I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 113

Alexander slipped on a robe, completely unmoved.

"If you need something in the future, call Bruce."

Camila slumped to the floor, her eyes downcast as if all her strength had been drained.

A pair of gray slippers appeared in her field of vision as Alexander crouched down in front of her.

Thinking he'd had a change of heart, Camila's eyes lit up. "Alex, please don't abandon me."

Alexander didn't answer. He simply reached behind her neck and unclasped the necklace.

"This necklace is tainted," he said, before tossing it directly into the trash can.

The light in Camila's eyes died completely.

Natalie drove to the coast but didn't get out of the car.

Through the window, she could hear the rhythmic crash of the waves, each one a dull thud against her heart.

Her mind was a complete blank.

She had expected to be devastated, but looking out at the ocean, she felt surprisingly calm. This relationship had been exhausting, so exhausting that she no longer had the energy to question whether Alexander's words were true or false.

A numb heart can't be broken again.

Natalie thought that was for the best.

Her phone rang. It was Arianna.

"Natalie, where are you? It's getting late."

She may not have a lover, but she still had a friend.

Natalie started the engine again. "I'm on my way back. I bought some snacks. We can watch a movie and eat tonight."

"Perfect," Arianna replied. "I've still got beer in the fridge."

In the living room, the TV was on, and empty beer cans littered the floor.

Arianna, propping her head up with one hand, giggled foolishly. "Natalie, let's just live together, you and me. Who needs men?"

Natalie sat on the floor, leaning against the sofa as she took another sip of beer, her cheeks flushed.

"Okay," she said, letting out a small hiccup. "But first… I have to get a divorce…"

"So when can you get divorced?"

Natalie shook her head, her hair flying wildly. Her voice was laced with disappointment. "I don't know… Why won't Alexander Ramirez just let me go…"

She lowered her head sadly, her arm dropping onto the sofa and brushing against her phone.

The screen lit up, showing an active call with a duration of five minutes.

---

"If something's bothering you, you can tell me."

"Tell you?" Camila laughed, her tone dripping with scorn. "And what good would that do? Can you win back Alexander Ramirez's heart for me?"

Eric studied her for a moment before answering seriously, "No."

Camila's mocking smile widened as she reached for her drink with her other hand.

Eric stopped that one, too. Her patience snapped.

Just as she was about to lash out, Eric spoke in a low voice.

"Even if I could, I wouldn't want to."

The thumping music of the club seemed to fade. Camila froze, then wrenched her hands free. "Mr. Bailey, save it. I'm not some naive little girl you can fool with lines like that."

She stood up, swaying unsteadily, and tried to walk away.

After two steps, her feet left the ground as she was swept into someone's arms.

"Eric Bailey, put me down!"

He carried her out of the bar and placed her in his car. "I'm taking you home."

"Home? You mean you're sending me back to that hellhole?" Camila grabbed his tie, her breath hot against his face. "Take me to your place."