Although Natalia still hadn't emerged from her coma, just yesterday, the doctor happily announced that all her vital signs had stabilized and she was officially out of danger.
This fantastic news sent Magnus and Jonas over the moon, and they refused to leave the hospital room, eagerly awaiting the moment Natalia would open her eyes to see them first.
In the evening, Natalia's eyelids finally fluttered twice, and slowly, her eyes opened. She found herself surrounded by a sterile whiteness. The air was heavy with the scent of disinfectant. Before she could even speak, Magnus, who had been vigilantly watching over her, noticed she had come to.
Overwhelmed with joy, Magnus was at a loss for words. He pinched himself hard, making sure this wasn't a dream, and then leaped up from his chair. "Darling? You're finally awake!"
Jonas crowded in, too, elated, as he threw himself onto the side of Natalia's bed. "Oh, Mom, you finally decided to wake up!"
Natalia looked around in confusion, remembering that she had lost consciousness on a deserted island, and asked, "Am I not dead?"
Magnus quickly grasped Natalia's hand, pressing it to his lips repeatedly. "Darling, you're not dead! You're alive, and you're going to live a long, long life. We'll always be together, happy as a family! I'm so sorry, my negligence almost cost you your life. Can you forgive me?"
As Magnus rambled on, a mix of self-reproach and hope could be heard in his voice. He just wanted Natalia's forgiveness for not protecting her better. The fact that Natalia was awake filled him with such happiness that he would have gladly taken a few slaps or even sacrificed ten years of his life without hesitation!
In contrast to Magnus' rambled confessions, Jonas was the picture of composure. He hugged Natalia tightly, rubbing his head against her arm. "Mom, it's so great you're awake. This is the best news!"
Although Natalia had regained consciousness, her mind was still foggy. It felt as if her thoughts were wrapped in cotton, and she could hardly make out what Magnus and Jonas were saying. She mustered all her strength just to move her fingers slightly, and her lips twitched, but no sound came out.
Magnus quickly noticed her struggle and pressed the emergency button beside the bed. The doctor arrived promptly to examine Natalia, and finally, a smile crept onto his face. He turned to the anxious Magnus and Jonas and said calmly, "Mr. Andersen, congratulations, Mrs. Andersen has regained consciousness. However, her body was severely depleted before, and her systems haven't fully recovered, causing her vocal cords to be tense. She can't make any sounds for now, but don't worry, with some rest, she'll be back to normal soon."
Assured, Magnus held Natalia's hand tighter. "Darling, it's okay now, your son and I are here waiting for you to get better!"
Jonas nodded vigorously. "Yeah, mom, you are the strongest! You’ll be up and about in no time!"
Seeing Ollie, a man whose height and features resembled Magnus to some degree, and the matching tattoo, Natalia felt a wave of relief. She thought back on the images she had seen and how she was influenced by Alice's words. She realized that the man in the video couldn't possibly have Magnus' physique.
Natalia's cheeks flamed with embarrassment as she realized she had doubted Magnus without just cause. She hadn't given him a chance to explain, and her rash accusation had almost cost her life.
In a mortified scramble, she yanked the duvet over her head, hiding from Magnus' gaze. The guilt was gnawing at her; if only she had kept a level head, she wouldn't have been so easily swayed by Alice's words, and she certainly wouldn't have come close to losing her life!
How on earth did she end up back here? Judging by the looks of things, Magnus must have moved heaven and earth to bring her back.
Beneath the covers, Natalia wished she could just pass out again. She chastised herself for growing in years but not in wisdom, feeling like she was regressing rather than improving.
Magnus watched Natalia's adorably awkward antics and finally let out a laugh that had been absent for far too long.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)