The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)
Chapter 557

Jonas couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

Meanwhile, Anna strolled through the campus grounds, cradling a pair of books in her arms, with plans to hit the library and check out a couple more. She hadn't walked far when she overheard two female classmates chattering excitedly.

"Hey, did you hear? Our school's invited this wunderkind from Harvard to give a talk," one said.

"Really? Oh my gosh, I need to dash back and slip into something nice! I heard he's not just brilliant academically but also drop-dead gorgeous!"

"Absolutely! My dad, who's on the faculty board, told me he's the youngest general in the States. Impressive, huh?"

"What are we waiting for? Let's scoot back and freshen up. We can't meet a speaker like that looking like we just crawled out of a coal mine!"

The girls' excited banter reached Anna's ears, and she couldn't suppress a chuckle. It was just a visiting student, after all. What was the big deal? He probably couldn't hold a candle to her brother Johanson. With that thought, she quickened her pace toward the library.

Arriving at the library's entrance, Anna was surprised to see a large poster hanging on the building façade featuring a strikingly handsome young man with an infectious grin. Below the image, the poster proclaimed, "Warm Welcome to the Genius of Our Generation, Jonas!"

Seeing the dashing figure on the poster, Anna understood the earlier excitement of her classmates. Being so young and already invited to speak at their school meant he must've been something special. Anna admired the poster once more, noting the young man's good looks with a hint of awe. But why did his face seem so familiar? Where had she seen him before?

After a brief moment of contemplation and coming up empty on recalling the identity of this overseas sensation, Anna shrugged it off and proceeded into the library.

By the time Anna emerged, dusk had crept upon the campus. Clutching her newly borrowed books, she had just reached the school's entrance when she heard someone call out, "Anna, over here!" Turning, she saw Johanson perched on a bicycle, one foot planted on the ground, waiting for her. With a puzzled smile, Anna approached him. "Johanson, when did you get a new bike?" Johanson sighed with a mix of exasperation and affection. "Had to, since someone wouldn't let me pick her up in the car. I had to settle for a bike. But I'd do anything for my little princess." Anna giggled sweetly. "You know our house is so close to the school, Johanson. It seems silly to drive when the walk is so refreshing."

"Alright, your wish is my command. Hop on, let's give this new bike a whirl." Johanson patted the rear seat, gesturing for Anna to climb aboard.

Anna did just that, wrapping her arms gently around Johanson's waist. "Let's roll."

With a confident push, Johanson set off, enjoying the novelty of the ride.

Under the glow of the setting sun, the dashing Johanson pedaled the sleek bike along a tree-lined path studded with maples. Anna sat snugly behind him-a picture of pure charm.

Ever since they'd moved to Canada, Johanson had enrolled Anna in this prestigious school while he opened a taekwondo studio nearby, teaching kids the art of self-defense and fitness. Gradually, his studio grew popular, and parents came flocking, eager to have their kids trained under Johanson's watchful eye.

As the evening sky blushed with the colors of twilight, painting the maple leaves a fiery red, Johanson leisurely cycled Anna back to their cozy villa, planting his foot firmly on the ground as they arrived. "My beautiful princess, we're home."

Anna hopped off the bike with a sprightly step, beaming, "Thanks, Johanson."

"Silly girl, no need for thanks. I'm your brother," Johanson replied, parking the bike casually in the yard before walking into the living room with Anna.

Feeling a bit parched from the day's activities, Anna was about to pour herself a drink when Johanson handed her a glass of warm water. "Here, bet you're thirsty."

"A bit parched, that's all," Anna admitted, taking a sip from the glass. "By the way, Johanson, my teacher was asking about my school records today. Have you sorted it out yet?"

Johanson needed to prepare Anna's previous academic records because she was a transfer student. He stood, retrieved a file from the cabinet, and placed it in front of Anna. "All taken care of. Here you go." "Really? That's great! I'll hand it in tomorrow." Anna was visibly relieved, picking up the file.

Johanson then spoke softly, "By the way, Anna, I've changed your name to Grace in the records. I want you always to remember that you and I only have each other as true family in this world."

Opening the file, Anna saw her profile, and indeed, "Grace" was written in the name slot. The idea of changing her name didn't bother Anna. Grace-a name that embodied the gratitude she held for Johanson's care and upbringing.

Johanson was right; he was her only family in this world.

Quickly embracing her new identity, Anna spent the rest of the evening with Johanson before retiring to her room for the night. In her dreams, Johanson held her hand, repeating, "Grace, in this life, you're my only family, my only sister. Remember, never leave me."

Though the Johanson of her dreams seemed a stranger, Anna nodded in agreement. Yeah, she wouldn't dream of leaving Johanson's side.

The next morning, Grace was up with the sun, eager to hit the books at school, but this time, she didn't ask for Johanson's ride. After all, the school was just a stone's throw away from their place – a brisk fifteen-minute walk, tops.

Johanson couldn't win the argument with Grace - yeah, she was Grace now, not Anna. With a reluctant nod, he agreed to let her make her way to school and promised to pick her up when the final bell rang. Johanson waved her off. "Grace, keep your wits about you on the road."

With her backpack snug against her shoulders, Grace walked along, silently rehearsing her new name under her breath, "Grace, Grace..."

She was so wrapped up in embracing her new identity that she hardly paid any mind to where she was stepping. Out of nowhere, she collided with someone. Grace quickly blurted out an apology, "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! I was in my little world and totally missed seeing where I was going."