The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 481

Anna looked up at Gabby with the innocence of youth in her eyes. "Mommy, I'm okay if you marry this man. Then you won't have to stay here, and we can live in a big house."

The concept of marriage was still alien to the little girl; she didn't quite understand what it entailed. To her, if this man was willing to be kind to her mommy and offer them a big house, he would be a hero.

Gabby, tears glistening in her eyes, nodded in agreement. "Yes, for Anna’s sake, for a big house, I'll do it."

Her heart ached. Grant had already raped her, and to her, whether it was once or a hundred times, it made no difference when it came to providing for Anna.

Grant was taken aback at Gabby's sudden consent. He swept her up in his arms. His voice was filled with a solemn promise. "Trust me, no one will ever hurt you again. Let's move to my place right now."

Gabby's expression was stiff. She was succumbing to the harsh realities of life.

Grant, who had just violated her not long ago, was now vowing to protect her. However, if men's promises were worth anything, she wouldn’t have been abandoned by Lucius!

But seeing Anna's joy, she buried her bitterness deep within. She never fancied herself a princess; her happiness had always been hard-won.

Now, she was prepared to make her last sacrifice to ensure a safe haven for her daughter. Thus, Gabby, with Anna in her arms, left for Grant's estate amid the envious and resentful gazes of the maids.

Grant had an eight-year-old son, Johanson, the boy who had come to play with Anna not long ago.

Anna was thrilled to see Johanson and chirped, "Johanson, I get to live with you now!"

Johanson, with a gentle smile, lifted Anna into his arms. "From now on, you're my sister, and I'll never let anyone hurt you, okay? But you can't ever leave me because I'm your brother!"

Anna nodded, not fully grasping his words, then shook her head.

Johanson frowned. "Why the shake?"

Anna thought hard, "Because when I grow up, I'll have to leave, right? I can't stay here forever."

Johanson's voice grew stern. "I'll never let you leave my side. You have to stay here forever!"

*

Back in England, James stepped off the plane and headed straight to the castle he shared with Angela. Upon entering, he was greeted by a tiny figure racing towards him—his little angel, Vivian.

Angela watched the father-daughter duo with an indulgent shake of her head. She had her reservations about James' doting ways, but considering Vivian's young age, she didn't voice her concerns.

After a patient mealtime, James bathed Vivian and took her to her nursery. Vivian resisted sleep, insisting on a bedtime story. James, ever compliant, narrated tales until her eyes closed in slumber.

As Vivian fell asleep and the nursery bathed in the soft glow of a nightlight, James tucked her in. He was about to leave when Angela stepped in, joining him in the quiet vigil of their sleeping angel.

She playfully grabbed James' arm and pulled him towards their bedroom, casting a mock-resentful glance at him. "Oh, James, it's like your eyes only see our little girl. You've forgotten all about me!"

James wrapped his arms around Angela with a chuckle, his voice low and amused. "Oh darling, are you getting jealous of Vivian now? The kiddo hasn't seen her dad in ages, so I spoiled her a bit more today."

Angela let out a light laugh and gave James a gentle push, "Alright, alright, I'm just teasing you. I've drawn a bath for you; go freshen up in the bathroom."

Nodding, James headed into the bathroom and jumped into the bathtub. No sooner had he settled into the warm water than Angela followed him in. With a sultry look, she watched James soaking in the tub and slowly began to slip out of her clothes. "Darling, let's take a bath together."

James was more than willing to accept such an invitation. He eagerly scooted over, making room for Angela to join him.