The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Clad in her flannel pajamas, Natalia was drying her hair.

"Come here, I'll do it," said Magnus, patting the empty space next to him.

"No, your arm is not healed yet," she declined, choosing to sit on the sofa and dry her hair herself.

Magnus frowned, slightly irritated by her refusal.

Natalia, oblivious to his annoyance, finished drying her hair and sat next to him, "I think I'll sleep in the next room. I wouldn't want to hurt your wound in the night."

He quickly grabbed her, as if scared she would run off, "Get in bed. Stop being stubborn, or I'll get annoyed."

She rolled her eyes at him, but he didn't care. Pulling her close, he finally got to hold her. Breathing in the sweet scent of her skin and the aroma of her shower gel, a sense of sweetness started to spread in his heart.

Natalia stiffened in his arms, not daring to move.

Magnus, unable to resist, moved her shoulder a bit, and soon found her soft lips. He kissed her passionately, savoring her sweetness. His body felt like it was on fire. He wanted her.

"Magnus... no, your wound isn't healed," Natalia pushed him away.

He held onto her restless hand, "It's okay, darling. I want you." His voice was raspy and hoarse.

His hand had already slipped into her pajamas, running over her smooth back, his hurried breath hot on her face. The strong scent of his masculine pheromones overwhelmed her senses. She began to tremble; she knew this was what would happen.

Magnus, passionate in his advances, pressed her against him, his hand tearing open her pajama top. Suddenly, he hissed in pain as he touched his wounded shoulder.

Natalia was quickly brought back to reality, "Did you hurt your wound? I told you not to move." She saw his pale face and knew he had re-opened his wound. She sat up quickly, "I'll get Dr. Frankie." Magnus pulled her back, "It's too late. Don't go. Darling. I'm fine." He held her small hand tightly against him, "Help me, it's unbearable."

Natalia's hand brushed against something burning hot, she quickly recoiled but he held her hand tightly in place. "Help me."

Her mind went blank, her face flushed like fire, "Magnus, even in your condition, you're not behaving. Wait until you're healed..."

"No, I can't wait. I need you, darling. Please." His face was a mix of red and pale. He suddenly remembered what James had said. "Why don't you climb on top."

Natalia's mind exploded again; she was too embarrassed to even look at him. She had never met a man as shameless as Magnus. He was like a little puppy, begging for its owner's affection. Unable to look at him, she clenched her teeth and, with trembling hands, provided him with the relief he craved. The thing in her hand grew larger and larger until she could barely hold it. Half an hour later, Magnus finally relaxed his grip on her. He kissed her flushed face, "Thank you, darling."

Natalia immediately ran to the bathroom to wash her hands. She wished she could kick this shameless man out of the bed. But remembering his promise to let her study, she swallowed her anger. When she walked back to his side again with a blush, the man immediately embraced her. "Darling, once I'm healed, I'll return the favor."

"I don't want that!" she blurted out, her face burning. She couldn't possibly let this man do the same to her.

"Alright, if you don't want it, I won't. I'll just love you more when I'm healed." Magnus lovingly said.

Ignoring him, Natalia closed her eyes, ready to sleep. Magnus held her close, his chin resting on top of her head, "Sleep, darling."

Natalia's heart skipped a beat at his tender voice. If it wasn't for their awkward situation, she would have been lost in his tenderness.

The next morning, the sun streamed into the lavish room. Natalia woke up to find Magnus still sleeping. She got up to freshen up, also picking out clothes for Magnus.

Magnus opened his eyes slightly, feeling comforted by Natalia bustling around him. They were returning to Melfort, and a tough battle awaited them. No matter what, he wouldn't let her leave him.

He thought of visiting Lucius to expedite the divorce with Kendra. He didn't want Natalia to be stuck with him like this. He would marry her and give her the title of Mrs. Andersen.

The next day, Magnus and Natalia boarded a plane back to Melfort. They reached home late at night. Linden drove Magnus back to Sapphire Island. After taking care of Magnus, Natalia prepared herself for bed.

She opened her drawer to find her old phone, untouched. Turning it on, she found dozens of missed calls and messages, mostly from her father and Kendra.

There were also calls and messages from Sabrina and Lexi. They were still looking for her after three months. Hector hadn't called, but had left lengthy messages.

Reading the messages, she learned that Hector had been looking for her for three months, believing she would return. He told Natalia he would be going to America in a month, still believing she would come back.

Sabrina and Lexi's messages told her that no matter how long it took, they would always be sisters, hoping she would come back to them.

Tears blurred her vision. All she wanted was to continue her studies and finish her degree. Perhaps dreams were too far-fetched for her.

She sat on her bed, wiping away her tears, staring at the ceiling. She spent the rest of the night sleepless.

The next day, she showed up at the breakfast table, dark circles under her eyes giving her the appearance of a raccoon. As soon as she sat down, Magnus noticed her weary look. "What's wrong? Didn't sleep well last night?" Magnus asked, concern filling his voice.

"Yeah, I had some trouble sleeping." She didn't feel the need to hide it from him.

"Why?" He reached across the table, lightly grasping her wrist. "Did you miss sleeping next to me? Huh?"

Natalia wasn't in the mood for his playful banter. She lifted her gaze to meet his, "Magnus, do you remember the promise you made in Paris?"

If she could, she would love to go to college.

His eyes dimmed slightly, "I did promise, but it's not feasible right now." He planned to wait until the annual shareholders' meeting of the Andersen Corporation was over before sending her to college. Plus, by that time, they might have moved to Melfort.

There were still too many unresolved issues. Natalia was not completely out of danger. His legal wife was Kendra, and until he had sorted out that relationship, he didn't feel comfortable letting Natalia attend college.

Hearing his words, Natalia simply nodded, "Okay, I understand."