I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 223

A line of sleek black sedans and a stretch limo pulled up outside the resort. The doors opened and Alexander Ramirez stepped out, straightening his jacket as he glanced toward the entrance.

He was just about to head inside when a bright, girlish voice called out from across the parking lot.

"Alex!"

Isabella Ward was waving at him, her smile wide and sunny. She was linked arm-in-arm with Camila White, who offered a softer, more hesitant smile. Alexander’s face lost a bit of its warmth as his gaze flickered to Bruce Ward, who stood awkwardly beside them.

Bruce looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. Isabella had only just come back to the country, and when she heard about the trip to the resort, she insisted Camila come along too.

“Alex,” Camila said softly as they got closer. She reached for his arm, but the chill in his demeanor stopped her. She let her hand fall, looking a little embarrassed.

Mr. Main, the resort manager, hurried over then, catching them before they went inside. After some polite greetings and a bit of small talk, the group made their way into the villa.

Inside, Natalie Watson was moving through the gallery, taking in shelves lined with antiques and paintings that looked like they belonged in a museum. Most of the pieces were hundreds of years old.

“These are seriously impressive, Mr. Main. Looks like I’ll have to fight you for some of them,” Samuel Thompson joked as he strolled beside her.

Natalie paused in front of a painting that was at least three centuries old. She gave a polite nod. “I guess that means fair competition, Mr. Thompson.”

They continued chatting as they headed outside. The air in the courtyard was warm and fragrant, carrying the distant sound of laughter. As they reached the open space, they spotted Alexander and his group coming from the other side.

Samuel grinned. “I almost forgot. It’s not just the two of us. Mr. Ramirez is competition too.”

As Alexander walked into the courtyard, his eyes locked on Natalie. When he noticed Samuel beside her, his gaze turned colder, sharper.

Isabella noticed too. She shot Natalie a look, then called out loudly, “Alex, I came back just for your engagement party with Camila! It’s going to be huge, right?”

She didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, she turned to Camila with a teasing smile. “And Camila, after the engagement, it’ll be the wedding. I’m definitely going to be your maid of honor.”

Her voice was just a little too loud, clearly meant for everyone to hear, especially Natalie.

Alexander’s expression didn’t change. Camila’s cheeks colored as she protested quietly, “Isabella, don’t say that…”

Isabella just laughed, her attention still on Natalie. “What’s there to be embarrassed about? Your wedding with Alex is going to be the biggest event Cabinda’s ever seen. So many people are going to be jealous.”

“Alex, wait up!” Camila hurried after him.

Isabella had meant to get under Natalie’s skin, but it was like she hadn’t even noticed. She was off to admire flowers, as if nothing had happened. And now Alexander looked furious. Wasn’t he the one who wanted the divorce in the first place?

Bruce came over, an exasperated look on his face. “I told you to keep it down. The more I ask, the more you talk.” He sighed and walked away, shaking his head.

“Why does everyone blame me for everything?” Isabella complained, stomping her foot in frustration.

The resort was peaceful, the air filled with the scent of pine and the distant sound of water. There were plenty of activities and the place was packed with guests. The rooms filled up quickly.

Mr. Main soon returned and announced, “I’ve prepared five guest suites for everyone. Please feel free to rest.”

Isabella immediately blurted out, “Aren’t there six of us? Why only five rooms?”

Worried they’d think he was being stingy, Mr. Main explained quickly, “Mr. Ramirez and Ms. White are engaged, so I arranged for them to share a room.”