The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Elisea fluttered her thick, curled eyelashes and suddenly snapped her eyes open. She had no idea how long she'd been out, or how she ended up in this unfamiliar setting. As her gaze swept over the unrecognizable surroundings, Elisea's senses went on high alert. She sprang from the bed, only to discover she was staying in a quaint coastal villa.

The memory of last night flashed through her mind. Jonas, that jerk, had taken advantage of her, and she felt a flush of irritation color her cheeks.

Of course, it had to be him who brought her here. She had thought he would actually let her go, but even with her heightened caution, he had managed to knock her out!

What was his deal, bringing her to this place? That despicable freak-what was he up to?!

At least her body didn't feel violated, and that brought her a moment of relief.

Confused but determined, Elisea resolved to leave this strange place as quickly as possible. Even though the view from the window appealed to her, she knew this wasn't somewhere she could stay.

Elisea tiptoed downstairs, making as little noise as possible. She was well aware that she was no match for Jonas at the moment and had no desire to provoke him into targeting her.

Know your enemies and know yourself, and you will never be imperiled.

The plan to assassinate Jonas would need better preparation.

Stepping gingerly down to the lower floor, Elisea tried to slip away from the unfamiliar villa when she caught sight of someone in the kitchen, busy cooking. The figure was tall and solid with his back turned, but Elisea was certain it was Jonas.

The audacity of that bastard, making breakfast like he hadn't a care in the world-what a total freak!

As this thought crossed her mind, Elisea suddenly felt dizzy and nearly lost her footing. She couldn't understand why, all of a sudden, everything felt so familiar, as if the scene and silhouette before her had haunted her dreams countless times.

As Jonas bustled in the kitchen, she quietly drew the small blade she kept hidden in her shoe. It was a perfect opportunity to slice his throat while his back was turned.

But as she neared him, her steps faltered. She had failed twice already in the presence of this twisted man. Would she really succeed this time?

After a brief hesitation, she tightened her grip on the cold blade and crept closer to Jonas. Fine. If he wasn't planning to kill her, she would show no mercy!

“Jonas, this was all on you. When you get to the hereafter, don't blame me for being heartless and ruthless!”

Elisea held her breath and inched closer to Jonas; her hand was poised to strike-but he turned around just as she raised her arm.

Startled, Elisea hastily retracted the blade, caught off guard as she met Jonas' gaze. He looked at her hand, a brief flicker of surprise crossing his face before a radiant smile replaced it. "Hungry, huh? Just a little longer, and breakfast will be ready," he said with a warmth that seemed brighter than the morning sun.

Stunned for a split second by the unexpected kindness, Elisea's inner voice unwittingly whispered so gently, but she quickly remembered how Jonas had taken his liberties with her the night before. She had never been so intimately close to anyone.

Elisea's cheeks warmed at the memory, and she glowered at Jonas. This despicable scoundrel-she vowed to end him and rescue her mom!

Jonas seemed oblivious to her furious glare, casually turning back to his cooking. His lips curled in amusement. Silly girl, still couldn't shake off the idea of killing him!

As Jonas exposed his back to her once again, Elisea felt torn. This damn man was looking so carefree and unguarded!

Hmph, she wouldn't fall for it. He must've been using this moment to test her!

But then again, opportunities like this were rare. Should she take the chance now? If she did make her move, would he counterattack with a kitchen knife?

Elisea's brow knotted as she cycled through emotions, indecision gripping her for the first time.

Meanwhile, Jonas plated a dish and set it before her. "Ellie, your favorite Kung Pao Chicken. Hold tight, there's more." He then turned back to the stove, his enthusiasm for the task at hand evident. Elisea's heart raced. This was a golden opportunity. If she missed it, who knew when the next would come? She reached for the blade she had just stowed away, but then her nose picked up a scent so familiar it gave her pause.

Looking down, she saw a plate of delectable Kung Pao Chicken before her. The crisp cucumbers, plump peanuts, and succulent chicken mingled together, tempting her. Her stomach betrayed her with a growl. Elisea turned her head away, embarrassed. Well, she needed a full stomach if she was going to take down that bastard.

As the aroma of food tantalized her, she wavered for the umpteenth time between stabbing Jonas or diving into the tender chicken. Jonas had already whipped up three more dishes and two bowls of soup with swift precision.

"Ellie, dinner's served. Look, Eggplant in Garlic Sauce, Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, and Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables-your favorites," he announced, laying out the feast, each dish a siren call to her senses. Faced with her preferred dishes, Elisea looked at Jonas with shock. "How do you know these are my favorites? Did you know me before?"

Jonas pushed a bowl of rice toward her, his eyes twinkling. "Because I not only know you, but I'm also quite familiar with you. I know every little detail about you, even better than you know yourself." Elisea frowned, annoyed. There he went again, teasing her with those offbeat remarks. No wonder he had enemies!

"Come on, don't just stand there. Eat up before it gets cold," Jonas urged, serving her a piece of pork ribs as if wishing he could become the morsel in her bowl.

Elisea gazed at Jonas with a mix of confusion and suspicion. "I don't even know you, and I came here with the intention of ending your life. Why are you being so kind to me?"