The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 73

It was James, Chase and Carter who came by.

Frankly, they thought that Magnus was one lucky chap. The guy had lived for over two decades, never

once experiencing romance. And when he finally did, he ended up with the hot babe Natalia. They

were undeniably envious. Compared to Natalia, the women they knew were mere commoners.

"Indeed," Natalia affirmed with a smile when James asked. She did not understand why these three

would suddenly show up at Maplewood Manor, and why Magnus was absent.

She courteously brewed them some tea, inspecting each of them as she did. James, who was always

trying to strike a conversation with a smile, and Chase, who spoke less, but spoke each word

profoundly.

And there was also Carter, who was fond of teasing Magnus when they were in France.

She wondered, "Didn't Magnus say he'd be home by noon when he left this morning? Do their arrivals

have anything to do with Magnus' early return?"

Yet, the three men in front of her seemed oblivious to Natalia's confusion, especially James, who kept

gazing at Natalia with his bright puppy eyes, smiling all the way.

Then he said, "Oh, Magnus is indeed a lucky man. Not only are you beautiful, but you're also

considerate."

Changing his tone, James proposed with a grin, "Natalia, why not ditch Magnus and leave with me?

Magnus is so cold, he surely can't be as romantic as I am."

But as soon as James spoke, Chase, who was sitting next to him, elbowed him in the stomach.

"Ouch…" James immediately clutched his stomach, wailing in pain.

Carter, always good-natured, couldn't help but chuckle. "You sure have guts, James. Isn't this like the

hundredth time you've tried to steal Natalia? Aren't you afraid Magnus would punish you?"

Though Natalia hadn't been with Magnus for long, his jealous reputation had already spread.

"He must have a death wish to dare to poke the bear," Chase commented, his words as concise as

always.

Just as Natalia was enjoying the lively banter, Magnus, who had just left the company, hurried back to

Maplewood Manor. He took one look at the three men lounging on the couch, especially at James, who

was grinning from ear to ear. With a frown, he said, "You guys sure got here fast!" Usually, they would NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

hang out at the Golden Groove, but today, they had come to his place.

He then wheeled over to Natalia, reaching out to cup her face. "Don't hang out with these beasts!"

"Wha…?"

"You…" The three men gasped. This guy was showing off his affection right in front of them and even

called them beasts!

Magnus then cast James a chilling glance before saying, "There's a tough training camp in the desert. I

can send you there to toughen up."

James immediately protested, "Magnus, you… fine, I won't say anything anymore. Natalia, you have to

help me!" Seeing his pitiful face, Natalia couldn't help but chuckle.

Magnus smiled faintly at Natalia's laughter. Carter and Chase also burst into laughter. Only Magnus

could handle the unruly James.

Before he came back from the company, Chase had told him that they planned to gather at Maplewood

Manor. He didn't expect them to come so soon. Knowing they were worried because of Lucius'

assassination attempt, he didn't refuse their company.

Compared to his blood-related brother Lucius, who was constantly plotting against him, Carter, Chase,

and James were the real brothers on whom he could always rely.

"I assure you, I have the utmost respect for Natalia. I promise I won't do it again!"

James certainly knew what the desert training was like. He was skilled, but being in a desert with no

women, licking blood off knife blades every day just for training, was worse than death to him.

Natalia was still a bit uneasy around Magnus because of yesterday's events. She didn't dare meet his

gaze and kept her head down.

Natalia might have said that, but she couldn't help but wonder why Magnus seemed to care so much

for her in front of everyone when he didn't even like her.

Magnus, noticing Natalia's mood, knew she was still upset about what happened last night. He reached

out and gently held her hand, his voice deep and magnetic. "Have you eaten yet, baby? Don't wait for

me if you're hungry."

Ever since Kyler and his daughter visited the Andersen Corporation that morning, Magnus couldn't help

but feel a pang in his heart whenever he thought about the hardships Natalia faced living with the

Clarkson family.

In many ways, their fates were similar. Both were rejected by their blood relatives, with parents who

didn't care for them. Even he was the respected son of the Andersen family, he, and Natalia, who had

grown up under the care of others, weren't so different after all. And so, it broke Magnus' heart to see

someone so kind and innocent be so distressed.

“Ah, they say, ‘bros before hoes,' Magnus. But it seems like the phrase was tailor-made for you." The

three of them were sitting here, and when Magnus came back, he only engaged in conversation with

Natalia, completely ignoring them. James was both amused and hurt. After all, their bond of

brotherhood spanned over two decades, yet it seemed insignificant compared to the few months the

young beauty Natalia spent with Magnus. This truth was a bitter pill to swallow.

However, James' complaints only earned him a dismissive sideways glance from Magnus. "I'm happy.

What's it to you?"

"Alright, alright, as long as you're happy." Seeing Magnus' stormy expression, James didn't dare to

provoke him further. He joked lightly before beating a hasty retreat.

Magnus didn't earn his reputation as a jealous husband for nothing. It was better not to push his

buttons, lest he got caught in the crossfire.

By the time Magnus got back, it was already noon. So, shortly after his return, the servants brought out

the prepared lunch to the table.