The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 197

Natalia’s heart was in turmoil, and the anticipation of seeing her mother left her in a bundle of nerves. She was so lost in her thoughts that she’d forgotten Callum was still holding her.

Under the cover of night, the trio exited Callum’s mansion, climbed into the car, and set off for Lena’s residence. Inside the vehicle, Henry finally broke the heavy silence, “Callum, if you knew that Ms. Clarkson might be Ms. Lena’s daughter, why didn’t you say anything?”

Callum shot a glance at Henry, flashing a look that screamed “shut up.” Henry saw Callum’s dark expression, and wisely refrained from asking any more questions. They were almost at Ms. Lena’s house, and the truth would soon be unveiled. He didn’t mind waiting a bit longer.

Soon, the car pulled up in front of an English–style building. This was where Lena, Rowell McKinney’s secretary, lived. Perhaps due to work, Lena’s residence was quite close to Henry’s mansion.

Callum was the first to step out of the car, helping Natalia out, and patiently waiting for her to descend. As for Henry, he didn’t get such treatment. He pushed open the car door and walked straight to the front entrance, pressing the doorbell.

Natalia stepped out of the car, noticing Henry had already rung the bell. Her hands were clenched nervously. Her heart was a mess. She was terrified at the thought of Lena being her biological mother, yet equally afraid if she wasn’t.

“Who’s there?” Following the ring of the doorbell, a soft voice echoed from inside the house, followed by the sound of shuffling slippers.

The door opened, revealing a slender, tall woman. She was dressed in a beige maxi dress. Her hair was in loose curls, and she had a forlorn expression on her face as she opened

the door.

Lena looked at Henry standing at the door in confusion. “Mr. Henry, it’s late. What brings you here?”

you. Won’t you

cordial tone.

discomfort. “I’m sorry, it’s late. If you to

wish

sensed Lena’s aversion to being alone with men, and pointed to Natalia and Callum standing by the car. “Actually, Ms. Lena, I have two friends who would like to meet

instantly. She clutched the door tightly, staring at the girl by the car. Was that Buttercup? But her daughter had been dead

1/3

13:10

girl?

Let’s talk tomorrow.” With that, Lena turned and walked back

door was firmly shut.

the door was abruptly closed. She hung her head in disappointment, and her heart was filled with bitterness. From the looks of it, Lena was likely her mother, but

child. Why would she want to acknowledge her now? But

another. As the tears fell faster and faster, like pearls falling off a broken string, they splashed onto the ground, breaking Callum’s heart. He marched towards the house, not bothering to ring the bell, and began pounding on the door. “Ms. Lena, there’s no point in avoiding this. I’ve already looked into your past. Open the

tightly shut door opened. Lena slowly emerged, tears

girl looked just like her when she was young. Had she not died? But now was not the time to acknowledge her. From Callum’s tone, it seemed he already knew about her. She gently approached Natalia with a sorrowful look

Lena. She slowly approached the

house, neatly furnished and cozy. Lena gently

daughter? You didn’t die?” Her tears flowed unchecked, tugging at Natalia’s

at the woman before her, struck by their

the woman sobbing in front of her, and her own eyes began welling up. After a moment, Lena wiped her tears and looked at Natalia again. “I’m sorry, Buttercup. It was all my fault.