I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 106

Alexander stood up. “You’re still sick. Where are you going?”

Without looking at him, Natalie walked toward the entryway. “To get some fresh air.”

“You’re still running a fever.”

Natalie didn’t stop, bending down to change her shoes.

Suddenly, a hand gripped her arm. “If you want fresh air, you can get it after you’re better. Don’t play games with your health,” Alexander said, his voice gentle with guilt.

Hearing this, Charlotte finally understood. “Natalie, you’re sick?” She reached out and touched her forehead. “Oh my, you’re burning up! Alexander, quickly, take Natalie to the hospital.”

Alexander could feel the heat radiating from her arm as well. It seemed the medicine hadn't been very effective, and her recent outburst had probably made things worse. He grabbed his coat. “We’re going to the hospital.”

He didn't let go of her arm, and when they got to the door, he lifted her into his arms.

Natalie was placed in the passenger seat, the seatbelt fastened securely around her.

The drive to the hospital was silent. Natalie didn't say a word. Feeling guilty and afraid of angering her further, Alexander remained quiet as well.

It wasn't until she was settled in a VIP room with an IV drip in her arm that he leaned over the bed. “Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something?”

Natalie looked up at him.

Just as Alexander thought she was about to tell him to leave again, she spoke.

“I’d like some of that sweet ginger drink.”

“Is your stomach hurting again?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll have Susan make some and bring it over,” Alexander said.

“I want the kind you make,” Natalie specified.

Alexander glanced at the IV bag; it was still mostly full. “Alright. Remember to press the call button when the drip is finished.”

She watched him close the door behind him. A minute later, Natalie pulled the needle from the back of her hand, threw back the covers, and got out of bed.

The hallway was bustling with busy nurses, and no one paid her any mind as she walked swiftly toward the elevators.

He had only ever called her twice: once when Natalie left Cabinda, to ask where she was, and now.

“What do you want?” Arianna’s tone was harsh. She had never liked people who bullied Natalie, and that included Alexander Ramirez.

“Is Natalie Watson with you?” Alexander’s voice was tense.

When Natalie had asked for the sweet ginger drink he made, he had gone straight to the kitchen, refusing Susan’s offer to help. After preparing it, he had rushed back to the hospital, only to find the room empty.

The IV bag was untouched, hanging just as he’d left it, which meant she had left shortly after he did. He tried calling her phone, but it was off. The same feeling of dread from three years ago washed over him.

He called Eugene Ramirez, who asked why Natalie wasn’t at the art exhibition. Before Eugene could finish, Alexander knew he hadn't seen her and hung up.

In Cabinda, Natalie’s closest friend was Arianna Mitchell. If she was upset, she might have gone to her.

So Alexander had called her immediately.

“Didn’t you blackmail her into returning to The Ramirez Estate? Why would she be here?” Arianna wanted to ask if he had upset Natalie again, but realizing Natalie wouldn’t want to see him, she decided to deny it.

“Tell her she can be angry, but she can't neglect her health. A doctor will be over soon to give her an injection. Please stay with her. And don't worry, I won't come looking for her. Let her rest.”