The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 1

June in Melfort wasn’t as sweltering as one might have imagined, given its proximity to the sea. But the unpredictable weather was enough to cause a fair share of frustration, and the sea breeze provided little relief.

Natalia sat on the balcony of her second–story study at dusk, gently stroking her heavily pregnant belly. “Just a few more weeks, my darling, and you’ll be part of the world. Mommy will give you all her love.”

Perhaps this child was the only warmth in her life. She closed her eyes, letting her mind wander.

Her phone rang breaking her reverie. It was a video call from Kendra, her sister. Natalia picked up the phone, instinctively opening the video. What she saw was a man and woman entwined in a passionate embrace.

“Magnus, be gentle!” the woman moaned, blushing

The video lasted for three minutes, filled with the sounds of heavy breathing, soft cries, and laughter.

Her husband and sister were having an affair. Natalia laughed, a bitter sound that ended in a sob. She turned around, her hands instinctively going to her belly. She was trembling, and her legs were weak. As she tried to stand, her foot caught on the carpet, sending her tumbling to the floor

The pain in her abdomen was sharp, making it hard to breathe. She tried to get up, but her vision was blurred with tears Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open. “Ms. Natalia, what happened?” her maid cried.

Natalia’s last memory before passing out was the sound of the butler’s voice. “Call Mr. Magnus! Ms. Natalia is going into labor!”

white surroundings told her she was in a hospital. Where was her baby? She tried to sit up, but

awake,” the nurse

but her throat was dry. The nurse held a cup of water to her lips. “What do

voice was barely a

soft with sympathy. After adjusting the IV for Natalia, she said,

a voice raspy and strained, grabbed her arm. “Where’s my

make it,” the nurse replied, her eyes downcast.

as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over

complications and lack of oxygen, the

“No, that can’t be true! He was kicking and lively inside me!

arm, and without even putting on her shoes, she dashed out of her room. The nurse noticed the blood dripping from where the needle had been and tried to stop her. “Mrs. Natalia, please

“Leave me alone!”

stumbled toward the nursery. She caught a doctor coming out and demanded, “Where’s my baby? Doctor, where’s

passed out, the baby didn’t get enough oxygen. Please, you need to rest now You can have another child in the future.”

to her sides, defeated Tears streamed down her pale face. “My dear baby, are you

the family butler, Linden, rushed in with a pair of shoes for Natalia. He’d only been gone for a moment, and she’d woken up.

sky. wondering if her child was up there waiting for her. Suddenly, a car screeched to a halt in front of the hospital. Magnus jumped out, leaving the car door open as he sprinted toward the