The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 439

"Mr. Andersen, I'm tossing you the rope. You've gotta make sure you and your wife slide down to safety!" Gabby shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth, as she hurled the coiled rope upward with all her might.

Gabby, standing on the ground, was too far from the floor where Magnus was. She had to throw several times before she finally managed to get the rope up to him.

Magnus caught the rope and quickly secured it around the sturdy pipes outside the shopping mall. He then turned to Natalia and said, "Honey, do you think you can slide down with me?"

Natalia nodded. "As long as I'm with you, what does it matter where we go?"

"Alright! Let's move!" The smoke from inside the mall was creeping closer, and Magnus had no time left to think. He tied the rope securely around his waist and then, holding his heavily pregnant wife Natalia, squeezed out through the window.

The onlookers on Main Street had already gathered to watch the fire at the mall. Now, seeing Magnus emerge from the third floor with Natalia's prominent belly, they were abuzz with concern.

"Look up there, that guy's carrying his pregnant wife!"

"My God, sliding down from that height is dangerous. If that rope snaps halfway, it's no joke. That's three lives at stake!"

"Exactly, buddy, take it easy. Be careful!"

"Yeah, slowly does it. No rush."

Amidst the crowd's clamor, Gabby remained calm. She turned to the crowd and called out, "Folks, that's a couple up there, and the wife is carrying an unborn child. Please, lend a hand to help them!"

"No problem, but how can we help?"

"Yeah, it's so high up, we can't just fly up there and bring them down."

"Even if we could fly, it won't be easy with two adults."

The crowd voiced their concerns for Magnus and Natalia, but for a moment, no one could think of a viable way to help.

Gabby was not flustered. She waved her hands for attention. "Quiet, please! Can I say something? Any shop owners nearby, please help out. Bring mattresses and blankets to cushion their fall just in case they plummet. Don't worry, for any bedding you provide, I promise to compensate you tenfold after they're safe."

With Gabby's assurance, the crowd quickly dispersed and returned with thick blankets and various cushions. In no time, they had padded the area beneath the window.

In truth, Magnus and Natalia could have landed safely with just the three strands of rope, but Magnus didn't have the luxury of time to ponder this. He secured the rope and prepared to slide down with Natalia in his arms.

Gabby yelled up to them, "Mr. Andersen, hurry down with Natalia. It'll be dangerous if the fire spreads!"

Gabby shrugged off the gratitude. "Mrs. Andersen, don't mention it. I believe anyone in my place would've done their best."

After making sure Natalia was unharmed, Magnus turned to Gabby with gratitude. "Thank you, Miss Gabby."

He meant it sincerely. From Gabby's actions and tense demeanor, he could see her genuine concern. In the back of his mind, he had prepared for the worst—if the rope had snapped, he would have held Natalia tight and used his own body to shield her. The cushions below would have ensured her safety.

Now that they were all safe, that was what mattered most. Gabby's timely rope had been a lifesaver.

To Magnus' thanks, Gabby responded with modesty, "Mr. Andersen, I was just doing my job. No need for thanks."

After finishing her announcement, Gabby turned to face the crowd that had gathered. "I really can't thank you all enough for jumping in to help. These fine folks here are the CEO and his wife of our corporation. They're safe now, all thanks to you. In a little bit, you can bring your stuff over to our company headquarters, and we'll buy it back from you at ten times the original price. I've got everyone on video with what they've brought, so I hope y'all will stop by to cash in."

Magnus watched Gabby handle the situation with such ease and generosity, mentally giving her kudos. It seemed he'd really scored a top-notch assistant this time.

"Oh, and Gabby," Natalia turned back, her voice warm and friendly. "What a coincidence to find you here! Thank goodness you were around, we would've been at a loss without you."

Gabby chuckled, "Oh, my cousin just had a little bundle of joy, so I was here hunting for the perfect gift for the new baby. I spotted you and Mr. Andersen shopping on the third floor but didn't want to interrupt your day. When I stepped out and heard the loud commotion about the fire, I knew you were still upstairs. Obviously, you couldn't take the elevator to get out, so I hustled to the back and found a window that we could use. I quickly bought some rope, trusting that Mr. Andersen would surely get you out safely."