I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 174

Morning light filtered into the room as Natalie opened her eyes. Today was the day she and Alexander would finalize their divorce.

She got out of bed and, after washing up, sat at her vanity to apply her makeup with meticulous care. Then, from her closet, she chose a crisp blue blouse and a white pleated skirt, an outfit that made her look fresh and vibrant.

Her phone rang. It was Arianna. “Natalie, I’m downstairs. Come on down.”

Last night, Arianna had insisted on accompanying her to the Marriage Registration Office to provide moral support. Natalie had found it amusing—she was getting a divorce, not going into battle. But Arianna was adamant, so she had agreed.

“Okay, I’ll be right down.”

Five minutes later, Arianna saw Natalie emerge from the elevator and let out an appreciative “Wow!”

“Attagirl, Natalie. That’s the spirit. Dress to kill and make Alexander Ramirez regret everything.”

Natalie fastened her seatbelt. “I’m not doing this to get back at him. Today is the start of a new chapter, and I want to welcome it properly.” She would face her new beginning looking her best and say goodbye to the past.

When they arrived at the Marriage Registration Office, Natalie asked Arianna to wait in the car. She walked toward the entrance alone, and just as she reached the doors, Alexander arrived.

He seemed to freeze for a moment, taken aback by how stunning she looked.

“Let’s go in,” Natalie said, averting her gaze.

Alexander let out a derisive snort. “Dressed like that? Trying to make me change my mind?” His tone was laced with sarcasm.

Natalie turned to face him, noting the mocking curl of his lip. He was a completely different person from the man at the hospital, though he was exactly like the man he’d been for the past three years.

“Think whatever you want. We’re only here today to get our divorce papers.”

“Good. Those things I said at the hospital… I was just curious to see if you’d be moved. You weren’t foolish enough to think I actually wanted to call this off, were you?” He chuckled, a cold, empty sound. “Glad to know you’re not that stupid.”

Every word was a razor's edge. Natalie’s hands, hidden at her sides, clenched the fabric of her skirt as her breathing quickened.

She lifted her chin, her eyes a calm, undisturbed pool. “You and I should have gone our separate ways long ago. We just dragged it out for three years. So no, I wouldn’t take a few casual remarks from you seriously.”

She looked at him as if for confirmation. “Shall we go in now?”

Outside the building, Natalie turned to Alexander and extended her hand. From this day forward, they were no longer husband and wife. A handshake seemed like a formal farewell.

He looked at her gentle expression, devoid of any sadness, but kept his hands shoved in his pockets.

After a moment, Natalie withdrew her hand and turned to leave.

“Alex.”

Camila White walked toward them, her face beaming, dressed in an expensive designer dress as if she were there to celebrate. As she passed Natalie, she shot her a provocative sideways glance before linking her arm with Alexander’s. “That was fast. I thought it would take much longer.”

Her implication was clear: Alexander couldn’t wait to be divorced.

Natalie lowered her gaze and smiled faintly.

Alexander, his eyes still fixed on Natalie, said coolly, “Fast? I’ve been waiting a month.”