I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 237

As they stepped out of the restaurant, Natalie reached for her car door, ready to head out. Alexander caught the door with his hand, stopping her.

“No matter what happens, just give me half a month,” he said, his eyes intense and unwavering.

Natalie lowered her gaze, quiet for a long moment before she finally looked up. “What about Steven Wright and Isabella Ward? You didn’t want me to tell Arianna because you know what Isabella is capable of, but we can’t just keep waiting forever.”

She hadn’t really answered him, just shifted the topic. Alexander didn’t push her for more.

“I already sent the video to Bruce Ward. This is their family’s business, and Bruce understands his sister better than anyone. He’ll know what to do.”

Alexander might be powerful, but he couldn’t just step into someone else’s family drama. Leaving it to Bruce was for the best. Besides, Bruce and Alexander understood each other well enough that Bruce would handle it in a way that made sense for everyone involved.

Natalie nodded. She noticed Alexander’s hand still resting on her car door, so she looked up at him. For a moment, neither of them moved. Finally, Alexander let go. Natalie slid into the driver’s seat and closed the door behind her.

As she pulled away, she glanced in the rearview mirror. Alexander was still standing there, watching her drive off.

Natalie’s mind replayed what he had said. If Camila’s baby wasn’t his… Her heart started beating faster, and it felt like something inside her was being shaken loose.

She shook her head, trying to steady herself. No, don’t get soft. Hadn’t she learned her lesson the last time? All these ups and downs just proved that she and Alexander were wrong for each other, from start to finish. She couldn’t let herself hope for anything more. “You’ve been through enough,” she whispered to herself, determination settling in her chest.

Later that day, around noon, Arianna sent her the address and time for dinner. Natalie rushed to finish up her work and headed over as soon as she clocked out.

A waiter greeted her and led her inside the restaurant. She spotted Arianna and Steven right away, sitting together, deep in conversation. Arianna was smiling at Steven, and just seeing it made guilt twist in Natalie’s chest.

Natalie managed a small, polite smile. “Mr. Wright, you really are considerate. You seem to know women well.”

“You flatter me, Ms. Watson. I just know how hard Arianna works, and I want her to feel less tired, that’s all.” Steven glanced at Arianna, and the two of them shared a soft, loving look.

Watching them together, Natalie’s smile faded a little more. “You’re very kind, Mr. Wright. Arianna is lucky.”

Steven kept his eyes on Arianna, slipping his arm gently around her shoulders. “She’s my girlfriend. It’s my job to take care of her.”

Their food arrived just then, filling the table with delicious aromas. At that moment, Steven’s phone buzzed.