The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 202

She put all her strength into that slap, with the intention to leave a mark on Natalia's face. This pretty face was prettier than hers and was the one that had seduced Cal. If that wasn’t the case, how could Callum have treated Natalia like this!

However, just as Alice’s hand was about to hit Natalia, it was caught in mid-air. Natalia firmly clutched Alice's wrist, and her icy gaze bore into Alice. "What did you just say? Say it again."

Alice tried to pry her wrist free, but to no avail. Natalia's grip was too strong, she couldn't break free.

Alice gave up and was confident that Natalia wouldn't dare do anything to her. She lifted her chin in a haughty manner. "What, you want to hear it again? I said you're a cheap little tramp, just like your mother. Both of you are good for nothing!"

Alice rolled her eyes disdainfully. What could Natalia do to her anyway? The swift and sharp slap that Natalia delivered as a response echoed through the mansion, startling Rita. She had never expected Natalia to be this assertive. That slap was well-deserved!

Shocked, Alice covered her stinging cheek in disbelief, pointing at Natalia. "You, you dare to hit me?"

Being the daughter of an earl, she had always been treated with the utmost respect. When had she ever been humiliated like this? Without thinking, Alice raised her hand, intending to return two slaps to Natalia. This bastard, not only did she steal Alice’s father, but she also had the audacity to hit her!

However, before Alice could do anything, her arm was caught by Callum, who had come over. Callum's face darkened, and his grip was tightening around Alice's arm. " Alice, if you wish to leave this place alive, I suggest you behave yourself. Not even your father would dare to act recklessly in my house."

Alice felt as if Callum was about to crush her wrist. The humiliation and pain brought tears to her eyes. She was sniffling, and she complained, "Cal, she hit me first, and yet, you're siding with her. That's not fair!"

Callum snorted. "Fairness is subjective. Also, don't ever call me Cal again. You've lost that privilege."

The continuous humiliation overwhelmed Alice. She directed all her anger towards Natalia. "Natalia, I swear on my life, I will not rest until I've avenged this humiliation!"

"Really?" Callum intervened. "If you wish for death, I can arrange it for you."

Alice heard the threat in Callum's voice, and wisely chose to hold her tongue. She looked at Callum pleadingly. "Cal, I..."

"Stop! I've told you not to call me that. Don't make me remind you again. People who test my patience usually end up six feet under."

She hadn't even had the chance to call her Mom. She regretted it so much!

Natalia's strength drained away as she collapsed onto the floor. "She came here earlier, and hoped I could call her 'Mom,' but I rejected her. I didn't even get the chance to call her 'Mom.' How could she... how could she just leave like this?"

Natalia's words were filled with grief, breaking Callum's heart. He wished Natalia didn't have to go through this. Regret was a bitter pill to swallow. Natalia and Lena had parted ways before they could even acknowledge each other. "Do you... want to see her one last time?" Callum asked quietly. He hadn't intended to let Natalia go, yet he feared she'd regret not seeing Lena one last time. To save Natalia from a life of guilt, he still asked.

Natalia nodded woodenly, and a determined glint glimmered in her eyes. "Yes, I want to bid her a final farewell!"

Would death mean liberation for Lena? She had been a mistress for years and was nevertruly free. Now, she could finally breathe.

Tears poured down Natalia's face like a breached dam. Slowly, she rose from her seat and began to walk away.