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.

drunk. The celebration dinner was far from over, and it wouldn’t

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

was stuck, Chase sighed and obliged.

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 seen his friend express his pain

mighty Magnus to this state. But fine, he thought, he

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

early for the Andersen Corporation’s banquet, dressed in a sexy backless outfit. Her lips

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

in the corner of the room, she

dress to reveal more of her back before

there you are. She feigned surprise and sat down next to him, acting as if they were old friends.

the side, wary of

by now, looked up at the mention of his name and saw isabella He

Magnus was already somewhat intoxicated, overwhelmed by a sense of frustration due to Natalia’s absence. He had no particular feelings for isabella, only treating her