The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 238

Natalia's cheeks flushed, a tinge of embarrassment coloring her features. "I...I just forgot about the past, I've only recently started to remember everything again."

"Well, aren't you something," Lexi huffed, hands on her hips in an exaggerated show of indignation. "We've been worried sick and lost our appetites and sleep over you. And you just forgot about us? That's simply outrageous."

Sabrina quickly intervened, playing the peacemaker. "Alright, alright. As long as Natalia is safe and sound now, let's not tease her anymore."

Natalia glanced at her two best friends, and a whirl of thoughts and words begging to be spoken were swirling in her mind. But with Magnus still present, and she refrained from voicing them. Instead, she got up and ushered them upstairs. "Come on, let me show you my room."

Both Lexi and Sabrina understood Natalia's need for privacy and followed suit. "Sure, let's see what your new room looks like."

"Absolutely, let's go and check it out."

"Mummy, I want to come too." Jonas, who was finally filled after stuffing down a few pancakes, ran over from the dining table, eager to join the excitement.

Lexi looked surprised. "Oh my gosh, Natalia, is he your son?" Magnus had hidden Jonas so well that they didn't even know about his existence.

Natalia nodded. "Yes, we were all deceived by Morgan. He hid Jonas and lied to me, telling me my baby was dead."

Lexi shook her head in disbelief, disregarding Magnus' presence. "What a despicable man! How could he be so cruel?"

Sabrina tugged at Lexi, signaling her to be more cautious with her words. After all, Magnus was still in their presence.

Lexi, however, was undeterred. "What? We can't criticize him for his wrongdoings? If it hadn't been for his actions, would Natalia have been so heartbroken to have driven her car off a cliff?"

Sabrina pursed her lips, exasperated. Lexi, always one to speak her mind, didn't seem to understand the need for tact, regardless of who was present.

Magnus, having heard Lexi's words, didn't retaliate. Instead, he admitted candidly, "Yes, my grandfather was wrong in this matter. He has since secluded himself and no longer interferes with family affairs."

"Indeed, as if seclusion is a punishment. Who's going to make up for Natalia's lost years?" Lexi asked boldly, unafraid of Magnus' potential backlash.

Magnus lowered his gaze, remorse etched on his face. "All of this was my fault, and I will make it up to her. I hope she can give me a chance to start over."

He vowed to make up for his mistakes for the rest of his life. “Please forgive me, my love,” Magnus pleaded silently.

"That's not for us to decide. You have to ask Natalia," Lexi said, turning to Natalia. "Right, Natalia?"

Natalia didn't respond, unsure of what to say. She urged Lexi to follow her upstairs. "Let's go, we can talk in my room."

"Natalia, how have you been getting by these past years? How did Magnus find you?"

"And I never knew about you and his child. Magnus kept this matter a secret. Now that you three are reunited, what's your plan?"

Lexi and Sabrina fired questions at Natalia, leaving her unsure of which to answer first. With a deep sigh, she began to recount her experiences over the past years, including how Callum rescued her from the sea and nursed her back to health. She even revealed her own family background to her two best friends.

Lexi and Sabrina were moved to tears after hearing Natalia's harrowing experiences and complicated lineage. They had no idea that Natalia had not only suffered so much but also carried such a complex heritage.

Sabrina wrapped an arm around Natalia's slender shoulders. "Natalia, you've really suffered over the years. I'm sorry for your loss. But what's done is done, and I hope you can find the strength to move forward."

Lexi swept Natalia into a fierce embrace. "Why does it seem like you always get the short end of the stick, Nat?"

Wrapped in their warm consolations, Natalia patted their hands reassuringly. "I'm okay, really. I've come through."

"So, what's your next move?" Lexi asked. "Your little one is growing fast, Nat. He needs a stable home. I know I've had my issues with Magnus, but he does love you. He's been a wreck without you."

Sabrina didn't share Lexi's opinion. She thought Callum, who had been looking after Natalia all these years, was quite a catch. "Natalia, marriage isn't about settling. You need to listen to your heart. Who's the one you can't stop thinking about? Who's the one you can't bear to let go? That's the one you should choose. Not out of obligation or to keep the peace. That's just a recipe for disaster."