I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 18

Natalie held a champagne flute, carefully examining each painting in the gallery. But her mind registered none of them. Clearly, she hadn't had enough to drink. When a waiter passed with a tray, she took another glass.

As she turned, she stumbled slightly. A firm hand steadied her arm.

"Mr. Ramirez?" Natalie said, surprised, as she looked up and saw Eugene Ramirez in a dark suit and gold-rimmed glasses.

Technically, she should have called him Uncle, but in her current role as Alexander's secretary, a more formal address felt appropriate.

"Veritas Legal is handling the gallery's legal affairs. I'm here representing the firm," Eugene explained, then noticed the glass in her hand. "As I recall, you're a lightweight. You should probably take it easy."

He was right. In college, her classmates had dragged her to a bar to "experience it." One drink had left her completely dizzy, and she had literally run into Eugene, who had been there for a meeting.

Natalie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a little embarrassed. "My tolerance has improved a bit over the years, but you're right, it's still not great."

In the early days of her cold war with Alexander, when he stayed out all night, she had lain awake until dawn. The liquor cabinet was well-stocked, so she started having a glass every night to help her sleep. She always replaced the bottles she finished; Alexander never noticed.

Eugene handed her the glass of juice he was holding. "Alexander's not with you. You shouldn't be drinking."

He had picked up the juice on his way over. Natalie, already unsteady after two glasses, knew she shouldn't have any more. She thanked him, placed her champagne on a nearby high-top table, and took the juice. But before she could take a sip, a hand snatched it away.

"You've got some nerve, drinking that when you're allergic to mangoes."

The voice was cold and mocking. Natalie turned to see Alexander placing the glass back on a passing waiter's tray.

"What are you—" Natalie began to ask when she had developed a mango allergy.

"Water is healthier," Alexander cut her off, pressing a glass of water into her hand instead.

Finding his behavior bizarre, Natalie simply put the water down, deciding not to drink anything at all.

"Mr. Ramirez, if you'll excuse me, I need to use the restroom. You two can talk," she said politely to Eugene, then walked away quickly.

"I overheard you telling the mayor's wife that Natalie is your secretary," Eugene said once she was gone. He had been standing nearby and had heard the exchange.

"That's the power of a first love. He couldn't have her then, but now there's nothing standing in their way. Just watch, they'll be announcing their relationship soon."

The two women, caught up in their gossip, noticed Natalie nearby, lowered their voices, and scurried away.

Natalie stood by the lake, smoothing her wind-tousled hair.

It was true. There were no obstacles left. In two weeks, she would have her visa. She, the last stumbling block between them, would be gone for good.

"Does it hurt to hear all that?" a voice asked from behind her.

Natalie turned. Camila White, in a champagne-colored evening gown, was walking toward her. Her makeup was flawless, her every move exuding a soft charm that men found irresistible.

"It's a shame that I am the one who's still Mrs. Ramirez. Does that hurt you?" Natalie stood tall, a small smile playing on her lips. For now, at least, the title was still hers.

Camila's triumphant expression faltered. Her eyes darted around. "Want to find out which one of us he truly cares about?"