I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 249

Alexander hung up without a second thought.

The car suddenly felt stifling. Natalie shifted in his lap, awkward and desperate to get away.

“Just sit still,” Alexander said quietly, his arms tightening to keep her there.

“This isn’t right.” Natalie met his gaze, her eyes filled with exhaustion and something a little broken. There was too much between them. You couldn’t just pretend none of it mattered.

Even if she tried to forget about Camila, how could she ignore the baby? Alexander wanted a paternity test, and the odds were fifty-fifty. If it turned out to be his… The weight of it pressed in on her chest.

“I’m not asking for your trust,” Alexander said, his voice low. “I just want you to wait until we have the results before you judge me.”

He held her gaze, dark eyes full of longing and hope. In another week, Camila could do the test. They would know the truth soon enough. He could see the struggle in Natalie’s eyes. Maybe, underneath it all, she still cared.

The car rolled to a stop. Natalie looked out the window and realized they were back at The Apex Residences, the villa that used to be their home.

Alexander wouldn’t let her go. He just lifted her into his arms and carried her inside.

“Mr. Ramirez, Mrs. Ramirez,” Susan called out as they entered, her voice warm and a little breathless with excitement. She still used the old way of addressing Natalie.

“Susan, I—”

“Susan, could you bring some food upstairs to the master bedroom?” Alexander cut in, not giving Natalie a chance to speak. He carried her up to the second floor, setting her gently on the bed.

Natalie glanced around. Nothing had changed. It was all exactly as she remembered.

“I’ll run a bath for you and bring the medicine for your bruises,” Alexander said as he disappeared into the bathroom.

“You can go,” Natalie said quietly, clutching the jacket tighter and turning away so he couldn’t see her face.

The tension was obvious. Alexander could feel her shutting him out. He backed off. “I’ll be right outside. Call me if you need anything.”

She didn’t answer. He watched her for a moment, then stepped out and closed the door.

Natalie finally let herself breathe. The heat of the bath eased the ache in her muscles, and the fear that had been clinging to her began to fade.

Once she was done, she slipped into a robe and stepped back into the bedroom. Alexander wasn’t there, but she could hear his voice coming from the study next door.

“You don’t need to know where I am. If you’re not feeling well, make an appointment with the doctor.”