The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 365

He stopped going to the company, and had handed over the reins to his VPs and Paul, spending his days lounging around O'Malley's, the local watering hole managed by his buddy James.

With his air of casual wealth, a man like Magnus naturally drew the gaze of the town's femme fatales. They prided themselves on their complexions and legs for days, draped in little black dresses and killer heels. Each was vying for the chance to share a wild night with the disheveled, yet undeniably handsome, drinker beside them.

But before any of them had a chance to cozy up to Magnus, they'd be met with a growl, "Scram!"—sending them scurrying away, their high hopes dashed. James witnessed this routine almost daily. All he could do was shrug, at a loss, for how to handle his friend's self-destructive behavior.

Months had passed since their return from Rome, but Magnus' spirits remained as sunken as ever. He spent his days soaked in booze as he shouted at anyone who dared to disturb his brooding.

O'Malley's had always been the hotspot for the well-heeled to unwind, but with Magnus' presence, the bar had taken on a glacial vibe, repelling the countless hopeful young women who sought his attention.

James had expected business to tank, with Magnus' morose mood killing the vibe. But to his surprise, the bar was packed to the rafters night after night. As he watched the dolled-up ladies hovering near Magnus, batting their eyelashes or feigning modesty, James silently wished them luck—they'd need it.

When Magnus slumped over the bar, too drunk to stand, James sighed and approached him. "Magnus, time to head home."

"Home?" Magnus mumbled, lifting his bloodshot eyes.

With a bitter smile, he squinted at James. "Home, huh? Where's that? I don't have a home."

Indeed, how could it be home without his wife?

"Magnus, you can't keep doing this to yourself. Your body can't take it. I know you want to find Natalia, but she's disappeared without a trace..."

Before James could finish, Magnus swung a punch at him, fueled by rage and whiskey. "Never say she vanished! She's just hiding, hiding from me. If I was dead, she'd come back... So let me drink myself to death!"

The punch, though thrown with all the energy Magnus could muster in his drunk state, packed little punch. Still, it was enough to stagger James, who spun on his heel and stormed off. "You're crazy, Magnus! Do whatever you want! Drop dead for all I care!"

Magnus ignored him, drowning his sorrows in the bitter sting of whiskey. Only when the alcohol numbed his brain could he escape the pain in his heart.

"Ew, Magnus, you're a mess. But I knew I'd find you here." A melodic voice rang out beside him.

Without looking up, Magnus waved her off. "Beat it!"

Usually, his icy one-word dismissal was enough. But not this time. The woman edged closer. "Gosh, you reek. Tell me, Magnus, have you found Natalia? We've all been so worried with no news for so long."

Callum's gaze didn't waver. "Hmm? But last time I checked, your parents' house wasn't a bar."

They were living a quiet life in England until Callum was unexpectedly invited to the Queen's selection for her daughter's suitor—a fact he kept from Lexi, not wanting to stir jealousy. He simply mentioned he'd be at a festival and would return soon.

But no sooner had he left than Lexi heard about the royal summons from a maid and slipped away from home. In a panic, Callum skipped the gala and raced after her, only to find she had left her parents' house for a night out at O'Malley's.

Green with envy and barely catching his breath, Callum had followed the address to find her sitting far too close to that damned Magnus.

Facing Callum's accusations, Lexi stuck out her tongue playfully. "Hehe, I was actually hoping to bump into Natalia here. Haven't heard from her in ages, and I thought maybe, just maybe, she'd show up around these parts."

"Uh-huh, and?" Callum pressed on, though in his heart, he already knew the score. Callum glanced at Magnus and took in his dejected, scruffy appearance, beard all unkempt, and not a hint of his usual polish – how could that possibly be the picture of a man who'd won Natalia's favor?

"But Magnus said he hasn't seen the hide nor hair of Natalia," Lexi continued, only to catch on a beat too late, "Ha! Callum, are you seriously interrogating me?"

With that, Lexi hopped off her barstool and pointed a finger right at Callum's chest. "Who died and made you king, huh? Getting all up in my grill like that! Pfft! You've got a wife and kids at home, and here you are, trotting off to some fancy debutante ball the Queen threw for her daughter, looking for love. Talk about shamelessness."