I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 218

Natalie never saw it coming. In a split second, Savannah’s hand came out of nowhere and smacked her across the face. The sting was instant and sharp, heat blooming on her cheek. Natalie’s eyes flew wide in shock as she stared at Savannah, who was practically vibrating with anger.

Savannah shook out her hand, glaring at Natalie with open contempt. “Shameless. You’re divorced from Alexander, but you’re still clinging to him?”

Her voice rose, each word landing like a slap of its own. “I used to feel bad for you. I thought maybe Alexander was a little harsh when he divorced you. I even considered helping you out, but now? You’re still chasing after him, even after the divorce?”

She took a step closer, her eyes cold. “Let me make this clear. Camila is pregnant with Alexander’s child. From now on, the only daughter-in-law our family will acknowledge is her. Don’t even dream about coming back into the Ramirez family.”

It all made sense now. Natalie felt her heartbeat slow as she steadied herself. Lifting her chin, she looked Savannah in the eye, her voice calm and steady. “Then maybe you should tell your son to stop bothering his ex-wife. I couldn’t care less who the Ramirez family chooses as their daughter-in-law. I don’t want the job.”

Her words hung in the air, flipping the accusation right back at Savannah. Savannah’s face darkened with rage. She opened her mouth to speak, but Natalie cut her off, voice even and direct.

“And another thing. You barged in here this morning and slapped me without even asking what actually happened. I could call the police, you know. But since you’re older than me, I’ll let it slide. I’m guessing you’re here because of something Camila White told you. You’ve always liked her, always wanted her as your daughter-in-law. I get that you’d believe her, but don’t let yourself be used.”

Savannah’s hand trembled as she pointed at Natalie, her voice shaking with fury. “Don’t think you can talk your way out of this. I’ll get to the bottom of everything. If I find out you’re the one bothering Alexander, I have plenty of ways to ruin your life.”

Natalie’s voice was cool, her gaze unwavering. “I have nothing to hide. Now, please leave.”

Savannah glared at her one last time, then turned and marched out.

Natalie closed the door, letting out a slow, tired breath. She walked over to the mirror and saw the red imprint across her cheek, glaringly obvious. With practiced hands, she pulled out her foundation and carefully dabbed it over the mark.

Half an hour later, her phone buzzed. Arianna was downstairs. Natalie let her hair down to cover her cheek, hoping it would hide the redness, then grabbed her bag and headed out.

With a sigh, Natalie told Arianna the whole story.

Arianna’s jaw dropped. “What is Alexander even thinking? He has a fiancée and a baby on the way, and he still wants you to wait around for him for a month? For what? And his mother…”

Arianna reached over and gently touched Natalie’s cheek, her eyes full of worry. “Does it hurt?”

Natalie shook her head. “It stopped hurting a while ago.”

Arianna sat back for a second, then stood up, determination blazing in her eyes. She grabbed Natalie’s hand. “There’s no way you’re waiting around for a month. Those two will eat you alive! Come on, let’s go find Alexander Ramirez and show him exactly what his mother just did.”