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?”

Won’t you

cordial tone.

around herself in slight discomfort. “I’m sorry, it’s late. If you to visit,

wish

aversion to being alone with men, and pointed to Natalia and Callum standing by the

car. When her eyes fell on Natalia, her face paled instantly. She clutched the door tightly, staring at the

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girl?

Lena turned

stunned. By the time Henry had processed what had happened, the door was firmly

was abruptly closed. She hung her head in disappointment, and

abandoned her as a child. Why would she want to acknowledge her now? But was she really

slid down Natalia’s delicate face, followed by another, and 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

echoed in the night, the once tightly shut door opened. Lena slowly emerged, tears streaming down

her daughter? This girl looked just like her when she was young. Had she not died? But now was not the time to acknowledge her. From

towards Lena. She slowly approached the unfamiliar house, quietly

Callum and Henry outside. It was a typical English–styled house, neatly furnished

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

resentment vanished. She stared at the woman before her, struck by their uncanny resemblance. “Ms. Lena, my

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. I sent you to Japan, hoping you’d lead a happy life,