I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 271

Ariana blinked up at the blinding light pouring in from the doorway. It stung her eyes, forcing her to squint until the shapes in front of her finally came into focus. A tall man in a dark suit stood there, his face striking and unreadable. Beside him walked a woman in a white silk dress, every step radiating confidence and disdain.

Ariana’s heart dropped. She knew that woman instantly. Camila White. Alexander Ramirez’s fiancée. Panic clawed its way up Ariana’s throat as everything clicked into place. She understood now why she’d been drugged, why she’d woken up here in this cold, empty warehouse.

The sharp click of Camila’s heels echoed through the room as she approached, towering over Ariana with a look that could freeze fire. “Did you really think you could seduce my fiancé and take my place?” Camila’s words dripped with mockery, her lips twisted into a cruel smirk.

Ariana couldn’t even respond. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, hair plastered messily to her skin, lips pale and shaking. She stared at the ground, too terrified to meet Camila’s gaze.

Seeing Ariana up close only made Camila angrier. The resemblance to Natalie Watson was there, just enough to irritate her even more. Without warning, Camila slammed her heel down on Ariana’s hand, twisting it mercilessly. “You think a pretty face gives you the right to challenge me? Pathetic.”

Ariana screamed, tears spilling faster. “Please, stop… it hurts… I swear, I never meant to…” Her voice cracked as she sobbed, pain making her words jumble.

Camila crouched down, grabbing Ariana’s chin so hard her nails dug into Ariana’s skin. Her eyes burned with jealousy and rage. “You tried to crawl into Alexander’s bed and you still want to play innocent? You really thought you could replace me?”

She snapped her fingers, and several burly men moved in, surrounding Ariana like wolves. Camila didn’t even look at them as she gave her order. “Teach her a lesson. Make sure she never forgets who she is.”

The men hesitated, glancing back at Eric Bailey, who stood quietly behind Camila. His voice was cold as ice. “Didn’t you hear Ms. White? Get on with it.”

Ariana tried to calm her, her voice shaking. “Ms. White, I never tried to compete with you. I’m nothing to Mr. Ramirez. It’s Natalie Watson who doesn’t know her place.”

Camila’s expression darkened. She crouched again, lifting Ariana’s chin until their eyes locked. “People like you are worthless. That woman might have some nerve, but you? You’re nothing.”

Her voice was icy, sending chills down Ariana’s spine. Camila reached into her purse and pulled out a small, sharp knife, pressing it lightly against Ariana’s cheek. Ariana froze, barely daring to breathe.

Suddenly, Camila’s eyes flashed. With a swift flick of her wrist, she slashed the blade across Ariana’s face.