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.”

managed a weak smile. “It’s alright. All this is my fault. I will find a way to make it up

Lena turned around and slowly left the castle. Her figure was radiating a profound

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injuries on her face pierced Natalia’s heart like a sharp knife. But after

after I’ve left. Can I… Can I hold you?” As Lena stared at Natalia, she noticed her face was marred by injuries. It made Natalia feel like her world was falling apart. Natalia was trembling as she accepted

she pulled Natalia into her arms. She hugged Natalia tightly, as if exerting all the strength she had left. Natalia felt something wet on

almost suffocating in Lena’s

happiness.” Lena whispered into Natalia’s ear, then let go of her

felt an inexplicable sense of finality. That embrace was a mother’s embrace. It

letter. Inside was a single sheet of

“To my dearest baby,

1

all my

not being there

moment

I first felt you move inside me, you became my whole world, the

every night consumed by 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

secret.

I had

the McKinney family feud. My baby, all of 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

you’ve grown into such a wise and sensible young woman. I’m truly proud. England is a country that values lineage above all else, especially

out about this. He