I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 2

In her car, Natalie gripped the steering wheel, still reeling from the shock and disbelief.

She had thought he just couldn’t forget his past.

Six months into their marriage, Alexander had suddenly grown cold. She had questioned if she wasn’t good enough, if the novelty had worn off for him. Only later did she learn that he had always carried a torch for his first love—a love he could never have.

She’d been miserable for three days straight. On the fourth, she finally came to her senses. She was Mrs. Ramirez now. The present was what mattered, and she wouldn’t just hand her marriage over to someone else. She was willing to fight for it.

Fate seemed to be on her side when, just over a month ago, she discovered she was pregnant. She decided to save the news as a special anniversary gift for Alexander.

But she had never imagined she was just a tool for his revenge against Camila White.

From the very beginning, he had never loved her.

Her heart felt like a hollow cavern, with an icy wind whistling through it. All her hopes, all her dreams, were shattered in that single moment.

A horn blared from behind her. The light had turned green. Numbly, Natalie put the car in gear. Seconds after she pulled into the intersection, a truck came barreling from the side, its horn blasting in a frantic, continuous warning.

By the time she realized what was happening, all she could see was a blinding white light.

*CRASH!*

…

Seeing Natalie’s grief-stricken face, the nurse still had to bring up the matter of the bill. “Ms. Watson, your bill hasn’t been paid yet. We weren’t able to reach your emergency contact.”

Caught in an accident and rushed to the hospital, Natalie didn’t have enough money on her. Besides, Alexander hadn’t liked her working after they married, so she had become a full-time housewife. It was the end of the month, and her allowance was nearly gone.

A wave of profound helplessness washed over her. Natalie had no choice but to call Alexander again.

This time, he answered himself.

Natalie took it off and handed it to the nurse. “I’m sorry, could I leave this as collateral? I promise I’ll pay the bill as soon as I can.”

The woman had been in an accident, lost her child, and was now seemingly unable to borrow money. The nurse’s heart softened. “Alright. I’ll go talk to the hospital administration for you.”

After the nurse left, the room fell silent. Outside the window, the setting sun painted the sky in fiery clouds. Natalie stared into the distance for a long time.

Her child was gone. The man who once said he loved her was gone.

It was time for this ridiculous marriage to end.

She picked up her phone and dialed a number.

“Madelyn, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll go to London.”