the stairs, Linden greeted her with a smile “What would you like for lunch, Ma’am? I’ll have May prepare it.” Natalia nodded. “I’m not picky, whatever Mr. Magnus is having will be fine.”

“Mr. Magnus has stepped out and may not return until the evening,” Linden informed her, still smiling

“He’s out? How did he leave? Who’s taking care of him?” Natalia questioned, worried. At the very least, someone should have been accompanying him. If Linden was here, how did he manage to leave alone?

“It’s alright. Mr Magnus can manage on his own Mr James came to pick him up.” Linden looked at Natalia’s concerned eyes and nodded silently Natalia wasn’t as cold–hearted as the rumors suggested. She seemed to genuinely care about their master. If she wasn’t involved with Mr Lucius, she could have been a good match for their master.

Upon hearing that he’d left with a friend, Natalia nodded. “Alright then, I’ll have whatever is convenient.”

Linden immediately went to the kitchen to relay her request. Natalia sat on the couch and wondered if she should inform her friends Lexi and Sabrina about her situation. Would they turn the world upside down looking for her if she disappeared without a trace?

She ascended the stairs and picked up her phone. Dozens of missed calls and messages flooded her screen. All were from Lexi, Sabrina, and Hector

[Natalia, why didn’t you come to school?]

[Natalia, please respond. I’ve applied to study abroad in the U.S., and we’ll be leaving in a year.]

me. I can’t find you…]

messages piled up.

ass out here,

[Nat, where are you? Someone’s going

come back, I’m going to come to your house

streaming down her face. This was the path she chose. For her father, she’d given up everything. It was

message from her

rushed down uncontrollably. She covered her mouth, trying to suppress her sobs, but the sound of her crying reached the ears of the housemaid

Linden about Natalia’s crying. Frowning, Linden commanded, “Get back to work, and mind your own business!”

maid quickly retreated.

to do something. Don’t look for me Don’t ask about me. I’ll be back after a

to survive. I’m a lonely wanderer. Thank you for taking care of me these past six months. Forget about me Don’t ask

we’ll meet again one day. But for now, please

door broke her reverie. “Ma’am, lunch is ready,” Linden

a small smile. “Alright, I’ll be

quick lunch and returned to her room, staying

but he wasn’t the owner. The real boss behind the scenes was a

red wine on the table shimmered enticingly under the lights. The door swung open,

that?” One of the men on the couch jumped up in surprise. His handsome

man following Magnus shrugged, indicating

on the couch, picked up a wine glass from the table, and drained it in

closest friends. Carter was the CEO of a powerful corporation in France. Chase, his younger brother, was the general manager of Golden Groove in Melfort and also the CEO of a subsidiary of Cliff International James was the founder of the notorious Silent King, a criminal organization

man behind all three companies and organizations was

the age of eighteen, Magnus had vowed to stand tall, refusing to surrender what was rightfully his. And