I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 184

Camila turned and melted into Eric Bailey's arms, wrapping her own around his waist.

"Eric, you're so good to me."

The words sent a shiver through him, and he hugged her tightly.

"I have a way to make sure Alexander never finds out," she continued, her voice a soft murmur against his chest. "I can still marry into the Ramirez family."

Eric started to ask what the plan was, but as if reading his mind, Camila raised a hand and gently covered his lips.

"Don't ask. Just trust that I have to do this. No matter what, you can't tell anyone."

Looking into her pleading eyes, Eric's resolve crumbled. He wouldn't press her further. Instead, he swept her up into his arms and carried her toward his car. "Spend one more night with me."

*

After dropping Camila off, Alexander Ramirez didn't return to the Ramirez Estate. He had the driver take him directly to BlueNight.

The club's manager saw him arrive and hurried over, respectfully escorting him to the second floor. "Mr. Ramirez, what a coincidence. Mr. Ward is here as well."

Bruce Ward had gathered a group of friends and a few models, each man with a beautiful woman by his side. The party was in full swing when the door to the private room opened. Bruce frowned, about to yell at the manager for interrupting, but then he saw Alexander walk in.

"Well, look who it is! Alexander's here!" Bruce quipped, his tone playful.

Seeing Alexander's grim expression, he waved a hand at his companions, telling them to move the party to the adjacent room. No one dared to fool around with Alexander in such a mood.

After a round of respectful greetings, they quickly filed out, and the room fell silent.

Bruce opened a new bottle of liquor and poured a glass for Alexander, who downed it in one go without a word. His face was dark as he settled onto the sofa.

"Don't tell me you're here to drink yourself into a stupor again," Bruce said. He knew Alexander wasn't a heavy drinker, usually sticking to a couple of glasses even at BlueNight, unless he was in a foul mood.

Like now.

Bruce started to understand. "So, what's your plan?"

"Natalie and I are already divorced. I've set a date to get engaged to Camila in two weeks. After the child is born, we'll do a paternity test. If the baby is mine, we'll get married."

Bruce was impressed. Plenty of men, especially in their circle, would discard a woman they didn't love. Alexander was a modern-day gentleman for taking responsibility.

"Still, you're right to be suspicious," Bruce added.

Alexander turned to look at him.

Bruce thought for a moment before deciding to share what he had recently learned. "Camila's ex-husband died of an illness abroad. A friend of mine happened to be a doctor at that hospital. He was back in town recently, and when we were talking, he told me something pretty shocking."

"What?"

"The official report said the man died from a heart attack caused by a pre-existing condition. But my friend discovered that his blood contained an unusually high level of a certain chemical that shouldn't have been there."