I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 253

A few days later, Arianna Mitchell invited Natalie Watson to hit the mall for some new skincare.

Bright, colorful lights bounced off the displays, making everything sparkle. As they wandered the aisles, Arianna glanced at Natalie with concern. “How are you holding up?”

Natalie gave a small smile. “I’m okay now. With Benjamin White caught for the kidnapping and everything else he’s done, there’s no way he’s getting out.”

Only then did Arianna relax. She handed her picks to the sales associate and hesitated before adding, “By the way, I’ve got a business trip coming up. I’ll be going with Samuel Thompson.”

Her voice had a faint trace of disappointment, and even her smile looked a little forced.

She still couldn’t believe it—traveling with Samuel after being turned down when she confessed her feelings. For days, she’d been avoiding his office, sending her assistant to drop off documents. Even if she spotted him from afar, she’d change direction to avoid him.

But just yesterday afternoon, she’d gotten the notice about the trip. Their company was partnering again with a client she’d worked with before, and the client was so happy with her previous work they’d asked for a second collaboration. Samuel was invited too, so now they were traveling together.

Natalie’s brows drew together, concern showing in her eyes. “You’ll be okay traveling with him? After what happened?”

Arianna shook her head, her gaze drifting. “I’ve thought it through. Samuel and I aren’t from the same world. I got carried away with my feelings before, but it’s time to move on.”

As she spoke, her fingers twisted the edge of her shirt, a nervous habit.

Natalie gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “You deserve someone even better.”

They headed to the checkout. Arianna opened her purse to pay, but suddenly her face changed. “My credit card is gone. Where is it?”

She started digging frantically through her bag, getting more and more anxious as her things got tossed around.

“Maybe you just forgot it at home. Check again,” Natalie said, joining the search.

Right then, a man in a black suit walked into the store and went straight up to Natalie, holding out a card.

Arianna’s eyes widened. “That’s my credit card!”

At the Ramirez estate, Camila White and Alexander Ramirez came home for dinner. Afterward, Alexander and Gabriel Ramirez went to the study to talk about work.

Half an hour later, Alexander came out to the living room. Camila was there with Savannah and Charlotte Roberts, all chatting about the baby.

When Alexander walked in, Charlotte spoke up. “You said you’d wait until after your trip to talk about the engagement. Now that you’re back, there’s no reason to wait.”

Camila didn’t say anything, but her eyes sparkled as she looked at Alexander, excitement all over her face.

She was really about to get engaged to him.

Alexander’s face stayed calm. He didn’t argue. Instead, he looked at Camila, sitting on the sofa.

“Tomorrow,” he said, “I’ll go with you for your prenatal appointment.”