The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 434

The secretary led Gabby through the streamlined onboarding process, then took her on a quick tour to get familiar with the various tasks she'd need to handle as an executive assistant.

Magnus had been picky but finally found the perfect assistant. He felt a wave of contentment wash over him. At last, he could spend quality time with his wife without the constant nagging.

Meanwhile, at Hector's place...

Ever since Bianca's harrowing near-drowning incident, coupled with that awkward scene the other night, their relationship had become delicately complex.

These days, Hector left at the crack of dawn and didn't return until late at night, all to avoid Bianca and the embarrassment of that night. But seeing less of Bianca wasn't the same as not seeing her at all. Every morning, she was there by the door, sweetly warning him to take care on his way out.

And each night, no matter how late he returned, he'd find Bianca asleep at the table, having waited up for him, surrounded by a spread of food she'd prepared.

Seeing her curled up on the sofa, Hector felt a peculiar stir in his heart — a mix of pity and pain he couldn't quite name. Every time, he'd gently carry her to her room without waking her. She was light as a feather, and fragile like a kitten he'd taken in.

What Hector didn't count on was that even a lazy kitten had claws. This morning, just as he was about to leave, Bianca blocked his path at the door.

Tiny Bianca, tears brimming in her eyes, propped herself against the doorframe and asked, “Hector, do you dislike me? Are you trying to get rid of me but too polite to say so?”

Hector was baffled — where was this coming from?

Before he could speak, an agitated Bianca continued, “I know I'm not in your league, but you saved my life. I've given myself to you completely, my whole being, my heart. But do you find me too forward, is that why you can't bear to look at me?”

Overwhelmed, Bianca sobbed quietly. She couldn't fathom how she had been so brazen the other day. Shouldn't a girl be more reserved? But at that moment, she couldn't help but want Hector to know how much she admired and longed for him.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Now, she faced his indifference. Perhaps he found her lack of modesty distasteful?

She was from a humble background, with a father who wanted to sell her to settle his debts. She wondered where she'd found the courage to express her feelings to Hector, a man so far above her station.

With a heavy heart and tears welling up, Bianca gathered her courage and asked, “Do you hate me, Hector? Why else would you avoid coming home for dinner and speaking to me?”

Hector was speechless. In his effort to spare Bianca embarrassment after the drowning scare, he had reduced his appearances.

And for some reason, every glance at her stirred something within him, like now, seeing her damp forehead and long eyelashes, and her pouty lips, a tempting shade of red.

His gaze lingered on her face, and a heat rose through his body, burning with an intensity he couldn't ignore. Realizing his lapse, he coughed awkwardly. “Ahem, no, that's not it. I've just been busy, that's all.”

With those words, Hector beat a hasty retreat upstairs. He felt the physical changes and knew he couldn't trust himself to stay. A cold shower was in order — immediately.

Hector was frustrated. Why was he having such thoughts about this girl? That wasn't like him.

Bianca, left in confusion, watched his fleeing figure. Even though Hector had explained why he had been absent, it felt like an excuse.

Sighing, she sat at the cold dinner table, her heart growing colder with the food. It seemed Hector truly despised her; why else would he rush upstairs without barely speaking to her?

Tears fell as she contemplated her fate. She thought meeting Hector was a stroke of luck, a new beginning. But perhaps happiness wasn't meant for someone with her hardships.

Quietly, Bianca packed her meager belongings, and dressed in the w clothes she h avivedli Hector Hayman Her new clothes, and she had felt blessed, but now she'd clearly worn out her welcome. Please read the original content at .

She could leave quietly, sparing Hector any discomfort. She cleaned her room, leaving it as if she'd never been there, and set about erasing her presence from the villa.

Meanwhile, Hector was submerged in acold bath upstairs, trying to_caal his overheated body eeGvaeO conyiadeuine had gone mad. Otherwise, why did he turn into a famished wolf whenever he set eyes on Bianca? Please read the original content at .

Hastily, Hector peeled off his clothes that he hadn't had time to remove earlier and slipped into a suit, toweling his hair dry as he made his way downstairs.

Bianca was nowhere to be seen on the ground floor, which allowed Hector to breathe a sigh of relief. He bolted out the door, heading to the office as if he was making a getaway.

Throughout the day at the company, Hector was restless. He stared at the documents in front of him, arelae mind rep! ved the node IPBianica’s eyas t morning. Her gaze was so full of hurt, brimming with silent accusations. And under that accusatory stare, he had fled like a guilty child caught in a misdeed. Please read the original content at .

Frustrated, Hector ran a hand through his hair. He had been acting so out of character lately, and he knew this couldn't go on!