The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 367

At long last, the miracle cure for Magnus had manifested, and deep down, James was overjoyed for

Magnus, itching to bring Natalia back to his side immediately.

With a look of gratitude, Magnus met James' gaze. It was the unspoken understanding they'd built over

the years – a single glance was all it took to convey the depths of their sentiments.

"James, we've got to hustle to Hawaii this very second!" His eyes, once dim, now sparkled with

renewed vigor, shining like the morning star in the early sky.

However, James shook his head. "Magnus, if you're going to swoop in and whisk Natalia away, you

ought to spruce up a bit first, don't you think? Look at you – all scruffy, clothes a mess, you're a walking

shambles! She'll take one look and run for the hills!"

Taking James' ribbing to heart, Magnus quickly glanced towards the bar's gleaming countertop. The

spotless surface mirrored his disheveled state – indeed, he was as unkempt as James had described,

a far cry from his usual self.

The news of Natalia had reignited the passion in Magnus' once-stagnant heart. For the first time, he

realized how little he had cared for his appearance.

"One hour to get ready, then we're off to Hawaii," Magnus declared to James, snatching up the

magazine and heading out of the bar, racing home in his sleek car through the hazy night.

Magnus swiftly parked his car in front of his beachfront villa and, clutching the magazine, strode into

the house and up the stairs to Jonas' room.

Jonas was still awake, engrossed in his tablet on the bed. Bursting with excitement, Magnus flung open

the door and brandished the magazine. "Buddy, your old man's found your mom! Take a look!"

"Really? Awesome!" Jonas exclaimed, leaping off the bed. Before he could reach Magnus, he was

scooped up in a joyous embrace. "I'm off to Hawaii to bring your mom back, champ. You hold the fort

here and wait for the good news."

With that, Magnus planted a couple of hearty kisses on Jonas, who cringed and pushed away. "Dad,

your stubble's like sandpaper!"

Magnus felt his own stubble – it was rather prickly.

Jonas scrutinized the magazine. "Yep, that's Mom, alright! She looks even prettier than before. I like

the new her!"

Magnus nodded vigorously; he, too, was smitten with the woman in the magazine. How much more

enchanting would she be in person?

"But Dad," Jonas said, squinting up at Magnus, "you look like a total wreck. Mom's gonna give you the

cold shoulder, maybe even ditch you."

It was a blow to Magnus' pride to hear his son echo James' sentiments, deflating his spirits. "Is it that

bad? Do I really look like a mess?"

"Totally! You look like you're pushing fifty! If I were Mom, I'd definitely pass," Jonas replied, his eyes

flickering with mischief. "But if you clean up and take me with you to fetch her, I bet she'd welcome you

with open arms."

Magnus saw right through his son's cunning ploy. So, the little guy wanted to come along on the rescue

mission? No way, José! His wife was only his alone; he wasn't about to let his son steal her attention.

Magnus tousled Jonas' hair until it was a wild mess and said with satisfaction, "Nice try, you little fox,

but no schemes in front of Dad. Stay put. and I'll bring your mom home soon enough."

Caught out, Jonas pouted and waved his fists. "Why can't I come? That's just tyranny!" Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Laugh it up, my little fox. You can tell your mom all about my tyranny when she's back. Now, I've got to

get dolled up and dash to Hawaii. Bedtime for you, sleep tight."

After a goodnight peck on Jonas' forehead, Magnus exited the room for a quick shower and shave,

donning a sharp outfit, and even spritzed on a dash of cologne.

He admired his dapper reflection, giving himself a silent thumbs-up – perfection.

Checking his watch, he had twenty minutes to meet James. Time was of the essence, so he drove

straight to the airport without a farewell to Jonas.

James, ever efficient, was waiting by Magnus' private jet. "Magnus, we're set to jet whenever you are!"

James gestured towards the aircraft.

Magnus nodded, boarding the plane with a swagger. "Let's roll!"

The aircraft soared away from Melfort into the night, bound for Hawaii.

*

Hawaii

With the contest starting the next day, and three months of preparation behind her, Natalia pushed her

worries aside. She needed to focus, to give it her all.

Meanwhile, after hours of flying, Magnus finally arrived at Natalia's city in Hawaii, ready to face

whatever lay ahead.

After crossing time zones that stretched like ribbons between Hawaii and Melfort, Magnus finally

disembarked from his flight into the balmy embrace of a Hawaiian night that had just begun to unfurl its

darkened veil.