I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 277

The day Natalie Watson was set to leave for London came faster than she expected. She’d barely finished zipping up her suitcase when Arianna Mitchell called from downstairs. “Want me to come up and help with your bags?” Arianna’s voice echoed through the phone.

“No, I’ve got it. I’m coming down now.”

In the underground garage, Arianna met her with a quick smile and grabbed the handle of Natalie’s suitcase, helping her lift it into the trunk. “Doesn’t this feel kind of familiar?” Arianna said, brushing off her hands as they climbed into the car.

“It’s the second time you’ve helped me pack and taken me to the airport.” Natalie laughed softly, memories flickering through her mind. Three years ago, she’d quietly made plans to leave the country. Somehow, it felt as if it had all happened just yesterday.

They pulled out onto the main road, only to end up crawling along in a jam. On the other side, a line of luxury cars snaked past, sleek and polished, forming an endless procession.

“Alexander Ramirez and Camila White are getting engaged today. I bet all those cars are headed to their party,” Arianna said, glancing out her window.

Natalie looked too. She remembered her own wedding to Alexander, how only a few people even knew about it, and even fewer had shown up. Now, just for an engagement, the whole city’s elite seemed to be turning out.

Arianna knew what had happened back then. She shot Natalie a sideways look when Natalie said nothing. “I know another way to the airport. It’ll be clear for sure.” No point driving right past a scene that would only make things worse.

Arianna turned the car around, heading quickly in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, in a bright dressing room, Camila White sat in front of a mirror, her hands smoothing out the delicate lace of her gown. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She couldn’t stop smiling as she studied her reflection. Today was the day, her engagement to Alexander Ramirez. After this, she’d be just a step away from becoming Mrs. Ramirez. The thought made her heart race. She could already picture herself standing next to Alexander, soaking in the jealous stares from everyone in the room.

Camila stood up so fast her chair scraped back. “What? You can’t find him? This is our engagement!”

“That’s why you need to hold it together. You can’t let people see you falling apart.”

“A joke? I’ll be the joke if I go out there by myself! I’m not doing this!” Camila reached up to pull the decorations from her hair, frustration spilling over, but Savannah grabbed her wrists to stop her.

She’d thought Camila would keep her cool, but this side of her was completely new. Gone was the calm, gracious woman she’d known. Still, this wasn’t the time for second-guessing. “If you don’t show up either, who’s this whole thing for? This is about the Ramirez family’s reputation. You’re about to become Mrs. Ramirez. You need to know what that means. This isn’t the time to lose it. Go out there.”

At the airport gate, Arianna Mitchell hugged Natalie tightly, drawing out their farewell as long as she could. Neither of them noticed the figure standing in the shadows nearby, quietly watching them go.