The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 369

As Natalia's voice trailed off, the first clap echoed from some corner of the room, soon followed by others as applause spread contagiously through the crowd. It erupted, thunderous and overwhelming, bringing to life a storm of adoration.

And then came the shouts, fervent and loud, from fans who couldn't contain their excitement.

"Natalia's right! With a face like an angel, everything you say is gospel!"

"Absolutely! Those designs are heavenly. You can do no wrong!"

The chants and cheers encircled the runway, and Natalia's cheeks flushed with a touch of shyness, as she became the epitome of charming delight.

She opened her arms, gesturing for the audience to settle down, before humbly saying, "Thank you all for your love and support. Honestly, I'm just your average girl, maybe with a stroke of luck. I..."

Her words faltered mid-sentence as she locked eyes with someone in the front row, her mind going blank, all her well-prepared speech forgotten. Only one name swirled in her head, Magnus.

There he was, her fateful storm, Magnus, hidden behind large sunglasses, yet his intense gaze seemed to pierce through, stubborn and fiery.

She had imagined countless reunions with Magnus in her wildest dreams, but never under such circumstances.

Aware that Natalia had spotted him, Magnus slowly removed his sunglasses, revealing a smile that Natalia knew all too well. Silently and deeply, he mouthed a word, "Nat."

Though soundless, Magnus knew she understood. His wife had always been perceptive. If not for his self-control, he would have rushed to embrace her, to express his longing and the sweet agony of missing her...

But for now, he wanted nothing more than to quietly observe her, admire her radiant beauty, and etch her perfect image into his heart.

If possible, he wished to freeze time at this moment, to forever gaze upon his beloved wife without the fear of her slipping away the next instant.

Time seemed to stand still as their gazes entwined, the world reduced to just the two of them, lost in silence, yearning for communion. Their eyes spoke volumes of recriminations, passion, frustration, longing, and a myriad of tender sentiments only lovers could comprehend.

The audience, puzzled by the sudden silence on stage, began to murmur among themselves. Backstage, Hector sensed something was amiss. He glanced at the big screen, saw Natalia looking towards the audience, and swiftly directed the camera there, only then noticing Magnus sitting in the front row.

The word was thick with emotion, a tender plea that tugged at Natalia's heart backstage. Yet, remembering the vows she had once made, she masked her longing with a polite smile, facing the approaching Magnus. "Mr. Andersen, long time no see!"

That "Mr. Andersen" hit Magnus hard, and his heart began shattering. He shook his head and approached Natalia step by step, staring at the feigned smile on her face until it felt like he was suffocating.

Silly girl, she had fled for over a year, avoiding him, and clinging to those foolish vows! Did she have any idea how much he ached for her?

Magnus inched closer to Natalia. His gaze was drinking in her beauty, which seemed even more radiant than in his fondest memories. Tightness gripped his chest, a mix of longing and suffocation that he couldn't shake off.

She had slipped away silently, vanishing for over a year, all to avoid seeing him and to keep a foolish promise she had once made in a moment of naive conviction. But did she really understand how utterly ridiculous and absurd that promise was?

A bitter smile curled the corners of Magnus' lips. He parted them, ready to step forward and grasp her hand, and determined not to let her slip through his fingers again. But as he began to utter "Darling," darkness suddenly clouded his vision. The world spun wildly, and he felt himself falling backward.

"Magnus, Magnus?!" James yelled, rushing over in a panic. He couldn't prevent the fall; Magnus, tall and usually so composed, collapsed to the ground as if his consciousness had been snatched away in an instant.