The Imposter Bride

Chapter 200

Chapter 200

How could Natalia believe such a flimsy lie from Lena? “Really? This couldn’t possibly be from an accident. Who are you trying to fool?” Natalla’s eyes welled up with tears.

Even though she had been abandoned, seeing Lena being bullied like this made Natalia’s heart ache!

Lena bit her lip, showing a troubled expression. “Well, it’s nothing. I’ve told you before. These so–called highborn folks are very particular about lineage. They absolutely can’t stand the thought of someone below their status tainting their bloodline.”

“So he found out about me? And he’s blaming you for it? And that’s why he hit you?” Natalia felt like her head was about to explode. What kind of messed up logic was that? It was absolutely infuriating!

“You go by Natalia, right? Don’t worry about it. I’ve gotten used to it over the years. As long as you’re doing well, I’m content. I came here today to check up on you, to see if you’re doing okay.”

Natalia heard Lena saying her name. This woman was once a stranger, yet had given birth to her. Natalia couldn’t describe the feelings swirling inside her. However, Natalia was being inherently kind and didn’t want Lena to worry about her. She nodded earnestly. “I’m doing really well, honestly. Even though life wasn’t great at the Clarkson’s, everything changed when I met Cal. He’s been really good to me.”

I

“Cal? You mean Callum?” Lena’s eyes lit up. “He’s a big shot in England, virtually untouchable. If he’s treating you well, I can rest easy. But remember, the English are very particular about lineage. If you don’t have a noble lineage, you won’t be able to marry him.”

Natalia’s eyebrows furrowed. Had Lena come all this way just to tell her these things? Although Callum was indeed very good to her, Natalia was well aware that marrying Callum was not something she was entirely sure about. Right now, though, she didn’t want to discuss these things with Lena. After all, they were practically strangers.

Natalia didn’t say anything else and invited Lena in to tend to her injuries. But then, “Natalia… Could you… Could you call me ‘Mom‘?” Lena asked suddenly. Her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears and made her look desperate as she pleaded. If she could hear Natalia call her ‘Mom‘ just once in this lifetime, she could die in peace.

Natalia was taken aback and shook her head with difficulty. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”

Lena’s face paled, but she managed a weak smile. “It’s alright. All this is my fault. I will find a way to make it up to you.”

With a feeling of desolation, Lena turned around and slowly left the castle. Her figure was radiating a profound sense of loneliness and sadness.

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Mom! Natalia was already calling her that in her heart. Lena’s staggering figure and the evident injuries on her face pierced Natalia’s heart like a sharp knife. But after only a short distance, Lena turned back around and took out an envelope from her pocket.

Lena walked up to Natalia and handed her a letter. “I hope you could read this after I’ve left. Can I… Can I hold you?” As Lena stared at Natalia, she noticed her face was marred by injuries. It made Natalia feel like her world was falling apart. Natalia was trembling as she accepted the sealed letter. She wanted to deny Lena’s request, but seeing the pleading look in her eyes, she agreed.

Lena’s face lit up with relief, and she pulled Natalia into her arms. She hugged Natalia tightly, as if exerting all the strength she had left. Natalia felt something wet on her

shoulder. She was almost suffocating in Lena’s embrace.

“I’m sorry, my child, my angel. You must find happiness.” Lena whispered into Natalia’s ear, then let go of her and walked away without looking back.

Watching Lena’s retreating figure, Natalia felt an inexplicable sense of finality. That embrace was a mother’s embrace. It might have come late, but it was truly warm.

After Lena was out of sight, Natalia finally opened the letter. Inside was a single sheet of thin paper, filled with a neat, delicate script.

“To my dearest baby,

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years. It’s all my fault.

I’m sorry for not being there for you all these years.

From the moment you were born

no, from the moment I first felt you move inside me, you became my whole world, the only reason I have for living.

Over the years, I spent every night consumed by guilt and longing. Every second of every minute, I thought about my baby. I wondered if you were okay, if you had enough to eat, if you were sleeping well. But Rowell’s influence was too strong. He took away all my identity documents, and I couldn’t leave England because I discovered his traitorous

secret.

From then on, I was trapped, Nat. I never wanted to be a mistress. Forced into this situation, I had no choice but to become a caged bird in his golden cage. I spent countless nights longing for you.

Had I not sent you away, you might have lost your life in the McKinney family feud. My baby, all of this is my doing. I was unable to break free from Rowell’s hold, and I couldn’t go searching for you in our homeland when you were still young. Thankfully, you finally came, and you’re just as beautiful as I imagined.

My child, I’ve failed as a mother. I wasn’t by your side all these years, and yet you’ve grown into such a wise and sensible young woman. I’m truly proud. England is a country that values lineage above all else, especially among the nobility.

Last night, after you left, Rowell found out about this. He was furious and took it out on

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1. me. Our relationship started to crack. But my child, for your sake, I must fight for you one more time.

I can’t let you follow in my footsteps. If you don’t have a noble lineage, you will face many obstacles from stubborn aristocrats when you want to marry Callum. And I would rather die than watch is something like that happen.

The only solution is for you to be acknowledged by Rowell as a McKinney. As an Earl’s daughter, you would have the right to talk of marriage with Callum.

Living here for so long, I’ve come to understand Callum’s ways, and even more, I’ve seen the unwavering love in his eyes when he looks at you. The greatest joy for a woman is to marry a man who loves her more than his own life. From my own experience, I can say without a doubt that Callum is capable of such love.

For the sake of your future happiness, my dearest darling, I must fight for you to have the recognition you deserve.

Goodbye, my child. My life has been filled with hardships, from my difficult childhood to my adult years filled with unbearable circumstances. Having to abandon you when you were but a babe are the sins I have sown. Now, it’s time for me to pay for these transgressions.

Promise me, my child, that you will find happiness. Even if the road ahead is muddy and difficult, always move forward with a smile.

Your loving mother, Lena.”