I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 241

Arianna went quiet, the words stuck somewhere between her heart and her lips. Natalie, not wanting the silence to grow awkward, kept the conversation going with Samuel, jumping from one topic to another while sneaking glances at Arianna across the table.

Arianna, who was usually the center of attention in any room, sat there hugging her cup like it was the only thing holding her together. She looked like she had something important to say, but couldn’t quite get it out.

“Mr. Thompson.” The words slipped out as Arianna suddenly stood up, her eyes locked on Samuel. She looked like she’d pulled every ounce of courage she had just to speak.

Samuel smiled, calm and gentle. “Whatever it is, no need to stand. Just say it.”

Natalie was just as surprised as Samuel, staring at her friend, waiting to see what she would do.

“Mr. Thompson, I… I…” Arianna’s fingers clutched the hem of her shirt, then released. Her chest rose and fell with every shaky breath. She swallowed hard, then finally managed to get the words out.

“Would you go to the movies with me the day after tomorrow?”

It was the day of the Qixi Festival, a holiday for couples. Everyone knew what it meant for her to ask him out on that day. She might as well have said she liked him out loud.

Samuel had always been the secret she kept tucked away in her heart. By saying this now, Arianna was choosing to be brave, not wanting to leave behind any regrets. Natalie understood. Sometimes, you have to say how you feel, just to know you tried. Arianna was letting go, making peace with her feelings, no matter what happened.

Samuel’s smile flickered for just a moment before he pulled himself together, his expression soft but his answer clear.

“Thank you for asking, but I’m really tied up with work the day after tomorrow. I won’t be able to make it. I’m sorry.”

His refusal was gentle, but it was still a no.

Arianna’s face went pale, and her smile was so forced it looked painful. She waved her hands as if to say it was nothing. “No, it’s fine. Really. No need to apologize…”

Her fingers twisted into the fabric of her shirt, her hands shaking.

Natalie shook her head. “I just don’t want her to hurt more than she has to.”

“If you wanted me to give her a little hope, I could have,” Samuel said, his voice serious. “But I only see her as a friend. I don’t want to mislead her or give her false expectations. Sometimes it’s better to be honest, even if it hurts now.”

Natalie understood. You can’t force love, no matter how much you want things to work out.

“I know you’re right. It’s just… Arianna’s had a tough time.”

Her words were soft, heavy with worry for her friend.

They sat together in silence for a while, time passing quietly. Then Natalie realized Arianna had been gone for a long time.