The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 330

And so, Hector hurriedly packed his few belongings and moved in with Natalia, embarking on their co-

habiting journey. They would jog together every morning, then return home to paint, exchanging

insights. After that, they would cook and eat together.

Hector, being the mindful one, took care of Natalia meticulously. Every day, he felt as if he was living in

a dream. This was the kind of life he had always yearned for, practically perfect. The only imperfection

was that Natalia saw him merely as a good friend, with no hint of romantic affection in her eyes.

As time flew by, Hector started to crave more. He was no longer satisfied with being just good pals with

Natalia. He wanted more. He wanted Natalia to be his lover, to continue the captivating romance they

had during their adolescence. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

One evening, Hector secretly prepared a lavish dinner behind Natalia's back. When night fell, he called

her out of her room.

Natalia, pushed along by Hector, found herself in their small garden filled with flowers and plants. To

her surprise, a small table had been set up there. Not only was the table laden with a feast, but it also

held a beautiful candlestick.

Upon seeing this, Natalia turned to Hector with a smile. "Hector, are you inviting me to a candlelit

dinner?"

Hector, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for Natalia. "Sit, my beautiful queen."

Natalia blushed at the compliment and gave a shy chuckle before taking a seat.

Hector poured a glass of red wine for Natalia and raised his glass in a toast. "To our reunion, cheers!"

Natalia reciprocated the gesture, her red lips lightly touching the glass. "Cheers!"

As Hector and Natalia had a few drinks, the night sky deepened, with stars twinkling like winking eyes.

Natalia's cheeks were flushed, a hint of tipsiness showing.

Suddenly, Hector rose from his seat and produced a dazzling red rose seemingly out of nowhere. He

knelt on one knee before Natalia. "Natalia, I love you. Will you marry me?"

Natalia was taken aback by Hector's proposal. She thought they were just having a casual drink. She

never expected Hector to propose. The proposal was so sudden that Natalia didn't know how to react.

She was rooted to the spot.

However, Hector remained kneeling, passionately saying, "Natalia, you know, I've loved you for a very

long time. I know you love me, too, but fate separated us. You left me for someone else. I was too timid

back then, not knowing how to fight for my happiness, and I let you go! When I heard you had fallen

into the sea, there were countless times I felt like jumping in after you. I regret letting you go for the rest

of my life. Now, you're like an angel who's descended from heaven. I know you've suffered over these

years, but let's not talk about the past. This is my chance to start anew! Natalia, will you marry me?"

Natalia looked at Hector kneeling on the ground, her heart filled with unease. She had thought Hector

would cherish their time together and not bring up their buried feelings, but it seemed she couldn't

escape it.

Taking a deep breath, Natalia slowly shook her head. “Hector, I’m sorry. I thought our relationship was

pure platonic affection. But now I realize I was wrong. Maybe I was too presumptuous, and I never

asked about your feelings. I... I'm really sorry."

The light in Hector's eyes dimmed instantly. He remained kneeling, his silhouette elongated by the

moonlight.

Natalia couldn't bear to see Hector in such a state. "Hector, I'm sorry. I can't give you marriage or love.

My heart is lost, incomplete. You deserve a better woman. If you don't mind, I can offer you friendship,

the purest friendly affection. That's all I can offer. Hector, you can forget about the past, and stop

blaming yourself. I'm sorry."

Hector stared intently at Natalia as if trying to imprint her image in his mind. After a long pause, he

slowly retracted his numb arm and stood up. His voice was steady. "Natalia, I won't give up. I'll wait. I'll

wait until you change your mind or until you come back to me."

Natalia bit her lip, feeling awkward. She didn't know how to comfort Hector, so she just lowered her

head in silence.

Hector forced a laugh, intending to leave quietly but not wanting Natalia to overthink. He put on a brave

face. "Natalia, don't worry about me. I have thick skin. No matter how many times I'm knocked down, I'll

be fine. Really. I can wait, maybe one day you'll change your mind."

Natalia felt her eyes welling up. She looked at Hector, who was feigning cheerfulness. "Hector, I..."

"Enough," Hector cut her off. "Who am I? Hector, the indestructible roach. If not this time, then next

time. I'll be the ever resilient gum." He made exaggerated faces, full of self-mockery.

Natalia couldn't help but laugh at his antics. Although she still felt a bit awkward, it was much better

than before. She looked at Hector seriously. "Hector, I really wish to remain as your closest kin forever.

Really."

"Alright, I accept your kinship. But you can't stop me from pining for you, my kin. Hey, you better be

careful. One day, if I turn into the big bad wolf, you'll be in trouble!" Hector made a face, pretending to

be a big bad wolf.

Natalia's mood lifted. She hugged her shoulders and pretended to be scared. "Oh my, what a terrifying

big bad wolf."

Just like that, the initially tense atmosphere gradually became lively again, thanks to Hector's

exaggerated body language. After a bit of teasing, they each retreated to their separate rooms for the

night.

Shutting the door, separating themselves from the outside world, they were finally able to drop their

pretenses. There was no longer a need to put on a brave face or pretend to be happy for the sake of

the other's feelings.

Hector flung himself onto the bed, a sense of defeat gnawing at his insides. Although he had

anticipated today's failed proposal, the reality of it still required a heart of steel to face. He'd found her

and had no intention of ever letting her go. He was willing even if it meant being just a family member

to her.

"Natalia, I won't give up," he vowed silently. "I will wait till you truly accept me. No matter how long it

takes, I can wait."

Whispering the pledge that had long been imprinted in his heart, Hector felt a surge of renewed

strength. With a sense of satisfaction, he finally closed his eyes.

In a room nearby, Natalia stared blankly at the night view outside her window. Her heart was consumed

by thoughts of Magnus, who was far away in a different land.