The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 200

How could Natalia believe such a flimsy lie from Lena? “Really? This couldn’t possibly be from an accident. Who are you trying to fool?” Natalla’s eyes welled up with tears.

Even though she had been abandoned, seeing Lena being bullied like this made Natalia’s heart ache!

Lena bit her lip, showing a troubled expression. “Well, it’s nothing. I’ve told you before. These so–called highborn folks are very particular about lineage. They absolutely can’t stand the thought of someone below their status tainting their bloodline.”

“So he found out about me? And he’s blaming you for it? And that’s why he hit you?” Natalia felt like her head was about to explode. What kind of messed up logic was that? It was absolutely infuriating!

“You go by Natalia, right? Don’t worry about it. I’ve gotten used to it over the years. As long as you’re doing well, I’m content. I came here today to check up on you, to see if you’re doing okay.”

Natalia heard Lena saying her name. This woman was once a stranger, yet had given birth to her. Natalia couldn’t describe the feelings swirling inside her. However, Natalia was being inherently kind and didn’t want Lena to worry about her. She nodded earnestly. “I’m doing really well, honestly. Even though life wasn’t great at the Clarkson’s, everything changed when I met Cal. He’s been really good to me.”

I

“Cal? You mean Callum?” Lena’s eyes lit up. “He’s a big shot in England, virtually untouchable. If he’s treating you well, I can rest easy. But remember, the English are very particular about lineage. If you don’t have a noble lineage, you won’t be able to marry him.”

Natalia’s eyebrows furrowed. Had Lena come all this way just to tell her these things? Although Callum was indeed very good to her, Natalia was well aware that marrying Callum was not something she was entirely sure about. Right now, though, she didn’t want to discuss these things with Lena. After all, they were practically strangers.

Natalia didn’t say anything else and invited Lena in to tend to her injuries. But then, “Natalia… Could you… Could you call me ‘Mom‘?” Lena asked suddenly. Her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears and made her look desperate as she pleaded. If she could hear Natalia call her ‘Mom‘ just once in this lifetime, she could die in peace.

Natalia was taken aback and shook her head with difficulty. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”

a weak smile. “It’s alright. All this is my fault. I will find a

desolation, Lena turned around and slowly left the castle. Her figure was radiating

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and the evident injuries on her face pierced Natalia’s heart like a sharp knife. But after only a short distance, Lena turned back

marred by injuries. It made Natalia feel like her world was falling apart. Natalia was trembling as she accepted

with relief, and she pulled Natalia into her arms. She hugged Natalia tightly, as if exerting all the

She was almost suffocating in Lena’s

happiness.” Lena whispered into Natalia’s

figure, Natalia felt an inexplicable sense of finality. That embrace was a mother’s embrace. It might have come

sight, Natalia finally opened the letter. Inside was a single sheet of thin paper, filled with a neat, delicate

“To my dearest baby,

1

It’s all my

being there for you all these

the moment you were

felt you move inside me, you became my whole world,

guilt and longing. Every second of every minute, I thought about my baby. I wondered if you were okay, if you had enough to eat, if you were sleeping well. But Rowell’s influence was too strong. He took away all my identity documents, and I couldn’t leave England because I discovered his

secret.

on, I was trapped, Nat. I never wanted to be a mistress. Forced into this situation, I had no choice but to become a caged bird in his golden cage. I spent countless nights longing

this is my doing. I was unable to break free from Rowell’s hold, and I couldn’t go searching for you in our homeland when you were still young. Thankfully, you finally came, and you’re just as beautiful as

a wise and sensible young woman. I’m truly proud. England is a country that values lineage above

Rowell found out about this. He was furious