The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Magnus' expression was really grim. He pulled Natalia closer, murmuring, "Don't mind him, darling. This is what he's supposed to do. Are you hungry?" Natalia shook her head, "Not really. Are we heading to the hotel?"

"No. I used to stay here while I was getting treatment for my leg. So I have a house here," Magnus replied, his grip on her hand gentle yet firm.

They arrived at a gorgeous villa that looked like a mini castle bathed in the moonlight. Natalia gazed in awe at the white exterior walls, the golden front door, and the two Rolls-Royce Phantoms parked in the yard.

Magnus got out of the car, settling himself into his wheelchair. He pushed open the golden door, revealing a newly renovated interior with immaculate furniture.

Linden was already in the kitchen preparing some late-night snacks, while Carter was about to leave after helping Magnus inside. "Magnus, you guys rest up. I'll be over for dinner tomorrow."

"Running out of food, Carter?" Magnus retorted. "Can't wait to sponge off me, can you?"

Carter was left speechless. He had, after all, picked them up.

When he noticed Natalia taking their belongings upstairs, he walked over to Magnus. "This girl's a marked improvement over Kendra, Magnus. Looks like your penis is about to have some happy days." "Cut the crap!" Magnus glared at him. "She's my wife."

"Oh, Magnus, don't forget, you brought her here. She won't be able to ignore what's going on here. She won't betray you, will she? After all, Kendra's the one on your marriage certificate." Carter gave Magnus a meaningful look as he held his car keys.

Magnus' deep gaze darkened. Frowning, he said, "I'll handle everything."

Carter's car left the villa, and Natalia came downstairs, noticing the silent Magnus on the sofa. She walked over to him. "Carter's gone?"

"Yes. He is the manager of our company in France." Magnus replied nonchalantly.

"I know. He's one of the buddies you told me about, along with Chase and James," Natalia paused before sitting next to him. "Magnus, don't be pessimistic. Your leg will get better. You have so many friends who hope to see you get up. When are we going to see the doctor?" If his leg could get better quickly, she would consider her mission accomplished.

Magnus remained silent, gazing deeply at the girl in front of him. Her concern was genuine. He found himself lost in the soft features of her face.

He thought to himself, "Darling, please don't betray me. Stay with me. I promise to give you happiness and love for a lifetime."

After a quick midnight snack, they went upstairs to freshen up and rest.

The next day, after Natalia got up, she and Magnus explored the villa. She was delighted to find a room full of comics. "Did you draw these? They're beautiful."

Magnus looked at the comics he had sketched out of boredom three years ago. Natalia was holding them as if they were treasures. He walked over, "Yes, I drew these when I was getting treatment for my leg. Do you like them?"

Natalia nodded, "I love them. You draw really well. I studied design, but I love to draw. I participated in an art exhibition at school and even won an award."

That year, she went out to play with Sabrina and Hector, and they painted a picture together, naming it Green Blossom. It depicted an unknown small flower growing on the rocky mountainside.

When that painting was exhibited at the school art exhibition, Hector hung it up, and to her surprise, it won a third prize. She was overjoyed at that time, like a child. Back then, Hector looked at her indulgently and said, "Natalia, when we go to the States, I'll let you study painting. You might be more interested in it."

Thinking about this, her nose tingled, and she almost teared up.

Magnus in the wheelchair looked at her holding the sketch with a sorrowful expression. She wasn't feeling sentimental just because of this sketch; she was probably reminiscing about the past. Magnus approached her and took the sketch from her hands, "What's on your mind?"

Natalia snapped back to reality, managing a bitter smile, "Nothing."

Magnus frowned, "I want you to be honest with me. Remember, you're my wife from now on. As long as you stay by my side, I'll grant any of your wishes."

His dark eyes held her captivated. Should she trust him? After spending some time together, he wasn't as cold and ruthless as before, but his temper was still unpredictable.

Legally, Kendra was his wife, but she was the one living with him. Despite the awkwardness, she had no choice but to rely on him for a stable life. She opened her mouth to say something, but eventually decided against it.

Magnus noticed her hesitation and his face darkened. She still didn't want to be honest with him. This girl still lacked a sense of security. He made a mental note to make her completely dependent on him. That night, Natalia spent her time in the study, drawing till late. At eleven o'clock, Magnus wheeled in and saw her engrossed in her drawing. His heart softened. He quietly approached her and saw a sketch of the villa they were living in. She had memorized the details of the house and sketched it out perfectly. "You've done a great job," Magnus said, "Time for bed."

"Okay." Natalia stood up, smiling as she packed up her drawing materials. She was quite satisfied with her masterpiece too.

After freshening up, Natalia quickly fell asleep, exhausted. Magnus peeked into the bedroom, saw her sleeping peacefully, closed the door gently, and left the villa.

ML Group in the southern part of Lille was Magnus' enterprise in France, dealing with real estate, entertainment, and fashion.

Five years ago, Magnus founded this company, which was managed by Carter. When Magnus came to France for his treatment three years ago, by the time he got back on his feet, the company had already entered the ranks of the world's top 500 enterprises.

As the door to the 36th floor opened, everyone inside stood neatly in a line. Dressed in a black shirt, navy coat, and well-fitted trousers, Magnus exuded an aura of authority. His gaze was intense and sharp, and he walked in with an air of command.

"Good morning, Mr. President!" Everyone greeted him with a bow.

Carter cast Magnus a sly grin, "Magnus, man, we've been waiting up for you till the witching hour and here you are just rolling in from a lady's bed. Spare a thought for us bachelors, will you? It's a mighty lonely night."

Magnus shot a glance at Carter, "You sure you're in need of a lady, Carter? I'd have no problem finding one for you right this minute."

Carter blinked, waving his hands in immediate refusal, "Just pulling your leg there, buddy. I don't need a lady." How could he want any woman, when there was only one woman he ever wanted to touch? But she had vanished from his world three years ago.

The midnight meeting dragged on for three hours before it concluded. By the time the streets of Lille were emptied of lights and shadows, Magnus finally dismissed his corporate team. They had a tough battle to fight the next month. He had to tread carefully.