The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 87

Injured as he was, Magnus was still in the mood to tease Natalia. He yearned for her affection, her attention, and her love.

Before, Natalia threatened to leave him once he was up on his feet. Now, with his back scarred from a blast, he wondered if she would turn her nose up at him. But she couldn't. He wouldn't allow that. He didn't know what he'd do if she did.

"What are you babbling about, Magnus?" She retorted. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be sitting here today. How much do you want me to owe you before you're satisfied?" He had been injured protecting her; she had seen it with her own eyes. He shielded her from danger with his own body.

Tears streamed down Natalia's face, her agony growing. She clenched her fists, fighting the urge to lash out at him. "What do you think I am to you, Magnus?" She questioned internally. "Now that you're awake, why are you still worried that I might not like you?"

"So, are you admitting that you like me?" Magnus asked, despite the searing pain on his back. His heart soared at Natalia's words. He stared directly at Natalia, his eyes full of surprise.

Natalia was taken aback by his question, realizing she had walked straight into his trap. Her face turned crimson as she quickly replied, "You're seriously hurt now, Magnus. Focus on getting better. Don't worry about such things. You're in my heart."

Truth be told, Magnus had risked his life twice to save hers. Even if Natalia was cold-hearted, she couldn't deny her feelings for him, especially when they had shared passionate time in bed together.

However, Natalia knew she couldn't fall for Magnus' charms. She knew that one day she would have to leave him. To be with a man like Magnus, she would need his heart. Although she felt that Magnus cared for her, she wasn't confident about herself. She was afraid it was because he only liked her body.

She didn't dare to dream of being his wife.

But seeing Natalia denying it, Magnus ignored her and just turned back to lie on the bed. Then, in a low voice, he said, "Your denial won't work. I already know that you like me. You owe me two lives now, and I'll strive to make you owe me more. That way, you'll never be able to repay me, and you'll have to stay with me for the rest of your life."

"You're just talking nonsense," Natalia snapped at Magnus. "First, you took a bullet for me, then a bomb. What's next, Magnus? Do you think you're invincible? You're a human being, and you could die. I don't want a next time."

James let out a nervous laugh, "Magnus, you're awake? I thought you were still unconscious. I was just kidding with Natalia. Don't take it to heart. You know we were just trying to lighten the mood. After all, Natalia has been crying a lot these past few days. Dr. Frankie even said that if she keeps crying, she might damage her eyes."

James was taken aback by Magnus' harsh words. He had been earnestly hoping for Magnus to wake up, never expecting such a cold reception.

Forget about even thinking of teasing Natalia, he didn't even let the ladies around him keep him company. He just felt anxious and gloomy watching Magnus in his wounded state, uncertain of when he would regain consciousness.

Suddenly, he felt that all the sacrifices he made for Magnus were totally wasted by the conversation they just had. Moreover, it could possibly bring him some trouble. He definitely got the short end of the stick.

Hearing James speak with such audacity, Magnus really wanted to settle scores with him. However, when he heard that Natalia had been crying these past few days, his focus wasn't on James anymore. Turning his head to look at Natalia, Magnus asked, "Have you been crying these past few days?"