The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 510

Johanson scrutinized the unconscious figure for a while before slowly standing up. "Well, this guy's in decent shape. We could use an extra hand around the estate. Keep an eye on him. I'll head back and get some folks to help carry him."

"But..." Anna hesitated. "Please hurry back, Johanson." Despite feeling slightly afraid, Anna knew that if they didn't get this mysterious person to safety soon, his life might be in danger.

Johanson nodded and quickly made his way back to the manor. Their remote island was uncharted, virtually invisible to anyone who wasn't intimately familiar with these parts. The stranger was deeply unconscious, which reassured Johanson it was safe to leave Anna on the beach.

Watching Johanson’s retreating figure, Anna, though still a bit scared of the stranger lying on the sand, mustered her courage and approached him. She saw a face, handsome even in its stillness, with eyes firmly shut. For some reason, Anna felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, an attraction that made her want to draw nearer.

Like... like the feeling you get with a brother...

Anna chuckled to herself at the thought. What was she thinking? How could she feel familiar with someone she had never met before?

Before she could further ridicule her own thoughts, Johanson hurried back with help. He directed the estate's hired hands to lift the unconscious Jonas and bring him to the manor, then led Anna to follow.

They quickly returned to the manor, where the news of Johanson finding a young boy on the beach spread like wildfire through Oakwood Manor.

Normally, the estate's supplies were delivered by specific ships, and it was rare for outsiders to stumble upon the island. Now, this young lad had washed ashore, and everyone wondered what strange twist of fate had brought him here. The speculation remained private, and no one dared to openly gawk. Only Anna and Johanson stayed in the room, watching the doctor run various tests on the newcomer.

Before long, the doctor concluded his examination. He looked seriously at Johanson. "Mr. Johanson, this young man has merely exhausted himself, leading to his collapse. | believe he will awaken shortly. He must have drifted at sea for quite a while before the waves brought him to our shores."

Jonas nodded, seemingly uninterested in the details. "Fate works in mysterious ways. Just patch him up. The estate can always use another set of working hands."

The doctor nodded in agreement. "Right away, I'll administer some restoratives to speed up his recovery." After treating Jonas, the doctor waited patiently for him to wake.

Impatient, Johanson wandered towards the door. "He's your responsibility now. Once he's up, take him to the steward so he can start his duties. Come on, Anna, let's go."

"Okay, Johanson," Anna replied obediently. She gave Jonas one last glance, his face strikingly familiar to her.

They had only taken a few steps towards the exit when the doctor exclaimed, "Master Johanson, he's awakening!"

Johanson paused, then, without looking back, ordered, "Fine, once he's recovered, take him to the servants’ quarters."

With that, he took Anna's hand. "Come on, let's get back to the beach."

Anna hesitated, glancing back at the man they had just rescued. "But Johanson, shouldn't we ask him where he came from?"Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Johanson kept walking. "What does it matter where he's from? We've never turned away shipwrecked souls before. Since we've saved his life, he's bound to serve the estate. No need for questions. Let's go have fun. You weren't done playing earlier."

"Okay," Anna agreed, following Johanson out.

They returned to the beach, but Anna's mood for play had vanished. Despite Johanson’s kindness, she knew this wasn't her true home, and she'd have to leave someday.

Staring at the waves, she faintly remembered her mother's dying words, revealing the names of her birth parents. “Anna, what's wrong?" Johanson, sensing her gloom, asked softly.

Anna shook her head. "It's nothing, Johanson. | was just wondering about that man... and where he came from. Where my real mom and dad might be."

Johanson’s expression darkened. He stepped closer, gripping her shoulders. "Anna, this is your home! Where else would you want to go? You promised you'd always stay by my side."

"Johanson, you're hurting me,” she winced.

Realizing her words had upset him, Anna explained softly, "I don't mean to leave you, Johanson. I've just forgotten my previous home. Seeing that man wash ashore made me curious."

"There's nothing to be curious about, Anna. Remember, this is your home,” he said sternly, fearing she might entertain other ideas.

Anna, not wanting to upset Johanson further, nodded compliantly. "Okay, Johanson. | don't want to leave."

"That's good to hear. Remember, past, present, or future, this is your home, and we'll always be together, alright?” Johanson repeated.

Anna nodded, half understanding. "Okay."

Johanson’s expression softened as he bent down to pick aut a bleagher

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Jonas blinked open his eyes to a mishmash of unfamiliar faces from all walks of life, each studying him with probing gazes. Jonas had no time to contemplate these oddly assorted strangers. Instead, he cracked a weary half-smile. He was alive. What a stroke of luck!

However, the exhaustion from his ordeal at sea quickly caught up with him, and after that fleeting smile, darkness claimed him once again.

The onlookers erupted into a frenzy, jostling to summon the doctor back to Jonas’ side. They ee the Olt! si ian totend20t € young man out delay. After a thorough check-up, the doctor concluded that Jonas was in no immediate danger. He was just profoundly weakened from his ordeal. Please read the original content at .