I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 160

Asleep, Alexander looked as peaceful as a child.

Natalie gently called his name. "Alexander?"

His eyelashes fluttered, his eyes moving beneath the lids, but he didn't wake.

Not wanting to disturb him further, she straightened up and looked at Charlotte and Savannah.

"May I stay and take care of him personally?" she asked. Only by being near him could she soothe the guilt in her heart. But Savannah had given an order, so she had to ask for their permission directly.

"In your condition, you can barely take care of yourself," Savannah said, her gaze falling on Natalie's splinted left hand.

"Alexander needs to rest in bed for now, so he won't require much. I can still manage simple things like getting him water."

Natalie's eyes were pleading, hoping the two matriarchs would agree.

"There are bodyguards and nurses outside, and we can call for a maid to help Natalie if needed. Let her stay with Alexander," Charlotte decided. "But, Natalie, you must take care of yourself, too."

Natalie nodded happily, promising she would rest as well.

With Charlotte's approval, Savannah could no longer object. After a little while, Charlotte asked Savannah to accompany her home.

The room grew quiet. Natalie pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down. She took his hand in hers, her gaze fixed on his face.

In just over a day, a light stubble had appeared on his chin. Natalie knew how meticulous he was about his appearance—always impeccably dressed, his hair perfectly styled, his jaw clean-shaven.

She got up and searched the cabinet but couldn't find a razor. She opened the door and asked one of the bodyguards, "Could you please buy me an electric razor?"

Without question, the bodyguard left to fulfill her request. Ten minutes later, a knock came at the door, and the guard handed her the razor.

She had never shaved Alexander's face before.

She turned on the razor; it was nearly silent. Carefully, she guided it across his skin, bit by bit, until his chin was smooth again.

Satisfied, Natalie switched it off and looked up, her eyes meeting Alexander's dark, intense gaze.

She was overjoyed, but also a little apologetic. "Did I wake you?"

"I can't sleep forever," Alexander quipped, a weak smile on his lips.

"Your hand needs to heal, and I can't rest easy knowing you're not taking care of yourself. You wouldn't want me to have sleepless nights, would you?" he said.

She knew he was right. She had to take her medicine and get another IV drip.

"I'll come back tonight, then," she conceded.

"I've been feeling sleepy all the time. If you're here, I won't want to sleep, and that will slow my recovery," he argued, then added, "Come back tomorrow morning."

Natalie understood his intention. He was forcing her to rest, so she wouldn't worry. She couldn't argue with his logic, so she agreed to come back the next day.

That evening, Arianna visited the hospital again. Feeling bad that her friend wasn't getting enough rest after work, Natalie sent her home.

Knowing Alexander was safe, she slept soundly that night.

In the morning, she waited until after her IV and medication before going upstairs.

The bodyguards were gone, and the door to his room was slightly ajar. Puzzled, Natalie pushed it open and took one step inside when she heard Camila White's voice.

"Alex, I was so worried about you."