I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 260

Samuel saw right through her. Every wall she’d built, every secret tucked away, he stripped it all bare. Arianna felt exposed, caught red-handed, like someone who’d been stealing glances and finally got caught.

She shot up from her seat, gave him a quick bow, and blurted, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have liked you. If it made you uncomfortable, and if you don’t want me around, I can cut this trip short. Or you can fire me. I promise you won’t have to see me again.”

The words tumbled out all at once. She wouldn’t let herself hesitate. Just being able to work at headquarters, to see Samuel every now and then, had been enough. If she had to leave the Thompson Group, she could live with that. She’d loved him. She’d confessed. No matter what happened next, at least she’d been honest.

She turned to go.

“Stop.”

Samuel’s voice froze her in place. She didn’t look back.

He spoke again, a little softer, almost teasing. “You’re really just going to quit your job to avoid me? Did I ever say you made me uncomfortable? Did I ever ask you to leave or threaten to fire you?”

Arianna stared at the floor, lips pressed tight.

He waited, then frowned. “Turn around.”

She hugged her laptop and turned slowly, head down, moving like she was on autopilot.

The silence stretched out, heavy and awkward.

Then Samuel asked, “Is someone trying to poach you? Are you using this as an excuse to resign?”

That snapped her out of it. She looked up, meeting his eyes, her voice steady. “I never wanted to leave the Thompson Group.”

A tiny smile played on Samuel’s lips. “Then don’t say things like that again. Just do your job. And stop avoiding me every time you see me.”

Arianna finally understood. He’d said all that just to see how she’d react.

After a pause, she said quietly, “I was out of line before. I won’t let it happen again. Thank you for not holding it against me. I’ll focus on my work from now on and keep my feelings in check.”

He grinned. “I can’t believe it’s really you. I almost thought I was seeing things.” He walked over, dressed in a light suit, and she caught the scent of alcohol on his breath.

“I’m here for work,” she explained.

Bruce nodded like he’d already guessed. “I heard Thompson Group had a project here. So you’re here with Samuel Thompson.”

Something about his tone made her uncomfortable. Then he said, “Samuel Thompson isn’t a good guy. You shouldn’t stick around him.”

Arianna frowned. “Mr. Ward, you’ve had enough to drink for one night. You should get some rest. And my personal life is none of your business.”

She didn’t want to be rude, especially since he’d helped her before, but she didn’t have the patience for this.

She tried to move past him, but Bruce stepped in front of her, blocking her way with a smirk. “I can’t help it. I have to worry about you.”