The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 438

Occasionally, Gabby would swing by Magnus' place to drop off some urgent documents that needed his signature. Over time, her frequent visits led to a budding friendship with Natalia.

Natalia took a shine to Gabby's straightforward manner and found that their conversations clicked. Before long, they had grown into close friends, almost like sisters.

As Natalia's belly grew rounder with each passing day, Gabby started urging Magnus to spend more time at home with Natalia. Gabby assured him that she could handle things at the office, and for anything she couldn't manage, she'd give him a ring.

Magnus was only too happy to comply with her suggestion, keen to stay by Natalia's side as much as he could.

Gradually, Gabby took over handling the company's minor affairs, and organized everything with great efficiency. Yet, every evening, as the sun dipped low, she would stand in the assistant's office, gazing out the pristine glass window at the sunset. Her eyes would brim with a deep melancholy and longing that no one could decipher. She always maintained a polite distance, dealing with tasks and people with courtesy while keeping her own sorrows well hidden.

Time flew, and before they knew it, Natalia was nearly five months along.

Hector, upon hearing of Natalia's pregnancy, offered his congratulations, though he couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealousy in his heart. The girl he once hoped to protect was now drifting further from his reach.

Meanwhile, Bianca, like a cheerful little bird, had been keeping Hector's villa immaculately tidy, which somewhat soothed his lonely heart. Even though he might never hold Natalia's hand again, he was comforted by Bianca's presence at home. Whenever he saw Bianca's bright smile, it would invariably bring back memories of his carefree college days with Natalia, filled with light- hearted joy and brilliance.

One day, feeling cooped up at home, Natalia decided to go out for a stroll.

Magnus, who would have gladly spent every waking hour attending to her, was all for the idea and accompanied her to the largest shopping mall in Hawaii.

The mall was bustling with activity, and the air conditioning was on full blast.

Natalia, now somewhat unwieldy, felt the need to take a break after walking for a while. Magnus was attentive, frequently checking if she wanted to grab a bite to eat. Perhaps because she hadn't been out in a while, Natalia had no intention of heading home just yet. She pointed to the third floor, where baby gear was sold, hoping to check it out and potentially shop for some clothes and supplies for the little one on the way.

As Magnus helped Natalia up the escalator, he chuckled at her waddling gait. "What's so funny all of a sudden?" Natalia asked, puzzled.

Magnus, trying to soothe the ache from his grin, leaned in and whispered, "Honey, the way you're walking is hilarious. You're wobbling like a proud little penguin."

Natalia laughed, too, playfully punching Magnus' shoulder. "You're more like a penguin, Mr. Proud and Preening!"

“Alright, alright, that is me," Magnus conceded, gently helping Natalia up to the third floor, where they began exploring the baby goods.

Natalia was delighted by the tiny, delicate clothes and shoes, finding each item adorable and struggling to choose. Holding a pink outfit in one hand and a crescent white one in the other, she sought Magnus’ opinion. "Which color do you like better?"

Without hesitation, Magnus replied, "Both are beautiful. Let's get them both."

Just as Natalia was about to respond, a commotion erupted from the first floor. Magnus peered down to see people on the first floor rushing toward the exits, with occasional shouts of "Fire! Run!"

Alarmed, Magnus grabbed Natalia's hand, intending to lead her quickly out of the building. "What's going on? Why is it so noisy down there?" Natalia asked, sensing Magnus' panic. "Nothing to worry about, let's just get out of here," Magnus said, as he didn’t want to scare her with the truth.

Still, the growing plumes of smoke billowing up from below soon revealed the grim reality. Before long, the rising smoke turned the mall into chaos, filled with the screams of people fleeing for their lives and calls for friends and family. The smoke was thickest on the first floor and quickly spread to the second.

Scooping Natalia up, Magnus instructed, "Darling, cover your nose with your clothes, I'll get us out of here."

Startled and afraid, Natalia nestled into Magnus' embrace, covering her nose and mouth with her clothing while using her free hand to shield Magnus from the smoke as best as she could.

Magnus rushed toward the stairs to the second floor, but upon arrival, he found that the second floor was now ablaze. Flames licked hungrily at everything within reach, bearing down with relentless ferocity as if intent on consuming the entire building.

Glancing at Natalia in his arms, Magnus hesitated. With her five-month pregnancy, he couldn’t risk rushing through the fire, fearing she might get burned. He couldn't take that chance.

With the fire closing in, Magnus, for the first time, felt utterly helpless. If Natalia weren't evreel at he wast fidseiTe. ooula Very er to safety. He would even jump from the building if necessary, vowing to cushion her fall with his own body, ensuring she wouldn't suffer a scratch. Please read the original content at .

But with Natalia pregnant, he couldn't risk it. Looking down at Natalia cradled in his arms, Magnus said with a wry smile, "Darling, looks like we might be trapped here today."

Natalia remained silent, just leaning quietly against Magnus' chest. As long as he was with her, what did it matter where they were?

In that fleeting moment, their souls entwined, silently vowing to face whatever came their way, together unto death.Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

It was then that Magnus heard a familiar voice cutting through the chaos, amplified by a megaphone from the ground floor of the shopping mall. "Mr. Andersen! Make a break for the back exit!"

Stunned for just a split second, Magnus ' instincts kicked in as he recognized the voice—i wasc O1N! pistakatey exoby'& rusting his gut and his uncanny ability to recognize her voice, he swiftly scooped Natalia into his arms and bolted for the rear exit. Please read the original content at .

By the time a breathless Magnus reached the back door, he was greeted by a massive floor-to-ceiling window that looked out onto the bustling commercial street below.

Thankfully, the voracious flames hadn't yet reached this part of the mall. Setting Natalia dove) gency! ' Magnus pushéd tHe window open with all his might, revealing Gabby standing just below, clutching three thick ropes in her hands. Please read the original content at .