The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 139

How can we start the evening without you, Mrs. Andersen? You have to be there,” Magnus gently cajoled over the phone.

le wished he could immediately bring her close to soothe her, and make things right. If she wasn’t there tonight, he wouldn’t be in the mood to host any elebration.

Magnus, I really don’t want to go. I have plans with Lexi to discuss our participation in a French art exhibition,‘ she explained. Their school had secured hree spots for students to participate in a renowned French comic competition, and she and Lex had applied hoping to see their friend Sabrina. Upon hearing her outright refusal. Magnus furrowed his brow into a tight knot, his expression darkening significantly. He silently hung up the phone Natalia assumed he had given in, allowing her to skip the company’s anniversary dinner After school, she, Lexi, and another classmate met with their utor to discuss their upcoming trip to France

The Andersen Corporation’s annual celebration went on as scheduled. As the CEO, Magnus delivered speeches and handed out awards. However, his nood was visibly sour, especially during the after–dinner dance party, because Natalia didn’t show up.

He sat sullenly in a corner, nursing a glass of brandy, one after another, drowning his disappointment.

Was he not affectionate enough? Was he not treating her well? How could she actually skip the dinner Dame it!

Without her, he felt a profound emptiness. As the rest of the partygoers danced and laughed, he was alone, nursing his loneliness and frustration ‘Magnus, don’t drink too much, Chase advised, noticing his friend’s foul mood. Everyone knew Magnus was upset because his wife, Natalia, hadn’t come Magnus shot Chase a glance, continuing to down his brandy and finally slamming the crystal glass on the table impatiently, “Enough with the chatter, drink with me.”

“Enough, Magnus You’re going to get drunk,” Chase warned, eyeing the three empty bottles on the table.

of all days, Magnus couldn’t afford to get drunk. The celebration dinner was far from over, and

could use it to forget my sorrows, Magnus replied, pouring two more glasses and shoving one towards Chase,

stuck, Chase sighed and obliged.

knew how formidable Magnus could be, and Chase wasn’t eager to push his luck. He had never seen Magnus drink so much, nor had he ever

reduced even the mighty Magnus to this state. But

joined Magnus in his drinking, indifferent to the socialites and dignitaries around them.

Corporation’s banquet, dressed in a sexy backless outfit. Her lips were seductively red, her makeup exquisite, and her

watched him with an entranced gaze, admiring his poise and intelligence. She had loved him since she was young and was determined to win him back,

spotting Magnus in the corner of

makeup, reapplied her perfume, and adjusted her dress to

feigned surprise and sat down next to him, acting as if they

the side, wary of her intentions and overwhelmed by her overpowering perfume.

of his name and saw isabella He furrowed

frustration due to Natalia’s absence. He had no particular feelings for isabella, only