The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel 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."

*

Hawaii

Natalia had been feeling uneasy these past few days, sensing that something was on the horizon. She kept her anxiety from Hector, soothing herself with the thought that it was probably just nerves about the upcoming fashion show.

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.

Stepping out of the airport, Magnus was greeted by an exotic panorama—a vibrant tropical city pulsating with life. A wave of emotions swept over him as he soaked in the sights. He had sent people scouring more than a dozen countries, yet it had never crossed his mind that his wife would be hiding in this Pacific paradise.

Now, here he was, standing amidst a city buzzing with warmth, sharing the same balmy air as his elusive wife. A poignant realization stirred within him, and a subtle moisture glistened at the corners of his eyes. The distant echo of ukuleles and the scent of plumerias in the air made the moment all the more surreal. This was not just a reunion; it was a rediscovery of love in a place that seemed to celebrate it at every turn.