The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)
Chapter 415

In the heart of Hawaii, Hector's leg had finally healed after a necessary period of rest.

One fine day, he accompanied Natalia to a meeting at NH International. The sight of Hector walking through the door alongside her caused a palpable shock in the boardroom.

The shareholders, who had started the company with Hector, were overjoyed, leaping to their feet with tears in their eyes. "Mr. Hector, you've returned! We feared the worst..." "Mr. Hector, is it really you? Pinch me; I must be dreaming!"

Hector had been missing for a year, and his unexpected return brought overwhelming happiness to his peers.

"Yeah, I'm back. You all have done a stellar job this past year. Let's keep pushing forward together. And let's not forget the hardship Natalia endured on our behalf. Thank you all for not giving up on NH International."

Despite surviving a catastrophe, Hector felt truly alive only now that he was back in his element. He silently thanked the stars above for leading him back to his roots. His gaze landed on Natalia's smiling eyes, and he remembered the name of the company-NH International. They must have been deeply in love once, and now, after his disappearance, she had returned to Magnus' side, leaving them to miss each other once again.

Back at the office, everything felt as it once had. Hector's madness had dissipated. He and Natalia synced their daily routines, arriving and departing work together as if nothing had changed. This simple routine sparked jealousy in Magnus.

Magnus watched his wife leave and return with Hector each day. His heart twisted with a torment he couldn't voice. Even though Natalia was back with Magnus, Hector's presence was like a ticking time bomb. After dinner, Magnus confronted Hector, who sat nonchalantly on the couch. "You've got your memory issues, you're all healed up, and the company's chugging along. Maybe it's time you found your own place. This is our home. Don't you feel out of place?"

Hector turned slowly, locking eyes with Magnus. "If I'm not mistaken, this is also a home to Natalia and me. If anyone should leave, it's you."

Magnus felt like he'd been punched in the gut. "You... This is Natalia's home, and I'm her husband. I know my place here!"

Unblinking, Hector retorted, "The last thing I remember is that this is my home."

Natalia stepped in, glaring at Magnus. "Why are you trying to kick Hector out? This is his home. Where do you expect him to go? Besides, he's lost his memory."

Feeling cornered and infuriated by the way Natalia defended Hector, Magnus grabbed her arm and stormed toward the bedroom.

"What the hell?" Natalia stumbled behind him.

Once in the bedroom, Magnus slammed the door, pinned her against it, and kissed her fiercely. It was a punishing kiss, passionate and wild.

Natalia tried to push him away, but he was immovable, trapping her against the door. His kiss left her breathless, and only when she was nearly suffocating did he let go and carry her to the bed.

"Still want to glare at me? For that jerk, Hector? I'll show you who your husband is," Magnus growled, his eyes intense.

"Magnus, don't be so childish. Hector has lost his memory. Where do you want him to go? This was his home," Natalia argued, staring into his stormy eyes.

Magnus' anger was replaced with a whine. "So, we'll move out, let him have the place! You're my wife; you can't be around him all the time. I can't stand it, sweetheart..."

Natalia felt a shiver run down her spine as Magnus' tone shifted from ferocious to cajoling. "Get off, Hector's still downstairs. You dragging me up here is rude," she protested, her blue eyes locking with his. "In my own house, with my own wife, I needn't mind manners," he countered before proceeding to undress her.

While the bedroom buzzed with intimacy, Hector sat downstairs with his eyes on the television but his mind elsewhere. He knew what was happening behind the bedroom door. A wave of sadness swept over him, his fists clenching tight. He reminded himself to stay calm, although his hands cracked in protest.

If it weren't for Natalia, he might have lashed out at Magnus. But the thought of making her cry halted his rage. He relaxed his grip, staring out at the moonlight.

"Alright, Natalia, if this is the happiness you choose, I'll leave. As long as it keeps you from crying," he resolved.

Hector rose, ascended the stairs, and paused at the bedroom door. The sound of Magnus' voice calling Natalia, "Sweetheart," was almost too much to bear. He shut his eyes, turned away, and left the villa in the dead of night.

The next morning, Hector greeted Natalia with a smile. "Nat, I bought a new place. I'm moving out."

Natalia blinked in surprise. "Why move out? This is your home, Hector. Did Magnus upset you last night? You're still recovering; you should stay here."

Hector looked deep into her clear, ocean-blue eyes. Even without his memories, he knew he must have loved this girl dearly. She was happy now, and it's better if he left. He thought, "Natalia, I wish you everlasting happiness."

"I'm well again, and the company's doing fine. I need to work, to replace my own happiness, don't I?" His voice softened as he stepped closer, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. "If I don't go out there to replace it, how will it ever come to me? Don't worry, Natalia." Then he smiled, a radiant smile that recalled Hector's sunny disposition.

Opening his arms, he beckoned, "Come on, Natalia. Give me a hug and wish me well!"

Tears welled up in Natalia's eyes as she slowly lunged into Hector's arms, wrapping her hands around his waist. "Hector, you have to replace happiness. If you're not happy in this life, I'll never replace peace." In her life, Hector was like a brother she never had, a confidant who understood her like no other. She had let him down several times, and if he couldn't replace happiness, she'd be restless for the rest of her days.

"What the hell is going on here?" At that moment, Magnus descended the stairs, striding over and forcefully prying apart the two embraced figures.

He glared at Hector with fury. "Are you asking for trouble?" Without waiting for a response, he swung his fist towards Hector.

Hector didn't move, absorbing the force of Magnus' punch. He staggered back a step. His gaze was cold and detached as he looked at Magnus. "Magnus!" Natalia immediately rushed over, grabbing Magnus' arm tightly. "Hector's moving out. We were just saying goodbye. Please, don't do this..."