Chapter 495
Natalia was in her element, her hands moving with an artist''s grace as she sketched out a whole set of jewelry designs before
noon. The passion for her craft was evident in the way her eyes gleamed with a mix of concentration and excitement. With the
last stroke of her pen, she leaned back to admire her work—aplete set of emerald designs that left her beaming with pride.
She couldn''t wait to show her husband, Magnus. "Hey, love, check these out. What do you think?" she said, holding up the
papers with a flourish.
Magnus took the sheets and studied them with a keen eye. The designs included emerald studs, a ne, a bracelet, anda
ring—each piece exuding a sense of timeless elegance and regal charm. The mere sketches were enough to take one''s breath
away; the finished products would undoubtedly turn heads and earn endless praise.
“My dear, you astonish me! How do youe up with such exquisite designs?" Magnus was effusive in his admiration, and his
heart was swelling with pride. To him, Natalia was a treasure beyondpare—rilliant, a shining star in the world, and, best of
all, his wife.
Natalia''s cheeks glowed with the warmth of satisfaction as she looked up at Magnus and chuckled. "Oh,e on. I''ve got you to
thank for some of that inspiration. Without your nudge, I''d still be here twiddling my thumbs."
Magnus''ughter filled the room. "Ha, my dear, | just love how you''ve got all this talent, yet you insist on staying humble. You''re
the perfect match for a rogue like me!"
Sheughed at his teasing. "Oh, please. Since when does my being modest have anything to do with you?"
"Well, your humility certainly sets off my wild and dashing nature, doesn''t it?" Magnus boasted. His heart lit with joy at Natalia''s
competence and creativity.
“Alright, enough with the ttery. Let''s deliver these designs to Her Majesty. If she approves, we can head back. Remember, we
promised to visit little Jonas," Natalia urged, eager to share their work and see their son.
They left for the pce shortly after, handing over Natalia''s designs to the queen, who was thrilled with the fresh and grand
collection. She immediately ordered her craftsmen to bring the sketches to life.
Despite the queen''s pleas for them to stay longer, Natalia was adamant about returning home—the pull of family was too strong.
Reluctantly, the queen agreed and even escorted them to the airport.
After bidding farewell to the queen and their friends, Callum and Lexi, Natalia, and Magnus boarded the ne, setting course for
the States.
In Oakwood Manor, the days slipped by, and Gabby’s condition deteriorated.
Her illness had progressed to the point where she was confined to her bed. Her life was sustained by the IV drips that fed her
veins when her body rejected all food. Gabby had be a shadow of herself. Her limbs appeared gaunt, and her once vibrant
eyes were dimmed.
Grant''s heart ached with each visit. The woman he loved was suffering immensely, yet she stubbornly clung to the life growing
inside her—a child that was, paradoxically, both her hope and her demise.
"Darling, you don''t have to endure this," Grant finally said, his voice tinged with desperation. "We can try for another child once
you''re well."
He had pleaded with her countless times, but Gabby''s response was always the same—silence.
Despite her frailty, Gabby''s determination was irond. She would bring this child into the world, even if it cost her everything.
As Grant finished speaking, the silence stretched between them once more. Gabbyy motionless, yet inside her, the faint
stirrings of life—a subtle kick, a gentle turn—reminded her of the tiny miracle she carried.
Asmile crept across Gabby''s pale face as she gazed at the sunset through the window, sensing the end of her days drawing
near. This was her atonement for past misdeeds, the love she had given to the wrong person, and the sins she believed she had
committed.
Grant reached for Gabby''s hand, which felt like fragile parchment, and whispered, "Why do you do this to yourself? It''s breaking
my heart to see you this way."
With a weak smile, Gabby confided, "I''ve made many mistakes, Grant. I''ve wronged others deeply. Now, | have a chance to
make things right. I''m willing to give all | have for this child''s new beginning."
She then recounted to Grant how, under Lucius'' maniption, she had once taken Natalia''s child, confessing the darkest act of
her past.
Grant listened, stunned. He could never have imagined that the delicate woman before him was capable of such deception. Yet,
he knew his own past was marred by worse deeds.
Gabby''s voice was soft as she continued, "Grant, my life has been bleak. I''ve loved a man | shouldn''t have andmitted
unforgivable sins. But now, | have a chance to be a mother. That''s all | want."
Grant could only hold her close, his emotions raging like a tumultuous sea. He knew no words could sway her heart, she was
already set on a path of sacrifice and redemption.
Grant stood by the bedside, watching
Gabby lying there, frail. Her body was
wracked with iIness entpain.
tay ater a sinfid word of reproach;
instead, he gently stroked her hair,
hoping the soft caress could alleviate
some of her suffering. Please read
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Days turned into weeks as Gabby
clung to life with a stubborn
determination. She had|gsowe Gun,
ashadawithet térmer self, but a
fierce belief kept her going. She was
holding on to the miracle of new life,
the arrival of their child. Please read
the original content at
.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
Winter crept in silently, bringing with
it howling winds that swept through
Oakwood Manor. Th qurnful tries
af shecgeta chat the modest
workers’ quarters shudder and sway
as if dancing to the rhythm of the
cold season''sment. Please read
the original content at
.