I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 214

Natalie swung open the wardrobe and let out a breath when she saw it was empty. She glanced at Alexander, and their eyes met.

“You’re not actually thinking—” he started.

She didn’t let him finish. She pushed him inside and whispered, “Stay put, and don’t say a word.” She moved to close the doors.

Alexander stuck his hand out, blocking her. “You’re seriously just locking me in here? Mr. Ramirez in a closet?”

Another knock sounded at the door. “Natalie, are you okay? I’m coming in,” Samuel called out.

She didn’t have a second to waste. Natalie knocked Alexander’s hand away. “This is the best you’re getting,” she snapped, then closed the doors tight.

She spun around, raised her voice, “I’m here! Hang on!” and hurried to the door. She looked back at the wardrobe, holding her breath, but it was quiet. Only then did she take a second to fix her hair and smooth her dress before opening the door.

Samuel stood there, looking worried. “I couldn’t find you downstairs. Someone said you came up here to rest. Are you all right? Are you sick? Should I call someone?”

Natalie gave a tired smile. “I guess I’ve just been working too much lately. I felt a little cold, so I came up for a break.”

Suddenly, there was a loud thump from inside the room. It sounded like something heavy hitting the floor.

“What was that?” Samuel stepped forward, peering inside.

Natalie’s heart skipped. She shot a glance at the wardrobe, noticing the doors weren’t fully closed anymore. She could see the tiniest crack. For a split second, she pictured Alexander bursting out. “Oh, there was a cat in here earlier,” she said quickly. “It probably knocked something over.”

A minute later, the door opened again and he stepped out. Camila’s eyes went wide, her anger bubbling up. Were they meeting behind her back? That woman, Natalie, was seducing her fiancé right in front of everyone.

She marched over to Natalie, who stood by the tall windows. “Where did you go?” Camila demanded.

Natalie shot her a cold look. “Do I owe you an explanation?”

Camila froze, her hand twitching at her side, wanting to slap her. But Alexander was nearby, so she held back.

Natalie felt suffocated, caught between Alexander’s attitude and Camila’s accusations. She needed air. She turned and headed for the doors, but after just two steps, she couldn’t move. It felt like her dress was snagged, and she realized, horrified, that the top was slowly starting to slip.