I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 117

Natalie smiled politely. "We're here for a divorce."

The clerk was surprised. She had never seen such a good-looking couple come in for a divorce, and they both seemed so calm, a far cry from the usual tearful arguments she witnessed.

"Do you have your identification and the divorce agreement?"

"Yes."

Natalie took out her documents. Alexander's were with Aaron Lee, who hurried forward to hand them over.

The clerk found it odd. The husband brought an assistant to his divorce?

She looked down at their papers and gasped.

Alexander Ramirez!!!

The head of the Ramirez family?

My God, she hadn't even heard he was married.

Though her mind was racing with questions, she knew better than to ask. Her demeanor instantly became more respectful and courteous.

"Excuse me, I just need to confirm with both of you one last time. Are you absolutely certain you want to proceed with the divorce?"

Natalie nodded. "Yes."

The man beside her didn't answer. She glanced at him.

Alexander's chiseled profile was turned slightly downward, his eyes lowered. Everyone waited for his response.

The clerk wondered if Mr. Ramirez was being coerced. Marrying him was the dream of every woman in the city. Who could imagine he was not only married but being forced into a divorce?

Alexander's silence made Natalie anxious. Was he going to back out?

"Yes."

The single word was a low murmur, seeming to come from deep in his chest.

Natalie breathed a sigh of relief.

"In that case, please fill out these forms. You can come back in one month to receive your divorce certificate," the clerk said with a smile, handing them the forms as if they were a marriage license. She almost said, "Congratulations."

It was a mandatory cooling-off period. Natalie had forgotten about the regulation.

"We've mutually agreed to this. Do we still have to wait a month?" she asked tentatively.

With that clue, the memory finally came back.

She had lost a round and chosen dare. Her roommate had pointed to Eugene, who was sitting with some friends nearby, and dared her to go confess her love to him. He was the object of many girls' affections on campus, and the idea was thrilling to them.

Natalie had tried to back out, but no one was interested in her truth; they all wanted the dare.

Finally, she had steeled herself and walked over.

Eugene noticed her approach and, surprised, stood up to meet her. "Natalie Watson? What are you doing here? This is a bar. It's not a place for students," he had said, his voice gentle but firm.

Natalie took a deep breath, glancing back at her friends, who were all watching with eager anticipation.

"Professor Ramirez…"

"Yes?"

With one last surge of courage, she blurted it out. "Professor Ramirez, I like you."

That was before she had even met Alexander. The following month, her parents died in a car crash. When troublemakers showed up at the service, Alexander had appeared.

Now, looking at him, Natalie spoke calmly. "Since we're practically divorced, I'll tell you the truth about Professor Ramirez and me right now."