The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 582

Berlin was blindsided by the unexpected turn of events so close to the wedding, but he knew Jonas inside out and was certain he wouldn't call off an engagement without serious cause. After all, it was Berlin himself who had asked Jonas to marry his daughter. Now, it seemed his little sweetheart just wasn't destined to be with Jonas.

Once Jonas had explained everything, Berlin heaved a heavy sigh of resignation, assuring Jonas he would take good care of Madeline, before ending the call.

No sooner had Jonas pocketed his phone than Max gave him a thumbs-up, his youthful voice brimming with admiration. "Dad, that's the way to do it! You've got guts—I totally look up to you! Just tell me if you need my help, and I'll definitely help you win Mom back!"

Jonas ruffled Max's curly locks with a tender smile, then turned to Bentley standing by the door. "Bentley, I've got to head to the office. Max is in your hands."

Bentley, ever the dutiful butler, nodded promptly. "Rest assured, Mr. Jonas. Mr. Max is always well-behaved."

"Good, just don't spoil him too much." With a final wave to Max, Jonas drove off to work.

Meanwhile, Madeline rushed home with her bridal dreams shattered. She collapsed onto the sofa as tears streamed down her face, lamenting that Jonas wouldn't marry her anymore.

Berlin had already explained the situation to his wife, and while both were saddened by the abrupt twist, there was nothing they could do. Indeed, they had been the ones to propose the match with Jonas, and now that Max's mother was alive, it was no surprise that Jonas was unwilling to go through with marrying Madeline.

Berlin’s wife gently patted Madeline's shoulder, her voice soothing. "Madeline, there's nothing we can do. You have to let Jonas go. Max's mother is alive and well. He obviously can't abandon her to marry you. If he did, he wouldn't be the Jonas we know."

Madeline's tear-stained eyes suddenly hardened as she wiped away her tears, her gaze icy. "Why should she? She's been dead for three years, and then she just shows up out of the blue, right on the eve of my wedding? She's deliberately ruining my happiness!"

With that, Madeline stormed up to her room and slammed the door shut, leaving Berlin and his wife exchanging helpless glances. They had taught many children but had no idea how to console Madeline in her rage.

As the sun set, Jonas drove back to his seaside villa, pondering what delightful dish to prepare for Elisea. He was imagining her contented smile and found himself smiling softly at the thought.

Caught up in his musings, Jonas failed to notice a car trailing behind him. The driver of the pursuing vehicle watched with a dark gleam in their eyes, following Jonas until they were sure the latter had entered the seaside villa, then drove away.

After explaining the situation to Madeline, Jonas felt a weight lifted from his chest, and his spirits soared. Humming a tune, he cooked a feast, anticipating Elisea's return, just like the night before. But Elisea didn't come home that evening.

Jonas waited until the wee hours before reluctantly heating up a couple of dishes for a simple meal. He then trudged upstairs, disheartened. Lying in the wide bed, Jonas breathed in the lingering scent of Elisea, his longing for her spreading like a virus within him—uncontrollable and undeniable.

He dialed Brendan. "Check where Elisea is, pronto."