The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 23

On the third day, Magnus couldn’t restrain his curiosity any longer. He just had to find out what this young woman was up to. Since she had agreed to be his bride, she had to understand the consequences.

Especially if she was going to make such a fuss over a simple one night stand

The sharp knock at the door interrupted Natalia’s thoughts She rose from her chair and opened the door to find one of the housekeepers standing there

“Ma’am,” the housekeeper said, looking at her with a hint of surprise. “Mr. Magnus requests your presence in his study”

Natalie nodded, “Alright, I’m on my way”

After taking a quick shower and getting dressed, Natalia headed towards the study As she pushed the door open, she saw Magnus sitting in his wheelchair by the floor–to–ceiling windows, gazing out at the ocean, deep in thought.

Natalia walked in quietly. He turned his wheelchair around as soon as he felt her presence. As their eyes met, a wave of emotion passed over his face before quickly settling back into a stoic expression. She had got quite thinner

Without another word, Magnus directed his wheelchair towards her. His gazes were as deep as the ocean, but his body radiated an inexplicable exhaustion Natalia’s heart clenched as she remembered the night before. Was it him that night? Why did he do that to her?

these past few days. I apologize for not helping with your physical therapy Before she could finish, Magnus cut her off I had a bad night. If you’re feeling

by her and wheeled his chair out of

other people on this island besides Linden and you? Well, I mean, other men?” Natalia had so much resentment in

man said expressionlessly as he pressed the elevator button. It was indeed ‘no, because on this island, apart from Magnus and Linden, there were only

dinner, and then you can start your work,” he said in a matter–of–fact tone with no warmth, like giving orders to

back her words.

feeling uneasy, could only eat a little. “I’ll get things ready, wait for me in the study.” she remarked,

downcast figure, a pang of sympathy hit Magnus.

sooner had Natalia entered her bedroom to retrieve her physiotherapy mat and a wooden hammer, the door gently opened behind her. Startled, she pivoted to face him. “Didn’t I ask you to wait in the study?

gazing intently at her. “If you’re not feeling up to it, we can always postpone this

get started,” she replied, pushing his wheelchair toward the study. All the while, a nagging thought persisted Even though she wasn’t truly his wife, she had, in all appearance, married him. If that stranger from the other night wasn’t Magnus, then what would happen if this man discovered another had been with her in his own home? Despite

Natalia began laying out the mat. As she went to fetch the massage equipment, Magnus beckoned her over. “Come here. We’ll skip

looked at him, puzzled

a gentle tug, he pulled her into an embrace, her face buried against his firm chest. Frozen, she felt her heartbeat skyrocket, his familiar, pleasant scent filling her senses. In their previous sessions, he’d occasionally draw her onto his lap. Now, she simply let

forehead, memories of that fateful night flooding back. Gazing

guard, Natalia turned her head, his lips grazing her cheek. “What are you. She began,

want to?” he asked, his dark eyes

was worried that Magnus would only hurt her again. More