The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 139

"How can we start the evening without you, Mrs. Andersen? You have to be there," Magnus gently cajoled over the phone.

He wished he could immediately bring her close to soothe her, and make things right. If she wasn't there tonight, he wouldn't be in the mood to host any celebration.

"Magnus, I really don't want to go. I have plans with Lexi to discuss our participation in a French art exhibition," she explained. Their school had secured three spots for students to participate in a renowned French comic competition, and she and Lexi had applied hoping to see their friend Sabrina.

Upon hearing her outright refusal, Magnus furrowed his brow into a tight knot, his expression darkening significantly. He silently hung up the phone.

Natalia assumed he had given in, allowing her to skip the company's anniversary dinner. After school, she, Lexi, and another classmate met with their tutor to discuss their upcoming trip to France.

The Andersen Corporation's annual celebration went on as scheduled. As the CEO, Magnus delivered speeches and handed out awards. However, his mood was visibly sour, especially during the after-dinner dance party, because Natalia didn’t show up.

He sat sullenly in a corner, nursing a glass of brandy, one after another, drowning his disappointment.

Was he not affectionate enough? Was he not treating her well? How could she actually skip the dinner. Dame it!

Without her, he felt a profound emptiness. As the rest of the partygoers danced and laughed, he was alone, nursing his loneliness and frustration.

"Magnus, don't drink too much," Chase advised, noticing his friend's foul mood. Everyone knew Magnus was upset because his wife, Natalia, hadn't come.

Magnus shot Chase a glance, continuing to down his brandy and finally slamming the crystal glass on the table impatiently, "Enough with the chatter, drink with me."

"Enough, Magnus. You're going to get drunk," Chase warned, eyeing the three empty bottles on the table.

Today, of all days, Magnus couldn't afford to get drunk. The celebration dinner was far from over, and it wouldn't do for the CEO to pass out.

"Drunk? A good idea, I could use it to forget my sorrows," Magnus replied, pouring two more glasses and shoving one towards Chase, "Drink with me."

Realizing he was stuck, Chase sighed and obliged.

Everyone knew how formidable Magnus could be, and Chase wasn't eager to push his luck. He had never seen Magnus drink so much, nor had he ever seen his friend express his pain in such a way.

By now, Magnus was already somewhat intoxicated, overwhelmed by a sense of frustration due to Natalia's absence. He had no particular feelings for Isabella, only treating her as a friend.

Hearing Magnus call her by her name, Isabella felt flattered. She quickly picked up a wine glass and said with a charming smile, "Come, Magnus, let me drink with you." With that, she took a delicate sip of her drink, her eyes seductively fixed on Magnus, awaiting his adoring gaze.

However, Magnus didn't even bother to look at her. He was already half drunk and was preoccupied with pouring more liquor into his mouth upon hearing someone was joining him for a drink.

Isabella was frantic inside, yet she dared not show it. She wished she could catch Magnus' eye and make him notice her. She knew how radiant and captivating she looked today.

From the side, Chase saw through Isabella's attempts. He had no respect for women who threw themselves at men like this and sneered slightly.

Isabella didn't notice Chase's contemptuous action, her mind fully occupied with thoughts of how to draw Magnus' attention to herself. After all, she was wearing her sexiest backless dress today. With her perfect curves, she couldn't believe there would be a man who could resist her.

"Magnus, how about we hit the dance floor?" Isabella tried to maintain her appearance of graceful composure as she extended her hand towards Magnus.

Magnus squinted at Isabella and suddenly remembered that his wife was not coming today, that she didn't take him into consideration at all. He hadn't danced yet today. Rising to his feet, he said, "Alright, let's have a dance."