I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 12

Natalie looked up, her eyes meeting Alexander’s as he glanced in her direction. His dark gaze held a cryptic smile.

She was happy to see Eugene again. They had been teacher and student, after all, and had known each other longer than she’d known Alexander. Now they were family. It was perfectly normal. But Alexander’s tone felt strange. What did he mean, especially her?

Seeing the exchange, Camila stepped forward and addressed Natalie apologetically. “Savannah invited me, but my car broke down. Alexander found out and came to pick me up. I’m so sorry you had to come alone.”

Alexander sat down on the sofa, looking relaxed and casual as he loosened his tie. “Even if your car hadn’t broken down, I still would have come to get you.”

A visible blush crept up Camila’s cheeks. She gave him a playful look. “Don’t say that. Natalie will get the wrong idea.”

“She won’t,” Natalie said, her expression unreadable.

Just then, Savannah and Gabriel came downstairs. Dinner was already set on the table. The three men discussed international markets and development, while Savannah and Camila chatted warmly. Only Natalie ate in silence.

“Natalie, have you lost weight? You look pale. Have you been feeling tired lately?” Once the business talk was done, Gabriel turned to Natalie. “If you’re not feeling well, tell your mother. Don’t neglect your health.”

Gabriel had always been kind to her, always asking after her well-being whenever she visited. Natalie knew exactly why she looked unwell. “Thank you, Dad. I’m fine.”

“You ask about her health, but why don’t you ask when they’re going to have a child?” Savannah brought up the previous topic, her tone filled with dissatisfaction.

Seeing his wife’s frustration, Gabriel adopted a more serious tone. “Are you two not planning on having children?”

Even ordinary families valued continuing the family line, let alone a prominent one like theirs. A child was expected. But there was no longer any possibility of a child between her and Alexander. Even if he were to have one, it wouldn’t be with her.

Since the topic was on the table, Natalie decided it was the perfect time to announce their impending divorce. They would find out sooner or later anyway.

He was laying it on thicker and thicker. Natalie’s eyes widened. Unable to free her hand, she dug her thumbnail deep into his palm. A flicker of something—pain?—crossed Alexander’s face as his brow tightened for a split second.

Across the table, Camila watched them, her heart burning with jealousy. But she could only force a smile and offer her congratulations to Savannah.

Only Eugene seemed to notice something was amiss, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on their intertwined hands.

After dinner, it was getting late, and they prepared to leave. Before they left, Eugene gave Natalie a book on contemporary art, a gift from a friend abroad that he thought she would appreciate.

After thanking him, Natalie walked quickly to the passenger side of the car, but another hand reached the door handle before hers.

“I get carsick in the back. Do you mind if I sit up front?”