I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 19

Natalie wasn’t interested. She knew Alexander didn’t love her. She didn’t need any more proof. She turned to leave.

Camila grabbed her arm. “Are you scared? Scared to see how much I mean to him?” she taunted. “Deep down, you already know, don’t you? He’s letting me live in your marital home. The title of Mrs. Ramirez will be mine soon enough.”

Natalie looked at her, a strange thought occurring to her. Alexander had always loved Camila; he had done so much for her. So why was Camila so desperate to prove it? Why the constant provocations? A true victor would simply look down on the vanquished with disdain.

Camila glanced over Natalie’s shoulder, then suddenly pulled her arm. Before Natalie could react, she was yanked off balance, and both of them tumbled into the lake.

“Help! Help me!”

A staff member nearby heard the cries for help and saw two figures struggling in the water. He immediately ran back into the gallery to get help.

The mayor’s wife, Alexander, and Eugene were discussing a famous painting when a frantic staffer rushed up, shouting that someone had fallen into the lake.

“Fallen in? Who? Well, don’t just stand there, rescue them!” The last thing the mayor’s wife needed was someone drowning at her grand opening.

“I think it was Mr. Ramirez’s secretary and Ms. White.”

Before the words were even fully out, two figures shot past in a blur. The mayor’s wife turned to see that both Alexander and Eugene were gone.

The late autumn water was freezing. The shock of the cold seized Natalie, feeling as if it had frozen her blood. Water rushed into her nose and throat. She couldn’t swim, her limbs flailing uselessly as she fought to reach the surface.

Suddenly, a figure dove in.

It was Alexander. His face was a mask of panic as his eyes met hers.

He reached out a hand, but was immediately pulled back as Camila wrapped her arms around his waist. Natalie couldn’t read the expression in his eyes, but she saw him turn and wrap his arm around Camila, pulling her toward the surface.

Her heart, already riddled with holes, was now completely numb. There was no time for self-pity. No one was coming for her. She had to save herself. She had to live.

Once on shore, Alexander handed Camila off to the staff and turned to dive back in.

“Alex… *cough, cough*…” Camila clung to his hand, her face etched with fear.

“Thank you,” Natalie’s voice was hoarse.

The mayor’s wife hurried over to check on her as well. Seeing that she was mostly unharmed, she directed them all to a lounge on the second floor where they could shower and change.

After changing into the clothes that had been brought for her, Natalie returned to the lounge. Alexander was questioning Camila. “How did you two end up in the lake?”

He had also changed, and was sitting across from Eugene, who was now just in a white shirt and black trousers.

“It was just an accident… Alex, I’m not feeling well…” Camila glanced at Natalie as she entered, then pressed a hand to her forehead, looking faint.

Alexander was silent for a moment, then stood up. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”

The hallway was narrow. Natalie averted her eyes and took a step back to let them pass.

Alexander walked by without a word, his gaze fixed straight ahead.