The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 581

Without a second thought, Max blurted out, "I don't like her, with that gloomy face of hers. Every time I see her, it gives me the creeps."

Jonas chuckled, "Who taught you to talk like that?"

Max turned his head away with a pout, clearly not in the mood to answer Jonas' question.

Jonas felt resigned and ruffled Max's dark hair again. "But what if your real mom came back? Would that make you happy?"

"Really?" Max jumped up in excitement. "That would be awesome! I've been waiting for my real mom! Dad, tell me, where is she?"

Before he could finish, Madeline sauntered into the living room, calling out in a delicate voice, "Jonas, what have you been up to these past few days? Why has your phone been off?" She stood by the sofa, beaming at Jonas and Max.

With a puzzled look from Madeline, Jonas said gravely, "Darling, there's something I need to tell you."

After Madeline sat down, her eyes brimming with tenderness fixed on Jonas.

"I'm so sorry, Madeline, but Max's biological mother is about to return, and that means I can't marry you. I'll go to your place tonight to explain everything to your parents," Jonas said with a hint of guilt.

Madeline gasped in disbelief, raising her voice, "Jonas, what nonsense are you talking about? Isn't Max's mom dead? How can she come back?"

Max immediately frowned and interrupted Madeline, "My mom is not dead! Dad just said she's back, and she's going to be with us again very soon!"

Madeline, who had been oblivious to Max's presence until then, quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Max, I didn't mean it that way. I just don’t believe it. After all, your dad had said your mom passed away three years ago!"

"You sound like you don't want my mom to come back. You're jinxing her, and I don't like you, hmph!" Max huffed loudly and turned to sit on the couch, making it clear he didn't want to speak to Madeline anymore.

What was she to do? Who would tell her what to do? How could she face the pointing fingers and the gossip after her engagement was broken off?

Shaking her head at Jonas, Madeline pleaded, her voice quivering, "Jonas, you've changed. You always used to indulge me and never spoke harshly. But now, you say you won't look after me. Jonas, did I do something wrong? Tell me, and I'll change!"

"No, you've done nothing wrong. You've always been an outstanding girl," Jonas said, softening his voice, knowing he had been too harsh. "But to me, you'll always be like a sister, and I've been in love with Max's mom for far too long. She's been out of touch for years, suffering too much. I can't let her wander any longer."

"Stop, please stop!" Madeline felt as if her dignity had been trampled and her heart pierced. She couldn't stay any longer. Covering her mouth, she ran out of the villa, sobbing.

Watching Madeline run away in tears, Jonas instinctively wanted to chase after her, fearing she might once again become desperate, but just as he was about to step forward, he paused. Chasing after Madeline now would only fuel her infatuation. It seemed the only way for her to overcome her dependency and learn to grow on her own was to step back and let her find her own way.

With that thought, Jonas pulled out his cell phone and dialed his mentor Berlin's number. He apologized profusely as he explained that he had found Max's biological mother. Consequently, the wedding would have to be called off. His voice carried a mix of regret and determination, hoping for understanding.